If you’re in a rush, walking through Positano with Carlo Cinque might not be the best idea.
Every few steps, he stops to chat. Some folks are friends, others are family, all showcasing the tight-knit connections that tie Carlo and his family, along with the renowned hotel, Il San Pietro Di Positano, to this beautiful Amalfi coastal town.
As Carlo approaches his 55th birthday on June 29th, Il San Pietro might just be the perfect place to capture that picture-perfect moment, embracing the allure of a stylish Italian lifestyle.
“We always cater to our guests’ desires; it’s truly a joy to provide everything they need to make their stay enjoyable,” Carlo shares.
Perched on a rocky cliff, this hotel adds a unique charm to the Amalfi coast. Its fragrant gardens, flourishing with jasmine, rosemary, and a host of citrus fruits, are just the beginning. Guests can swim or sail on one of the two yachts available, and there’s even an elevator that glides down to a pristine beach. And for those looking to stay active, there are options like beachside Pilates, yoga, and tennis. The outdoor gym beneath the lemon trees and a gorgeous blue pool add to the allure, while the lunch menu includes delectable homemade dishes featuring local seafood and organic produce.
The Cinque family is now synonymous with luxury travel, but their journey was once seen as a gamble. Back in 1934, a young Carlino Cinque convinced his skeptical father to help locals purchase land in Positano—a place that was then just a quiet fishing village.
“People thought Uncle Carlino was out of his mind. Who opens a hotel in a town with hardly any tourists?” Carlo reflects.
Despite his limited schooling, Carlino opened Hotel Miramare in 1934, catering to a handful of Northern Europeans escaping winter. During World War II, the hotel served as a residence for British generals, many of whom returned post-war, thus sparking the interest of more Anglo visitors.
Eager for something more upscale, Cinque began acquiring land a couple of kilometers outside the town.
Driven by a vision, he launched a luxurious resort in 1970. The family later added a Michelin-starred restaurant and a seaside tennis court, alongside a boutique with exquisite handmade items.
“Uncle Carlino accomplished all this without hiring an architect. He had a natural artist’s vision and respected the environment. He’d often take a boat out to see his creations from the water. It’s a completely different approach to hotel design,” Carlo explains.
According to his great-nephew, Carlino’s creative spirit was nicely balanced by his brother Salvatore and sister Virginia, who were adept at welcoming high-profile guests like Franco Zeffirelli, Brooke Shields, and Julia Roberts. The Cinque family has also given back to the community by establishing Positano’s annual Sun, Sea and Culture Festival in 1992.
However, the town now faces challenges stemming from its popularity. With a population of less than 4,000, Positano grapples with overwhelming tourism that many beautiful Italian towns encounter. A single road connects it to the rest of the Amalfi coast, with large buses often causing traffic snarls, sometimes blocking its charming narrow streets.
Guests at Il San Pietro can escape the congestion by taking a brief boat ride from the hotel’s beach to Positano Port. With only 55 rooms and around 200 staff members, the resort offers an intimate experience, boasting a remarkable 50% return rate.
Carlo, an ambitious host, hasn’t slowed down amidst all the glory. Over the past year, they’ve meticulously restored two properties and are planning an indoor pool and an expanded spa at Il San Pietro.
Throughout it all, the family ethos remains strong, especially in an era where many stunning properties belong to large corporate entities. There are even whispers of the Cinque family declining several offers from frequent guest Bernard Arnault.
It’s hard to picture them parting with a place they cherish.
“When we close for the season, we’re constantly focused on renovations. We often tell long-time guests we’re improving their rooms, and they typically respond with, ‘Please don’t change my room. It’s perfect as it is!’ Yet, when they return, they almost always express their delight, saying it’s even more beautiful than before,” Carlo laughs.
