Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

Propped atop a cliff, with a sweeping panorama of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, this superbly presented resort centre dates back to 1834 and is ringed by a garden, awash with lemon trees and olive groves. An extraordinarily tasteful example of Belle Epoque architecture, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a delightful composite of marble, plush furnishings, nude tones and arched ceilings.

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a vintage concierge desk before being led to one of the 79 tastefully decorated rooms or suites. Interiors encompass antique furniture, oil paintings and frescoed ceilings, with expansive windows facing the garden or sea. Some include private terraces and pianos, along with original period elements and separate living spaces.

The dining collection will do more than just appease, with three restaurants to choose from, including the Michelin-starred Terrazza Bosquet, with a widespread terrace and seafood-focused menu, L’Orangerie set in an orange grove alongside the pool, serving light dishes, inspired by regional produce and Terrazza Vittoria promising Neapolitan specialities, complemented by incredible ocean views. Tipples are whipped to excellence at Vittoria Bar, positioned on a terrace, or La Pergola in a section of the garden, laden with fairy lights.

Encircled by cherry-striped loungers and a wooden deck, the hotel’s outdoor pool is a definite highlight. Right next door, guests can seek out the spa, housed in a 19th-century converted greenhouse, with three treatment cabins and a private suite for couples, featuring a Jacuzzi.

During your stay, you can opt to immerse yourself in the spectacles of Sorrento, and a lift will take you down to the harbour, where you can board a ferry to the nearby islands or wander around the cobbled streets in search of the perfect Limoncello.