Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

This picture postcard setting attracts a fashionable crowd who
arrive in their droves. In the summer months it can feel crowded,
particularly at the 300-metre long Spiaggia Grande beach.
With this in mind, I wanted to shy away from the town’s vast
array of high-end hotels, in favour of somewhere with supreme
privacy, outstanding service, and the ultimate wow factor.
Travelling with my family in tow, I opted for La Perla, part of
the Abercrombie & Kent Villas exclusive collection. The property
is around a seven-minute drive from the centre of town – far
enough away to be able to jump in and out of the action as you
see fit.
ITS WISTERIA-FILLED NARROW
WINDING STREETS ARE HOME TO
COUNTLESS CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS
AND BOUTIQUES – THROW IN
GLISTENING SUMMER SUNSHINE,
A GLASS OF FINE ITALIAN WINE,
AND YOU’RE SOON FULLY
IMMERSED IN LA DOLCE VITA
This six-bedroom, all en-suite home sleeps 12 people with
ample space across three storeys connected by grand staircases,
or a lift for those feeling a little lackadaisical. Like the properties
I’d seen on arrival, the villa clings to the side of the mountain,
with each room boasting impressive views of the town and
across the bay.
La Perla is a little slice of secluded paradise – allow me to take
you on a whistle-stop tour. After parking your car in the private,
gated facility located directly above the villa, head down a couple
of flights of stairs to reach your home-from-home’s entrance.
On this top floor, you’ll find three ample double rooms, a living
room area, and a spa. The A&K Villas team is on hand to book
a masseuse to visit and tend to your aching muscles during your
stay. Trust me, your calves will thank you for it after a few days
exploring the near-vertical alleyways of Positano.
The middle floor is the heart of the villa, with two bedrooms,
the kitchen and dining room. You’ll also find an impressive
terrace with sunloungers and seating areas. There’s no better
place for evening drinks.
Another bedroom and an indoor heated swimming pool lie
on the bottom level. If you can tear yourself away from drinking
Aperol Spritz on the terrace, head down to enjoy the water jets
and waterfall features of the pool.
A crisp white décor flows throughout the property, matching
the air of class and sophistication this seaside town exemplifies.
My favourite aspect of the stay was housekeeper Monica’s daily
breakfast. She arrived each morning, before we’d even raised our
heads from our plump pillows, to prepare a feast.
It was during these sumptuous breakfasts that we’d plan our
activities for the day, with Monica imparting local advice and
knowledge. She would arrange taxis to pick us up, as well as
arranging our transport for the rest of the stay if required. Her
daily four-hour maid service ensured the villa was always in
pristine condition when we returned. In fact, we’d often come
home (and it certainly did feel like home) to a restocked fridge
and sweet treats waiting for us.
But the personalised service we received at La Perla began
long before we arrived. It started as soon as we arranged our stay
through A&K Villas, with Maurice from the concierge service
team on hand with recommendations for local experiences and
tours, while ensuring everything met our expectations. He asked
12 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018