Interestingly, I was introduced to the Amalfi Coast at a cinema way back in 1999 while viewing a remake of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Blanchett, and Jude Law. At some point during the film, possibly during the jazz club scenes, I knew it was only a matter of time before I visited some of the milieus from that movie.

During the visit a few years ago, I focused primarily on the seaside cities of Sorrento and Positano, both bustling with locals and tourists – but not quite as much as I had anticipated. My base camp that week was Sorrento and I immediately fell in love with Leonelli’s Beach Club, one of four places to chill for a few hours down by the small but picturesque harbor, Marina Piccolo. Capri was also on the bucket list and while the island is certainly visit-worthy, the hike up to the peak and the view from there was the most memorable experience.