By Amira Ashish
When it comes to the world’s most picturesque vistas it is hard to beat Positano. The jewel in the Amalfi Coast’s crown is home to pastel coloured buildings perched on winding cliffs, overlooking the glistening sea. Its hillside location means you have to brace yourself for some rigorous workouts up and down the village steps but it’s a great way of justifying those delectable pasta dishes. Such beauty attracts many visitors but if you plan a trip in the off-peak season, starting from spring, you will be blessed with quieter streets and a higher chance of booking a table at one of the many coveted restaurants. Hotel reservations are more feasible too. Here is a guide to some of the loveliest places to visit in this alluring destination.
WHERE TO STAY
The Icon: Le Sirenuse
For an iconic hotel that is the epitome of chic it’s Le Sirenuse. The passion project of Carla and Antonio Sersale, with their sons Francesco and Aldo at the helm, it is a true family affair and the epitome of laid-back glamour. The hotel is frequented by loyal fans, creatives and the A-List. John Steinbeck, who visited in 1953, wrote “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Rooms with terraces and balconies overlook the blue sea and at night the gentle sounds of the lapping waves can be heard.
Dinner at La Sponda is a dream. Positano’s colourful stack of houses and its iridescent church dome are almost within touching distance from the indoor or al fresco setting. Candles take three hours to light every evening, a testament to the family’s commitment to splendour. Head chef Gennaro Russo specialises in simple Italian food using delicious local ingredients. The Italian wines are only the best and dinner is accompanied by the sound of live mandolin and guitar. A trip to Positano isn’t complete without aperitivo time on the hotel’s twinkling terrace. Dress up, drape soft linen over your shoulders and soak up the ambience. There are intimate indoor bar options in the form of Aldo’s, named after Antonio’s beloved father who opened the hotel, or the Don’t Worry Bar which is famed for its cocktails, sirenuse.it.
The Secret Hideaway: Casa Caprile
Newly redesigned Casa Caprile comprises just a few rooms, each individually styled by the warm and cheery wife of the owner Lucia. It’s a low key but lovely B&B with breakfast served on your terrace every morning. The views of the sea are quite something.
Ask for The Orange Room for a pop of colour or for ultimate privacy the rooftop suite has its own floor, a kitchen and a sprawling terrace overlooking the city. Everything from the headboard fabrics to the crockery are sourced from local artisans and many of the property’s original tiles remain. It sits higher up on the cliffside which means the scenery is phenomenal and it is away from the main tourist strip.
There is a great restaurant, practically on the doorstep, called Da Gabrisa and the charming Gargiulo deli is ideal for homemade food and a strong wine selection. You will be given a very warm welcome by the team, who are born and raised in Positano, booking.com.
WHERE TO EAT
Da Adolfo: The beach club of dreams. Rustic and relaxing with incredible seafood and jugs of sangria. Rock up for lunch then lounge on the chairs before taking a dip. Booking is essential – ask a local for help. This place is a must, daadolfo.com.
Il Tridente: Hotel Poseidon’s terrace is a personal favourite – and there’s so much competition in the area so it’s quite the accolade, iltridentepositano.com.
Da Vincenzo: For traditional dishes and a buzzy ambience. It’s worth the queue round the block, davincenzo.it.
Next2: Excellent contemporary twists on classics in a pretty patio setting with a good wine list, next2.it.
Saraceno d’Oro: The best pizza in Positano with great limoncello spritz to boot, saracenodoro.com.
Chez Black: A vibrant and fun, celebrity pictures sprawled across the wall, kind of place. In the hub of the main beach promenade, it is the place for a night out with sister club Music on the Rocks. The more refined option, a couple of minutes stroll away is Rada, which is also part of the collection, chezblack.it.
Il Ritrovo: high up in the hills of Positano, with a free shuttle service to get there, is this calm and romantic retreat with authentic dishes and a cookery school, ilritrovo.com.
Lo Guarracino: next to a quieter beach with gorgeous sea views and an inviting menu. Prepare yourself for a little hike to get there though, loguarracinopositano.it.
Carlino Restaurant: the super exclusive beach club of Il San Pietro hotel is meant to be for guests only but if you give them a call and ask for a table you may strike lucky. The views at every turn are breathtaking, from the gardens to the oceanfront or the interior design, ilsanpietro.com.
WHERE TO SHOP
Linomania: linen clothing made by hand on site. If you ask nicely the owner will even show you her workshop upstairs.
Theodora: for colourful dresses sewn by mamma and styling by her daughters, theodorapositano.it.
