The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is one of the Neapolitan Riviera’s landmark hotels, boasting a magnificent clifftop setting in the heart of Sorrento, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. While the iconic hotel has welcomed a who’s who of royalty and celebrities from the music and cinematic worlds including the King of England, Luciano Pavarotti and Sophia Loren, it too has enjoyed a starring role in cinema and TV.

Dating back to 1834, the historic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria comprises three interconnecting buildings – La Vittoria, La Rivale and La Favorita – stunningly restored and refurbished with modern comforts while maintaining its original charm and classical elegance. Eighteenth and nineteenth century masterpieces, art nouveau styling, antique furnishings and dramatic frescoes ornament the 84 bedrooms and suites, most boasting a balcony or terrace with views of the bay or garden. Discerning travellers will want to stay in one of the hotel’s sought after one-of-a-kind suites, each named in honour of past guests. The Margaret is named after Princess Margaret and is decorated and furnished in charming early Victorian style with a painted neo-renaissance ceiling, period furniture and a sumptuous red marble bathroom.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include Michelin starred Terrazza Bosquet, offering al fresco regional and Mediterranean cuisine from May to October, or The Orangerie serving Neapolitan cuisine for lunch and dinner from April to October. And a visit to Bar à Champagne La Pergola for bubbles on the terrace is a must.

Take a dip in one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools, surrounded by a private five-acre park filled with ancient trees, flowers, and olive groves. There’s also a playground and pizza making classes for the younger guests.

When it’s time to unwind, head to Boutique Spa La Serra where you will find a heated swimming pool decorated in antique Roman style, Jacuzzi with colour therapy and a menu of exclusive wellbeing treatments including the divine Signature La Dolce Vita ritual.