The 16-room Relais Regina Giovanna is an upscale property with its own private beach, located an eight-minute drive from Sorrento proper. Set amid the hotel's 50 beautiful acres are olive and citrus trees, an outdoor bar and seasonal restaurant, and hammocks, all with a relaxed vibe. The 12 rooms are done in a simple, attractive Italian style, outfitted with air-conditioning, kettles, and minibars. Four apartments with living spaces and kitchenettes are located in a separate building. All rates include a tasty breakfast buffet, served in the same space as the farm-to-table eatery. The seasonal beach club includes umbrella-shaded loungers and a snack bar. This property lacks a spa, gym, and pool, but yoga, reiki, and Tibetan singing bowl sessions can be arranged. Travelers wanting to be in central Sorrento may prefer Hotel Plaza, which also has a rooftop infinity pool.

The 33-room, family-run Hotel Johanna Park is an upper-middle-range property set on a serene hillside with stellar sea views. About a 15-minute drive from Sorrento, the location is removed from the city center, though the hotel offers a free shuttle into town. And it provides quiet tranquility from its many outdoor venues, including a restaurant terrace, backyard sitting area, outdoor pool, and rooftop terrace. Rooms are simple but bright and include flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have balconies with sea views. The hotel has a banquet hall, Italian restaurant, and lobby bar, but has no fitness facilities. Travelers might want to also check out the larger Grand Hotel President, which has a fitness center and sauna but does not include breakfast.