I Giardini dei sensi

Offering just four studio apartments, I Giardini Dei Sensi is an intimate boutique property overlooking the gulf of Positano that's best for romantic getaways. However, prospective guests take note: It's open only during high season, the start of June through the end of October. With its orange trees, green shutters, lanterns, and tiled patio, the property looks every bit the charming Italian house, and the welcoming, intimate vibe continues inside. The common area is pleasantly, cheerfully furnished -- like the parlor of a friendly aunt's home -- with a long dining table, old fireplace, comfortable furniture, and plenty of art on the walls. Beyond the back door is a lovely grassed terrace with old trees and benches overlooking the bay. Furthering the couples-centric atmosphere, children under 6 are not allowed.

An access path from a main road and flight of stairs leads guests to the exterior of the property and down to the beach. To this point, guests who aren't comfortable with stairs should look elsewhere, as much of the property is built into the hillside and therefore accessed via flights of stairs. Active guests can take advantage of the gorgeous hiking and walking trails that line the Amalfi Coast. The property, in fact, is located right at the starting point of the famous "Il sentiero degli Dei" trail, which winds along the Amalfi and Sorrento coast. A bus stop just outside the access stairs takes guests to the center of Positano (17 minutes), where there are plenty of shops and restaurants. Other sights are doable with transit: the beautiful Emerald Grotto is about 30 minutes by bus, for example, and Amalfi town about 45. However, excursions to Pompeii are better done with a car (about an hour versus three). The same goes for the airport: Naples' airport is about an hour and a half by car, versus three and a half by transit. It's close to the Positano train station though, at about 17 minutes by bus. 

The four studios are simple but quaint, making them suitable for a romantic getaway. Each is individually furnished but pulls in the natural material and tones of the coastline -- think stone walls, tiled floors in gray and white, crisp white linens, and framed botanical prints. Headboards, charmingly, come from wood used in an ancient church. Although there's not much room for suitcases, the wardrobes are large with drawers underneath. The downside is the size: Some of the units are quite small. Studios each have a private terrace, with an arbor roof draped in vines and a table and chairs for dining outside (there's no seating for dining inside). Views of the gulf are beautiful, with turquoise sea and the hillside both in sight. Privacy on the terrace is limited as trellis dividers separate patios between rooms. The kitchenettes are just fine for simple meals, with a double gas hob and small refrigerators. Flat-screen TVs are wall-mounted and face the bed. Bathrooms are large and elegant, with marble counters, antiqued mirror frames, heated towel racks, and large walk-in showers with two showerheads. Ample toiletries, beach towels, and slippers are provided. 

The hotel's beautiful grounds cling to the hillside and overlook the blue waters of Positano Bay. A tiled solarium terrace with umbrellas and plenty of loungers looks out onto the bay. Beachgoers can head down to the beach via a set of stairs -- or, there's an infinity pool that looks out over the bay. The breakfast buffet is well-reviewed, offering an array of cakes, meats, fruits, and fresh mozzarella laid out on the antique dining table. Outside is a shaded al fresco dining area looking out onto the bay. For foodies, the property can arrange cooking classes with a restaurant a short distance away. Parking on site is free for guests, although it'll be down the access bath at street level. Wi-Fi is free throughout.