Villarena Relais

This is not one of our typical Secretplaces, but we had to include the location (in the fishing village of Nerano, on the tip of the peninsula) and the charm and friendliness of the owner, Guglielmo.

Villarena Relais is located in the more exclusive and more relaxing section of the Sorrento Coast that is rarely seen by visitors and guests. Although it is only a few kilometers from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Nerano is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of neighboring tourist spots. Nerano is a small fishing village that provides privacy, tranquility, and exclusivity that surrounding towns simply cannot offer. 

The best memories of your Italian vacation will be the ones that just happen. When it comes to planning your Italian get away, it is best to have an amazing place to stay. Then, let spontaneity and freedom take over. Villarena Relais is just that amazing place. With the owner personally welcoming each guest and the entire staff being at your complete disposal, Villarena is a full-service, village resort that offers you an experience unparallel to any other hotel in Italy.

Guglielmo took the old building of 1700 with its terraces of lemon and olive (now all certified organic) and restored the property to make four apartments, in fact a simple but comfortable. A swimming pool, large garden with children's play area, gazebo and lots of terraces hidden here and there, say this is a great place to come if you have young ones. The village is quite traditional and not as glamorous as Amalfi or Positano, but we found this was actually a nice surprise as it is less frequented by tourists. The Restaurant (joy of doing nothing) procedure of the place are its young chef, and rightly so - try the seafood pasta and zucchini!

So how are the apartments? They have all the necessary equipment to try your hand at cooking local specialties, as well as satellite TV, music systems and DVD players or VHS upon request. The courtyards are available for all to relax in the evening, enjoy an aperitif or just to relax around the house when you do not want to go to venture too far.

The Brigante (3) is the smallest of the four of 50 square meters, consisting of a bathroom, a dining room, kitchen, 1 double and 1 small room, both overlooking the sea and islands, where the apartments take their names. 

Il Gallo Lungo (4) is a bit larger, 60 square meters and has a large living room / kitchen, bathroom, small terrace, 1 double and 1 twin room.

La Rotonda (2 +2) is on the first floor and similar in size to the Gallo Lungo. The entrance opens onto a small sitting area with sofa bed leading to the bathroom, kitchen and small dining room and a private balcony with sea view. A double bedroom leads off the living room.

La Vetara suite apartment (4) is the largest of the apartments at 90 square meters and is located on the first floor. The entrance opens onto the living room / dining room with fireplace and kitchenette. The double room has a bathroom with shower, double that of a bathroom. What really distinguishes this apartment is off even if the terrace overlooking the gardens to the sea.

The apartments are not on sophistication, trend, design or style chic. They are all superbly clean and inviting spaces, perfect for a break to explore the rich history and beautiful nature area. William was one of the best guests we met on this journey and his love for review Nerano and the Amalfi Coast, in general, really shows. He is enthusiastic and knowledgeable and always ready to lend a hand with planning boat trips to Capri in whole or picnic in the hills. Great job Guglielmo!