Roman history meets Greek mythology at the arresting Bellevue Syrene, a spectacular clifftop hotel in Sorrento, perched high above the Gulf of Naples. Originally designed in 1750 as a private residence built on the foundations of a Roman villa, the recently refurbished hotel manages to pay faithful tribute to its early years, having restored many original features, while also offering five-star contemporary comfort. An unexpected mix of modern art adds undeniable flair.
It's unsurprising that, over the course of its 200 years, the property has welcomed many notable guests, spanning royalty, politicians, intellectuals and artists, all drawn to the hotel's aesthetically pleasing location – which is as famous for its legends as it is for its beauty. The hotel's name literally translates to 'Beautiful View Siren' in tribute to the Greek myth of the mermaids, who were believed to have enchanted sailors along the Sorrento peninsula. According to Homer's Odyssey, these sirens lured ships to destruction on the rocks with their mesmerising voices, resulting in the deaths of countless lovestruck seafarers.
Accommodation
Regardless of the tragic tales of the mermaids – or, perhaps enhanced by those stories of desire – Bellevue Syrene is, in short, utterly romantic. It was perhaps fitting, therefore, that I was staying here on my honeymoon – and that the suite we were allocated is described as a "comfortable and discreet love nest". The 800+ square-foot Vesuvio Suite features a separate sitting room, spacious en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, and a large outdoor terrace with a hydromassage mini pool – and is accessible via its own private lift. As the name suggests, large arched windows frame the unmistakable outline of Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
What to Read Next
Each of the rooms at Bellevue Syrene has its own distinct personality; some lean into the opulent, with intricate chandeliers, antique frescoes and four-poster beds; others, like ours, veer more elegantly minimal, with white-washed walls, polished wood, monochromatic photography and carefully selected curios. All, of course, have a sea view. If you're lucky enough to have a private terrace, there's no better spot for a morning cup of coffee, gazing out over the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea (similarly, there's no better spot for a nightcap, when the jagged coastline lights up).
Dining and drinks
The main restaurant, La Pergola, is a sight to behold, situated on an open air terrace under a canopy of lush greenery, with panoramic ocean views. It's the first thing that you see when arriving at Bellevue Syrene, resulting in a particularly breathtaking first impression. Naturally, the view serves as the inspiration for the menu, which features produce from across Sorrento, from seafood to citrus fruits, olives and local wines. Dishes, such as 'Candele' cuttlefish pasta, salted cod fish, or handmade tagliolini with Normandy butter and black truffle, are created using traditional Neapolitan methods, blended with more contemporary techniques. Every night, guests dine to the gentle soundtrack of a live pianist, which perfectly sets the tone. And no meal in Sorrento would be complete without a sample of its world-famous limoncello – the brightly hued lemon liqueur that can only be produced using lemons from the peninsula and surrounding area. Best served chilled (and in moderation...)
Before dinner, treat yourself to an apperitivo at Il Costiero, the hotel's al fresco cocktail bar situated just below La Pergola. Try one of the signature drinks, all made using spirits created in-house; the refreshing Bellevue Syrene Spritz (Costiero gin, limoncello and Prosecco) is the perfect place to start. While the bar is open all day, alongside the hotel's dipping pool, the seats are undoubtedly most in-demand at sunset; trust me, you won't want to miss it.
For the morning after, an elegant breakfast buffet is served on the Villa Pompeiana terrace, where you are met by yet another awe-inspiring ocean vista.
Wellness
The hotel has a boutique wellness centre offering a variety of bespoke treatments, many of which incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Ease weary shoulders with the relaxing 'anti-stress' massage; reduce bloating and sculpt the body with a spot of lymphatic drainage; revitalise parched skin with a hydrating facial; or achieve a sense of purity and balance by booking some time in the hammam. A fitness area is also available for guests 24/7. But when it comes to wellness, the real highlight is the Bellevue Syrene solarium...
Don't miss...
The private beach. Accessible via lift – or, for the more picturesque route, via winding historic stone steps and passageways carved into the cliff face – the private solarium is lined with parasols and sun loungers, perched out over the sea. Not only the ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming, the deck offers the perfect vantage point from which to admire the grand beauty of the hotel above, and the surrounding ancient Roman remains of nymphaea; fountains or shrines often built in caves, dedicated to the worship of the mermaids and water nymphs. It's this unique mix of the historic and the mythical that makes this Amalfi Coast spot feel quite so magical.
Rates at Bellevue Syrene, a member of Relais & Châteaux, start from £525 per night in a Classic Room. The Vesuvio Suite starts from £3,075 per night.
