Why Villa Treville Is One Of The Amalfi Coast's Most Iconic Hotels

Forbes

02-06-2025

Courtesy of Villa Treville
First opened as a hotel in 2010, Villa Treville has quickly become one of the grand dames of the Amalfi Coast. A refined hotel with cinematic views of Positano, it sits on a vast terraced estate with enviable views of the seaside town. Here, you're close enough to feel fully immersed in the experience, yet far enough away to enjoy the idyllic setting without the crowds.
A property with roots dating back to the 18th century, Treville was most famously owned by director Franco Zeffirelli who purchased the villa in the 1960s. The acclaimed film and opera director of hits including Romeo and Juliet (1968) and La Traviata (1982), added a theatrical touch to the estate with the help of his set designer, Renzo Mongiardino, who brought a Moorish flair to the Mediterranean property.
Courtesy of Villa Treville
Southern Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, was historically part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and retains its Arab heritage in architecture, design, and cuisine. At Treville, this legacy comes to life through the estate's Moroccan lanterns, which cast a warm, dreamlike glow across its rooms and gardens.
Though primarily based in Rome, Zeffirelli spent his summers on the Amalfi Coast hosting friends and celebrities such as Maria Callas, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor and Rudolf Nureyev — the legendary Russian dancer who purchased a home on the private Li Galli islands, visible just offshore.
The Zeffirelli Suite
Today, Treville's 16 bedrooms and suites are named after these icons, along with Zeffirelli's legendary productions. Originally set within three villas ('tre ville') which are white, pink and blue, the hotel now boasts six villas which are connected by secret staircases, cobbled passageways and flower-lined trails. Each suite has its own character with a mix of historic touches and modern luxury.
The Callas Suite
The Callas Suite, with a turquoise and citrus color palette, features an outdoor terrace and private heated plunge pool beneath a shaded canopy, while the blue and white striped Bernstein Suite boasts a striking circular shower fitted within the property's historic brick bread oven. The Zeffirelli Suite, with four bedrooms and four en-suite bathrooms, is the crown jewel of the property with rare art and historic furnishings collected by the director, along with its own terrace and private heated plunge pool.
The Callas Suite
Many of Zeffirelli's original design elements have remained the same, including his ethereal white salon, a voluminous space entirely decorated in white tiles serving as a perfect retreat from Positano's intense sunshine. Today it has been reimagined as Bianca Bar, a botanical lounge where tradition meets innovation, and cocktails are mixed using distillers and herbs harvested from the property's gardens.
Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. Arguably the most photogenic terrace in Positano, it has a feeling of exclusivity while remaining relaxed — like lounging at a friend's exclusive villa, with unpretentious service and thoughtful hospitality.
Bianca Bar
Following sunset drinks, guests gather at Maestro's, the property's romantic open-air terrace restaurant with ivy adorned columns and a tiled fountain at the center. Everywhere, Moroccan lamps cast a warm glow that enhance the scenic sunsets. Helmed by chef Vincenzo Castaldo, Maestro's focuses on seasonal dishes and regional classics using ingredients from the property's organic garden.
The emphasis here is on elevated comfort food — from Spaghetti alla Nerano featuring fried zucchini tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce, and mozzarella-stuffed artichokes with black truffles to seared tuna with sautéed vegetables.
Maestro's Restaurant
Beyond the main property, lush gardens and winding pathways lead the guests down to The Rocks, a chic beach club that juts into the sea, offering perfectly framed views of Positano with its iconic blue umbrellas and striped sun loungers. This small oasis serves as both a tranquil retreat and the dedicated pier for the hotel's enhanced boat fleet, recently expanded with the addition of Treville Maritime's private yacht, the Wajer 38 Spectre.
Another sanctuary is La Traviata, Treville's luxurious spa set in a sunlit greenhouse. The spa exclusively uses products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, who is a frequent guest of the property, celebrated for its restorative massages and treatments.
Courtesy of Villa Treville
A recent addition includes cold-water immersion therapy, with a cold plunge pool maintained at a brisk 50°F (10°C) that perfectly complements the spa's existing heat therapies. Another wellness highlight is the property's heated grotto pool which provides perfectly framed views of the sea.
Treville remains a preferred hideaway for celebrities including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Sting who appreciate its luxurious amenities combined with a low-key vibe. Guests can arrive by road or, more discreetly, by sea. The hotel's private boat shuttle service also escorts guests from the hotel to Positano and beyond on a complimentary basis, providing convenient access while showcasing the Amalfi Coast's legendary views.
The Rocks beach club
How To Reach Positano
Sorrento Car Tours provides transfer services and excursions throughout the Amalfi Coast, including Naples to Positano (1.5 hours). They can also arrange nearby sightseeing tours to visit Amalfi, Ravello and beyond.