Relais Regina Giovanna

A former farmhouse set on 50 well-manicured acres outside of Sorrento's center, Relais Regina Giovanna attracts couples and families wanting a peaceful getaway. After pulling up to a gated entrance, guests drive down a hill to the main building, a cute pale-yellow structure with clay tile roofing and a welcome sign. The small lobby has plant-motif wallpaper, beehive-like bookshelves, and a lizard on the wall, and a door here that leads to the outdoor dining terrace where breakfast is served in warmer months. The indoor dining room is more sophisticated, with stone arches, patterned tiling, and olive-green accents. Near here is another eatery, occupying an open-air space with tree stump stools, bean bag loungers, hammocks, and a canopy. Adjacent lemon groves are lovely, and the lush greenery continues down a road leading to the private beach. (Golf carts are on hand for guests that don't want to walk.)

With just 16 rooms here, the property never feels too crowded, and views of the sea from some rooms enhances the tranquil vibe. However, there's little in terms of kid-centric amenities here, and the setting away of Sorrento can be a downside for those looking to go off-property. For a boutique property in town, consider Maison Tofani, though guests will lose private beach access.

This hotel is set an eight-minute drive, or 40-minute walk, from Sorrento's center, making it better suited to travelers not wanting to explore the city each day. The hotel does provide free shuttle service to and front Sorrento daily, but it ends early and guests will have to either take an expensive taxi or public bus back to Relais Regina Giovanna. On the plus side, the bus is easy and inexpensive to use. There are a few restaurants and bars in the immediate surrounds, but guests wanting to dine off-site will likely want to head into Sorrento's center. One of the area's top sights, Regina Giovanna Bath, is an archaeological site and swimming spot where Roman ruins are visible. It can be reached by hiking a path from the hotel in roughly 15 minutes. 

Sorrento's train station is a 13-minute drive, as is the Port of Sorrento. Trains and ferries from Sorrento typically travel to Naples, Positano, Capri, and Ischia. Naples and its airport are about a 90-minute drive away, while Rome can be reached in three hours by car. 

There are 12 rooms in the main building and four apartments located in a separate structure about a five-minute walk away. All are decorated in a simple, albeit charming, style that feels traditional and homey. Furnishings vary by room, but expect terra-cotta tile floors (some with lovely patterns), a mix of wood and wrought-iron furniture, earth-tone fabrics, and cute touches such as fish-shaped throw pillows, rural farm artwork, woven baskets, and exposed ceiling wood beams. Some, but not all, have furnished terraces with distant sea views. 

Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and wardrobes with safes. Bathrobes and slipper are provided. Bathrooms are a bit compact and underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber, but they're well-maintained and have either showers or shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and free toiletries. Some rooms add sitting areas and dining tables.

The four apartments are done in a similar style and have separate living spaces with kitchenettes, sofas, and tables. Some have more than one bedroom and bathroom. 

The crowning feature at Relais Regina Giovanna is the private beach, located down a hill and some steps. Set in a rocky inlet, the pebbly beach is beautiful and a popular spot during hot summer months. The seasonal beach club has loungers, umbrellas, and food and drink service. Kayaks are available and free to use. There are no spa, pool, or gym here, unfortunately. However, guests can book yoga, reiki, and Tibetan singing bowl sessions. 

Dining-wise, all rates include free substantial breakfast buffets with made-to-order eggs, lots of veggies and pastries, cold meats and cheeses, fruit, and more. The same dining space acts as the Pane e Olio restaurant, a farm-to-table eatery. Olive oil is made on-site, and fresh fruit and vegetables are used from the garden. An outdoor bar and casual seasonal restaurant are also available, serving wood-fired pizzas and various drinks. 

Wi-Fi and parking are both free.