Relais Paradiso

The 22-room Relais Paradiso is as chic and polished as one would expect for the five-pearl rating. With a serene, spa-like color scheme, modern white furniture, and beautiful chandeliers greeting arriving guests, the property sets the bar high from the beginning for a swish experience (even the marble stairwells are lovely). Views of the Amalfi Coast or surrounding greenery are stunning and widespread, available from the restaurant terrace, mosaic-tiled pool, and rooms. Although the hotel isn't for adults only, the romantic vibe means most guests are couples. Guests looking to book should note that the Relais Paradiso is closed from late-October until spring (it's available only for private events during the winter).  

Set along a winding two-lane road, Relais Paradiso is tucked away from the nearby village of Vietri sul Mare and surrounded by lush, aromatic Amalfi scenery. However, guests, while secluded, aren't isolated by any means, as it's just 10 minutes from the center of town by public bus or car. Free scheduled shuttles take guests to the village and to the beach, though these are booked up quickly during tourist season. Given the free on-site parking, it's worth renting a car -- especially for the ease of farther explorations. Pompeii is just 30 minutes by car and Herculaneum is 40 minutes. For walkers, the Positano trailhead for the stunning Path of the Gods is about an hour and a half away. Speaking of Positano, other Amalfi coastal towns are also within easy driving distance: Cetara is just 11 minutes by car, Amalfi is 40 minutes, and Ravello, which is host to the stunning, historic Villa Rufolo, is 50 minutes. For guests arriving by train from elsewhere, the train station is an 18-minute bus journey from the property (walking is only one minute longer). Car-renters flying into Naples have only a 45-minute drive from the airport; from Rome's airports, a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive. 

The 22 rooms are chic, spacious, and polished, with soft neutral tones and modern white furniture that, together, create a serene, spa-like vibe (aided by fluffy robes and flip-flops for the rooftop pool). Rooms are definitely geared toward couples: The large bathrooms all have varying ratios of wall-to-glass (with some totally glass), though there are blinds for privacy. Most bathrooms have large bathtubs as well as rainfall shower stalls, but the lower-category rooms only come with showers. Luxe toiletries, bidets, and hairdryers are standard. Balconies or terraces are furnished and private; it's well worth the upgrade to a sea view, though even those that aren't have lovely views of the hills.Amenities are top-notch and include kettles, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs. The top-of-the-line Paradiso Suite is ideal for honeymooners with its round bed that somehow manages to not be cheesy, plus a deep, circular whirlpool tub right next to it (big enough for two). Outside, the terrace is huge, with loungers (sunny and shaded) and an in-ground jacuzzi.

It's hard to beat the luxury of a rooftop pool, and the one here doesn't disappoint: It's small (though keep in mind there are only 22 rooms in the hotel), but it's surrounded by stunning views, as well as walls overflowing with flowers and ivy. A grassy area has loungers, tables, and chairs, plus there are a partially shaded area and a poolside bar ready to serve up refreshments. The restaurant has a small menu -- perhaps due to its reliance on seasonal produce -- and the chef's creations are excellent, as is the wine list, though it is a bit pricer than in town (as is typical). All rates include a well-reviewed breakfast spread. Diners can take their meal inside in the immaculate all-white dining room, on a large shaded terrace with panoramic views, or order room service, available late. Although there are no on-site spa or fitness center, guests at the Relais can take advantage of the ExPure Spa at Hotel Raito, which is a two-minute drive (or shuttle) from the Relais. The Raito's spa is more than 3,000 square feet (278 square meters), and the square footage is mirrored outside on the panoramic solarium. Besides an extensive menu of treatments (particularly massages), the spa also offers an indoor heated pool with a hot tub, as well as Turkish baths and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.