Villa Maura, perched over the sea on the edge of Positano, was originally built in the 1300's. The current owner enlarged and fully restored the property in for her retirement, creating a serene and sophisticated home where she enjoys the long lovely spring and fall seasons. The private pool is an exceptional luxury on the coast - only three were ever permitted in private homes in Positano and Villa Maura is one. With four double bedrooms ensuite, this is an ideal house for four couples who want an equivalent standard without having more space than they will use. Elena, the wonderful house manager and cook is one of the many reasons people return regularly to Villa Maura. She is onsite six days a week and will make every effort to ensure your stay is everything you might hope.
The setting is completely private, part of an exclusive enclave occupying a peninsula one kilometer from the center of Positano, in our opinion one of the most charming and complete of the many seaside towns on the famed Amalfi Coast. With its early springs and long fall seasons, the Amalfi Coast is an appealing destination April through November. Positano is well situated for excursions throughout the area as you are very centrally located. Amalfi and Ravello are not even an hour away; Capri is 30 - 40 minutes depending on the boat; Procida and Ischia make an engaging day trip for the spas and beaches and fresh white wine. Certainly more than one day could be spent in Naples or Pompeii. These are only the most familiar destinations. You can hike or read by the pool, shop or visit museums, explore or enjoy staying close to home. One of the great pleasures is being car-free in the Amalfi. Boats, taxis and hired cars are readily available and the cost reasonable considering such service ensures everyone can enjoy the vacation equally.
The arrival at Villa Maura is typical for the Amalfi Coast, a public path and winding staircase bring you from the road to the Villa. The front door opens to an enormous and spectacular terrace with flowering potted plants and vines, trees, statuary, bronze wall sculptures and the endless, sparkling blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Villa is immediately on your left, a high loggia providing shade and a chance for elegant dining al fresco at a long, marble-top table for 12 with iron chairs. Across the sun-splashed pavement, set along the edge of the terrace, are three marble-top iron cafe tables, for a quiet moment contemplating the exceptional view of Positano, sea and sky. Magnificent double doors unite the loggia with the interior spaces of the house. As the weather here is lovely most of the year, Villa Maura offers really exceptional indoor/outdoor living.
Beyond the house, the terrace doubles in size to include a pool (10 x 5 meters) set against the terraced hill and surrounded by planting beds. A bronze lion serves as fountain head when desired. A bamboo-covered pergola provides shade for drinks or reading at the far end of the terrace, and offers an entirely different vista of the coast and property. The sun beds, chairs and umbrellas can be moved around to suit individual preference. A gate has been added to separate the pool area from the balance of the terrace, comfort to those traveling with smaller children. Without question, the terrace forms an outdoor living and dining room where you will undoubtedly greet the morning and conclude the day.
From the terrace, a short staircase leads down to the Bungalow, and additional small apartment for two that can be a supplement for a fifth couple wanting to vacation at Villa Maura. The owner maintains a private apartment here as well, but is very discreet should she be in residence when the Villa is occupied.
From the Villa, the public walking paths and staircases take you down to the pebble beach. We highly recommend taking advantage of the beach club there, renting a bed makes for a comfortable day seaside with access to facilities. Although public, the beach is little used outside July and August. A quick phone call can bring a boat to the shore for an excursion to town by water (there is no pier, you step into the shallows to get on board).
Neighbors all park above, along the Amalfi Drive. Parking is most always available although we strongly recommend foregoing a private rental car and using local car and driver services during an Amalfi Coast vacation.
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