I proposed to my wife at Le Sirenuse, the impossibly beautiful hotel cut into the cliffs of Positano, so I’m a bit partial to the place. I popped the question on our balcony, at sunset, overlooking the Amalfi Coast, and after we telephoned family back in the States with the news, we floated downstairs to the bar and proceeded to celebrate.
We arrived that evening knowing no one, and by the end of the night we knew (and had been toasted by) seemingly everyone—especially Antonio and Carla Sersale, whose family has owned the hotel for the past 70 years.
Everyone loves celebrating a new couple. But experiencing the magic of Le Sirenuse is not limited only to individuals marking life-defining epochs. In many ways, the 18th-century family villa affords countless intimate stages for your own memorable moments.
And its Don’t Worry Bar—which takes its name from a neon installation by Martin Creed—is one of the unique parts of the hotel. Recently restored and reimagined by interior designer Annalisa Bellettati, it’s got all the ingredients of a great Italian bar, starting with the bar itself: ancient walnut trimmed in gold leaf and brass. Then there are the waiters in crisp white coats serving Negronis with one perfect cubetto, and martinis in paper-thin coupes.
Best of all, there are the potato chips, which must be tasted to be believed. Trust me, there have been nights over the past year of lockdown that my wife and I have imagined flying there, if only to eat the chips. Now, if all goes well, we will be able to, sometime soon. If I see you there, I’ll buy you a drink. Just keep your hands off my chips.
Michael Hainey is a Deputy Editor for Air Mail