Relais Villarena

Absolutely brilliant experience. The hotel was unlike anything we’ve stayed at before and was very clean our whole trip. The staff were amazing, Maria in particular gave us great recommendations and always had a smile to welcome us with. We arrived very late due to our flight being diverted and our room was set up with clear instructions on how to get there. The food was incredible in their restaurant ( I recommend the ravioli!) and it’s great to see the vegetable garden where all the fresh produce comes from. We had a very relaxing trip and will definitely be back! Thank you to all the staff who made our trip perfect, and special thanks to Ginger the cat who we loved spending time with!

To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary my husband and I took our 19-strong family to Villarena. What a brilliant decision! Owner Gugliemo and his staff could not have been more helpful both before and during the holiday to plan a magical time. The apartments were charming, the food fabulous and the views wonderful. The boat trip has been rated by the grandkids as one of best family experiences ever. If you want to visit the Amalfi coast without the crowds- but to experience the stunning scenery and traditional Italian seaside I cannot recommend Villarena too highly.

Staying at this villa in Nerano was like stepping into the heart of true Italy. The apartment is full of charm, with stunning views and authentic details that make every moment feel special. What truly sets this place apart is the host-unbelievably kind, helpful, and welcoming. From sunrise over the sea to quiet evenings under the stars, this stay was unforgettable. A hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast!

I booked two rooms at this hotel for a four-night stay with extended family. The location in Nerano was excellent—set in a tiny, quirky town that feels surprisingly untouristy given its proximity to the beach. The village itself is full of character, with a network of narrow alleys connecting everything. Each evening, locals gather in the small central square near the restaurant, creating a pretty unique atmosphere that oozes an Italian/beach vibe. There’s a restaurant in town that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its outdoor seating is located across the main road from the restaurant itself, which means the waitstaff are constantly weaving through traffic—a slightly chaotic but endearing detail. The spaghetti alla Nerano was outstanding, and the staff were warm and friendly. The hotel is made up of a series of small apartments, all of which were exceptionally clean and well maintained. The terraces offered stunning views—an ideal setting for enjoying a bottle of wine with your group in the evening. The hotel also has its own restaurant, which serves excellent traditional Italian fare. We dined there twice during our stay and thoroughly enjoyed both meals. The staff were consistently kind and attentive, making sure we felt welcome and well cared for, especially in the evenings. Nerano is also a convenient base for day trips to Capri and the Amalfi Coast, including Positano. We used a local boat service that departed directly from a small dock at the beach. The walk down to the beach was pleasant, though the return uphill climb requires a fair bit of stamina. It’s not ideal for small children or elderly guests. We used taxis for those in our group who preferred not to walk, while others took it as an opportunity for a bit of exercise. Overall, this is a fantastic little European hotel in a cool, slightly off-the-beaten-path Italian town. We would absolutely stay here again if we find ourselves in the area.