Gocce di colore di De Simone Michela: an unassuming pottery workshop where the owner will personalise everything for you if you give her a few days. All crafted on site. It’s where some of the big name restaurants go to get their tableware made but don’t tell anyone.
Ceramiche Casola: ceramics heaven with the most fabulously bright, bold homeware, ceramichecasola.com.
Emporio Sirenuse: wonderful Carla and her niece have started their own collection and you will want everything in store, emporiosirenuse.com.
Casa e Bottega: tastefully curated homeware and organic food shop with its very own cookbook, casaebottegapositano.it.
Follow @thedesigneditor and @clubrapport for more travel inspiration.
Partner Spotlight – Introducing the Whitecalm Wellbeing App
In recent years we’ve seen a seismic shift in the importance of mental health and wellbeing. We’ve reached a place where we can speak openly and freely to loved ones and professionals about how we’re truly feeling and the increase in available resources has been gratefully embraced. One such resource that has recently been launched is the Whitecalm Wellbeing app – a scientifically backed, one-stop platform that combines mental health, diet and exercise to transform our lifestyle and help us to live a healthier, happier, more balanced life. Earlier this month BBB sat down with Whitecalm Wellbeing Founder & CEO, Rebecca Tucker, to find out more about the revolutionary new app.
Let’s start with a little bit of history. How did it all begin for Whitecalm Wellness?
Having qualified as a scientist I then went on to do an MA in Education and became a teacher of human biology. I then came out of education and went into a very entrepreneurial environment. I became Managing Director at British concierge company, Quintessentially, and then after nine years, I chose to leave and set up Whitecalm as I noticed the lack of support available for burnt out women trying to juggle work and family life.
The first incarnation of Whitecalm was retreats, but it soon became apparent that women didn’t have the time or resources for such getaways. I then decided to fill the gap in the market by offering shorter luxury breaks – days and weekends that would take place in 5-star spa hotels. The shorter breaks were a resounding success! We received numerous 5-star reviews from our clients and got rated number one in Timeout and Tatler.
Six months later I secured investment for our UK expansion plan but unfortunately around this same time I got diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. After a year of treatment and two major surgeries, I can now thankfully say that I am in remission. Whilst going through my cancer treatment I realised that there was no one place online that I could go to that would support me through my recovery. This realisation planted the first seeds of the Whitecalm app into my mind. Coincidentally this happened around March 2020, the exact same time that the whole world was forced to go digital.
Congratulations on the new app! Could you tell us a little bit more about how it works?
As I mentioned, my goal was to have everything in one place so that is exactly what the Whitecalm app offers. From exercise, sleep, mental health and lifestyle to menopause, financial wellbeing, meditation and diet, it’s all there in one place. I wanted to make the app as holistic as possible because in order to be balanced you have to consider every aspect of your lifestyle.
The app is all singing and all dancing – jam packed with interactivity and engagement for users to enjoy. Features of the app include a range of expert trainers, an organic and ethically sourced e-shop, gamification in terms of point and rewards and a virtual assistant named Luke! User can also track their water intake, steps, sleep and even their blood pressure. Not only that, but the app is also all scientifically backed, which was incredibly important to me. The Mayo Clinic has co-devised the wellbeing survey and therefore everything that we do now is scientifically validated.
A user’s journey begins by completing a comprehensive survey. Once completed the app’s algorithms will then provide them with content that is uniquely specific to them. For example, if a person is suffering badly with their mental health, the app will provide them with daily recommendations, live interactive streams, healthy tips, new classes and benefits that are tailored to their needs.
What’s also very close to my heart is that we have as much diversity on the platform as possible. We have instructors of every ethnicity, cookalongs that cover all cuisines and the aim is to make the app as rich as possible – whether that’s a disabled instructor or someone that’s partially sighted. We want to include everyone and ensure that there is as much representation as possible.
What sets the Whitecalm app apart from other apps on the market?
I think that it’s our scientifically backed programmes combined with our points and rewards systems that set us apart from other apps. We want to keep our members engaged and on track by providing them with the blueprint of a new, healthy, interactive lifestyle that works for them. It’s also very important to us that our members understand why they are doing things which is the reason for incorporating the science behind the exercises so that members can understand not just how things work but crucially why they will be beneficial to their wellbeing.
Who is the app for and what are some of the benefits of becoming part of the Whitecalm platform?
I would honestly say that our app is for everyone. Not only is it available in 108 different languages, but we have also made sure to cover and incorporate all age ranges, genders and ethnicities.
One of the main benefits of the Whitecalm platform is that everything is in one place, which eradicates the need for multiple apps and that constant search to find what you need. Also, as I mentioned previously, all of our data is scientifically backed and provided by experts. For example, The Mayo Clinic diet on the app is rated the top diet in the USA.
