Villa Arienzo has a sensuous feel entirely in keeping with its location in one of the world's most romantic destinations, the Amalfi Coast. The view is everything you hope for -- sea and sky intersected by a dramatic coastline -- and the atmosphere and service bring guests back time and time again. This is a place to savor.
The property was built by the owners three decades ago and evolves on seven levels ending at the private waterfront 'lounge' on the Mediterranean Sea. Hand-hewn stones from the hillsides compose every bougainvillea-shaded staircase, the garden walls spill over with flowering succulents and vines. Each of the numerous terraces is furnished thoughtfully for your enjoyment in sun or shade to whatever degree is preferred. The rooms are luminous and expansive with well-chosen furniture and lots of creature comforts. The long-standing, hardworking staff has at its core a mother-daughter team of cook and maid who are both personable and professional. The house is impeccably kept with a rigorous attention to standards and service.
A holiday at Villa Arienzo can be either pure relaxation and at-home recreation or a base for cultural excursions. Most likely it will be your own unique combination of both. Villa Arienzo is on the outskirts of Positano, in an exclusive enclave known locally as Arienzo. The setting enables you to enjoy privacy and quiet at home as well as easy access to town -- one and a half kilometers away. You can ring up for a skiff to pick you up at the waterfront and bring you to the Spiaggia Grande in 5 minutes or go on foot by the road in 15-20 minutes.
Positano offers all the necessary amenities of a resort town, including boutique shopping for their famous sandals, linen fashions and ceramics. Private boat service -- for days exploring the coastline from the water, deep sea fishing or the 24-hour taxi service to town -- can be arranged for pickup and drop-off directly from the waterfront at the Villa. You have numerous destinations within easy reach by either boat or hired car: the bay islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida; the towns of Amalfi, Ravello and Maiori; Pompeii, and of course Naples. When all is said and done, be sure to leave plenty of time for simply enjoying the Villa itself.
You arrive at Villa Arienzo on foot as is customary in Positano, past neighboring villas in this elegant neighborhood. The first view of this Mid-Century villa is from above, the sparkling white domed roofs and perfectly fresh coral walls immaculate, the walkways and stairs always swept. Once you enter the Villa on the upper level, you are in your own private world while pathways link the Villa itself with the compound overall.
A series of staircases, partially shaded with bougainvillea arbors, descend to the ocean. One is set with a Ping-Pong table, chaise longues and hammock with adjacent BBQ, and a bar with fridge for cold drinks. W.C. is adjacent. The newly constructed waterfront lounge follows on two levels; the upper level including shaded sun beds, chaise longues and portable cushions for lounging. A sunflower size shower head (cold water only) refreshes and rinses, and a changing area has been created in the cool of a stone grotto. There is also casual dining for six under a pergola. Below is the sea, clear and inviting, with access from a platform. The views become ever more captivating as you reach water's edge, ending with an extraordinarily dramatic view up to Positano. The swimming is glorious from May to October, and the private yacht mooring enables you to combine a vacation at sea with a villa of the highest quality.
This Villa offers exceptional outdoor living. A wraparound terrace extends along the ocean side of the house and includes a gracious, furnished sitting area for 10, the couches strewn with pillows for relaxing out of doors under a draped pergola. You can come and go freely from terrace to kitchen, living room and dining room, as you choose. Further along, dining tables and chairs are set under a white awning - the spreading arbor of a lemon tree keeps it fragrant and shady. The undulating ocean, unbroken to the horizon, moves from indigo to azure with the light. Views of the receding promontories lead your eye to the tip of the Amalfi peninsula with Capri in the distance. Positano itself sits near at hand, its houses like cherries in the bowl of the hill.
This is an exclusive setting, a haven for enjoying the pleasures of the seaside during the long months of delightful weather. The interior of Villa Arienzo is designed to feel cool and soothing; a respite from the bright sun and glinting light of the ocean, as well as the stresses of life. Vaulted ceilings in virtually every room add to their already dramatic height. Period Art Deco fixtures and draped beds add to the distinctive style of this home. A yacht of up to 170' can dock off the villa, a registered Sommelier is available to accompany apperitivi or pairing menus and help you selections from the Villa's cantina. Weddings can be organized onsite, including a ceremony conducted by the mayor of Positano.
© May 2013 by Homebase Abroad, Ltd. All rights reserved.