Villa Magia

Villa Magia is a gorgeous hotel with a peaceful, luxurious atmosphere. The building is set high on a hill, originally built as a watchtower specifically for the panorama of the sea it offers. Every outdoor space is stunning, with the view as a backdrop for beautiful gardens, historic architectural features like decorative stone balustrades, and sophisticated furnishings. Inside, the lobby is bright and airy with high ceilings, dark marble floors, and pieces of black or white furniture punctuating the space. Yellow accents in the patterned tile and spray of flowers add cheer. Throughout several smaller rooms attached to the lobby there are sitting areas -- one around a beautiful fireplace -- decorated with displays of art and curios. Overall, the feel is contemporary and elegant. The romantic and exclusive atmosphere is particularly appealing to couples, but families are also drawn here. Guests also appreciate the stellar service offered by the owners and staff. They are reportedly always willing to go the extra mile, and 24/7 concierge and room services put guests first. 

Villa Magia is perched high on a hill in central Positano, a small village precipitously clinging to the mountainside. There is a one-way road through town that twists around and up the mountainous region. Most of the town is accessible through narrow pathways and stairs climbing steep passages -- be prepared for a work out! The hotel is in a convenient spot a bit off the main road, but close to sites, shops, and restaurants in town. It is a 10-minute walk to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is surrounded by an area packed with shops and cafes to explore. Two pebbly beaches are accessible within a 15-minute walk down the hill -- one of which is the glamorous Spaggia Grande -- as is a dock with a ferry to enjoy areas only accessible by water. The Path of the Gods Trailhead, offering a striking, though challenging, hike through the mountains, is a 25-minute drive away. The hotel is a 90-minute drive south of Naples and Naples International Airport.

Each of the seven rooms is individually decorated, and all are beautiful and relaxing. Expect bright-white walls and high ceilings that give the feel of a bright, open space. Decor is in a variety of styles, all of which are elegant and modern with interesting artwork and quality furnishings. Each room opens to a gorgeous, lush private terrace with loungers, a dining area, and a breathtaking view, plus some have lemon trees. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, and a safe. An iPhone is provided instead of a typical room phone, programmed with numbers to reach hotel staff at any time. Some rooms include options like a full kitchen, living room, multiple bedrooms, private hammam, oversized whirlpool tub, and luxury spa shower. Bathrooms are sleek and in keeping with the luxury air of the property. Large shower stalls have rainfall showerheads, and soaker tubs are separate. Hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided, and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and personal care kits. 

A solid list of extra features adds to the high-end environment at this small hotel. A good-sized pool sits on a beautiful terrace, surrounded by palm trees, flower boxes, and vine-covered walls, plus the magical view that adds grandeur to most areas of this hotel. Padded loungers sit under trees, and guests can have food and drinks delivered poolside for convenience. The open-air spa is small, but lovely. Hot tubs protrude from stony cliff walls, and colored lighting adds sophistication, while water flows from the tubs into rivulets snaking through garden beds. Grass carpets, bamboo walls, and flowery ceilings create a separate massage room. Brown-wicker tables and canopied divans blend in beautifully with the scene. The tiny fitness room is also outdoors -- a part of the spa -- with the treadmill and weight-training equipment on a grassy terrace, shaded under a bamboo roof.

The hotel does not have a traditional restaurant, but personally made meals are available for breakfast and dinner, and there’s a snack bar open all afternoon for a midday option. There are two indoor dining areas and four terraces -- each with a peaceful ambience -- for meals, or food will be delivered to guest rooms. Given the size of the hotel, food is made-to-order when guests are ready to eat. Breakfast is delicious, though not included, and homemade Italian dishes make an excellent dinner. Parking near the hotel is difficult, but guests receive free pickup and delivery of their car from a nearby garage. Reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.