Whitecalm also offers workplace wellbeing programmes through the app. Could you tell us more about the initiative and why it’s so important for businesses to provide employee wellbeing solutions?
Ninety billion pounds is lost every year in absenteeism through ill health or mental illness, so for me providing workplace programmes to staff is an absolute no brainer. If companies look after their employees then their employees will look after them and their business.
We offer out our workplace wellbeing programme to businesses and also support them further with workshops, webinars and wellbeing days around specific issues. These workshops and dedicated wellbeing days are incredibly beneficial to companies and are a really nice treat for people that need time away from their routine to learn how to new habits and create a healthier lifestyle.
The last two years has seen work culture change drastically. What would be your top wellbeing tips for people working from home?
First and foremost is to take regular breaks. When you’re sitting at a computer it’s so easy to get absorbed into your daily routine and not stop. My advice is for people to take a 5-minute break every hour as this will drastically improve productivity.
Next up is to get out into the fresh air. Going for a daily walk allows you to soak up some vitamin D, boost your immunity and remain calm. Stress is one of the number one causes of most illnesses so the more that you can adopt healthy habits to combat stress, the better.
And finally, don’t snack while you’re at your desk. When you sit and snack in front of a screen your body is not engaging with what you’re eating so you will end up eating more because your brain isn’t fully registering what it’s consuming. Adopt mindful eating by moving away from your desk and taking the time to taste, smell and really enjoy what you’re putting into your body.
And finally, what’s your vision for the Whitecalm app in the future?
The vision is for the Whitecalm app to become the best global wellbeing platform in the world; emanating the fact that we are one world, functioning together through diversity and inclusion of all human beings to create a healthier, happier lifestyle for all.
Click here to become a member of the new Whitecalm app now at the discounted rate of just £9.99 per month or £110 annually.
Top 5 Valentine’s Day Meal Kits
If donning your glad rags and visiting a fine dining establishment isn’t quite making your heart skip a beat this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got just the (meal) ticket for you!
Since the start of the pandemic, restaurants up and down the country have been mastering the art of the meal kit with options for at-home dining now bigger, better and more delicious than ever. So whether you’re spending it with your partner or getting the gals round for the night, take your pick from our list of the top 5 tasty meal kits for the ultimate Valentine’s evening in…
Ding Dong Dim Sum
If you want to enjoy delicious dumplings from the comfort of your own home then opt for a delicious feast from Ding Dong Dim Sum. Each box includes dumplings, gyoza, sui mai, bao buns, sticky rice, salad and dips all packaged up and ready to be cooked in the super easy biodegradable steamer provided! All you need to bring to the party is a saucepan, some boiling water and a big appetite! We recommend the mouthwatering Veggie Patch for Two featuring mixed wild mushroom gyoza and spicy tofu and vegetable dumplings.
Borough Market Recipe Boxes
Bring the charm of Borough Market straight to your door with one of their fresh and tasty recipe boxes. Featuring the finest ingredients, customers can choose from starters and mains that rival restaurant quality. From globe artichokes with lemon herb butter to seared beef with asparagus stir fry and confit duck leg tacos, each delectable dish is packed full of indulgent tastes and flavours for an extra special night in.
Bocca Di Lupo
For an Italian feast you won’t forget in a hurry head on over to Bocca Di Lupo. Created especially for Valentine’s Day, the San Valentino Feast for 2 is a gastronomic tour of the world’s most romantic country. Expect creamy burrata, lobster risotto, suckling pig porchetta and ganache filled chocolate profiteroles, all washed down with a refreshing pomegranate martini. As you can see, it’s not called a feast for nothing!
Arabica
If your taste buds are craving some middle eastern spice then the Vegan Feast from Arabica is sure to fit the bill. The vibrant flavour-fest of seasonal, restaurant quality, plant based meze combines exotic flavour combinations and gentle spicing techniques to really bring the vegetables to life. Each freshly prepared meal kit also includes an Arabica music playlist to enhance the at home experience!
Hawksmoor at Home
If steak is the way to your heart then Hawksmoor at Home has you covered. We recommend the indulgent Fillet 2 Course Box which includes prime fillets of beef, ultimate oven chips, creamed spinach, garlic mushrooms, peppercorn sauce and sticky toffee pudding to finish. You also have the option to upgrade your box to include sour cherry negronis or a delicious bottle of Rioja. Hawksmoor at Home kits also come complete with a How to Cook the Perfect Steak guide and a QR code link to masterclass videos with Executive Chef, Matt Brown.