Fast forward to the Summer season and whenever I am staying in Sorrento, I have to visit the Hotel Excelsior Vittoria even if not resident – for either sun down cocktails or dinner – or both.

What makes this place part of my essential Summer? well firstly I just love the service and ambience – walking down the tree lined private avenue from the main piazza is like being enveloped in a bygone era that has been given a contemporary update and polished just for you to enjoy.

We arrived via boat from Naples and took the marina entrance via an original art deco lift – upto the balcony where we were met by a member of the ever present – yet never intrusive – staff.

Check in was super efficient as always – we arrived early in the morning and so our room was not ready – but we were able to enjoy coffee and a light breakfast before heading out into that beautiful Italian sunshine and straight to the wonderful pool area.

And oh what a pool – the outdoor white marble swimming pool sits behind the hotel, nestled amongst the lemon trees, with beds, pool side bar and restaurant and lovely gardens that have pretty hammocks which we tried just for a giggle. We stayed by the pool all day – everyday – it is really hard to be anywhere else when you can just dip in and out of the cool water all day (there is also a small Childs pool) and there was a heatwave whilst we were in Italy!

The pool has a wonderful jacuzzi feature and many times during our stay I sat in the pool, drink in one hand and book in the other just enjoying the bubbles. There were a few children by the pool when we were there – as it was peak time – but the pool staff keep control of the environment so that you are not disrupted. The day beds are super comfortable and the pool staff attentively put out your towels and adjust your parasol to follow the sun during the day.

The restaurant by the pool – L’Orangerie is relaxed and comfortable – offering signature local dishes and the most beautiful stone baked pizzas. The kitchens are open so you can watch the chefs at work and drinks can be taken on your sun bed or at the pool bar area.

The last time I stayed as resident at the Hotel Excelsior Vittoria was a number of years ago – for my honeymoon where we were upgraded to the Vesuvius suite – which is just – perfection – triple aspect with a mezzanine level looking out over the bay to Vesuvius or Capri. Just heavenly. If you are looking for an extra special treat then one of the suites or sea view with balcony really is the way to see this hotel at its finest.

 For our latest stay in August 2017 – we were in room 403 – which is a garden facing room – but what a garden – what a view!

Across the acres of gardens owned by the hotel and into Sorrento town and then the beautiful landscape behind. From the side window you can still see beautiful Vesuvius – and lazily watch the sea and the boats coming in and out of the marina. We were travelling for a girls holiday (With my mum it really is the perfect mother-daughter break) so the room was made up as twin beds – but can also be a double. The room was really pretty – with fresh whites and pale blues and a marble bathroom. There is no balcony in this room but the windows are very large so you feel like the outdoors are indoors.

Breakfast is pretty special – I will run out of space to list everything as there is so much choice and it is all really wonderful. From the bespoke smoothies to Italian meats, cakes and local products to berries and fruit, yoghurts, oats and fish. There is also hot food available serving omelettes and local specialities. And all of this is served in a room that has the most beautiful room complete with frescos on the ceiling  – accompanied by a live pianist overlooking the bay – it really is like something out of a movie – but at the same time not stuffy or pretentious.

There is a spa that I have heard wonderful things of – we didn’t visit as timings didn’t work out but look forward to doing so on our next visit!

The Michelin restaurant – Terraza Bosquet – we hadn’t pre-booked – make sure you do! So we didn’t get to enjoy that this time either – however I have eaten there previously and highly recommend – make sure you request a seat outside – this can’t always be honoured but the maitre’d will try.

So all in all – a trip to this hotel are one of the highlights of my annual travel plans – but just to share some of the highlights of this wonderful hotel…

– The lift from Marina Piccola which makes entrance by boat by far the coolest and most glamorous option (we used Alilauro to arrange) from the Marina you can catch boats to Capri, Positano, Ischia

– The Italian style decor combined with a contemporary colour palette of elegant gold, creams and whites – sometime the Italian heavy style doesn’t suit my taste but the family have managed to perfectly combine the charm of yester-year with modern aesthetic

– Luxurious marble finished bathroom – with that view!

– Bar Vittoria for sun downers

– The absolutely gorgeous marble pool

And finally the staff – far too many to name but they are all wonderful – discreet and everyone knows your name and room number – they are all a little bit theatrical and their confident approach to their customer is what really makes your stay – a truly 5 star service.