Elite Traveler January-February 2019

LE SIRENUSE POSITANO, ITALY

John Steinbeck visited Positano in 1953 and remarked that the village is “a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” He also visited Le Sirenuse, where the dream-like charm is utterly seductive with a deep burnt-red facade, stark-white walls, bright colors, creeping indoor foliage and mermaid motifs. The views out over the Amalfi Coast are just outstanding, and it’s no surprise that guests return again and again. The hotel has been owned and operated by the Sersale family since 1951, so the vibe is welcoming and homey. Top suite Two-bedroom Suite Sea View from $6,900 per night Date night Dine at Michelin-starred La Sponda, where hundreds of candles flicker, and vines creep up the walls. Contact Marilena Schiavo, reservations manager, info@sirenuse.it, +39 089 875 066, sirenuse.it

KATIKIES SANTORINI, GREECE

In the whimsical, cascading village of Oia, you’ll find Katikies built high into the cliff and overlooking the Caldera and Aegean Sea. The hotel is comprised of cottages connected by bridges and stairways, and everything is spotlessly gleaming in whitewash — the hotel spends $29,000 per year just on white paint. Mikrasia Restaurant is sublime: The rooftop location means the views are out of this world, especially when the sun sets, and the cuisine is just as exceptional. Go for the four-course tasting menu to sample the best Greek fare. Top suite Master Suite from $2,210 per night In the know The Katikies Club is a network of well-connected concierges who are on hand to create bespoke experiences just for you, as well as providing VIP access to museums, archeological sites, art galleries, wineries and boutiques. Contact Menia Voevoda, general manager, info@katikies.com, +30 228 607 2382, katikies.com

Set on the Bosphorus strait that links Europe and Asia, this Four Seasons hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace. The pleasingly symmetrical exterior wouldn’t be out of place in a Wes Anderson movie, and is best viewed from the water (be sure to arrive by the hotel’s luxury boat transfer, or take a sunset cruise to explore the surroundings). The interiors are soothing and understated; the views across the strait to the hills of Asia take center stage. Visit over a weekend to join in the festivities at a definitely-not-basic brunch — it’s more akin to a festival with live music. Top suite Atik Pasha Suite from $26,000 per night If you do one thing Tour local Ottoman mansions and visit celebrated interior designer and Ottoman art historian Serdar Gülgün’s waterside home. FOUR SEASONS ISTANBUL AT THE BOSPHORUS ISTANBUL, TURKEY

VILLAD’ESTE LAKE COMO, ITALY

With the ultimate views of Lake Como, manicured 25-acre gardens with a Nympheum, Hercules Fountain and Telemachus Statue, Villa D’Este is as romantic as it is historic. Designed by Pellegrino Pellegrini in the 16th century, it has hosted royalty, aristocrats and celebrities ever since. There are decadent suites and private villas to choose from; a spa, sports and golf club; and five restaurants and bars. The crowning glory is the famous swimming pool that is quite literally floating within Lake Como. Top suite Mosaic House from $23,000 per week When to go From June to August, the gardens come alive with music, dancing and fireworks. Contact Patrizia Penna, reservations manager, reservations@villadeste.it, +39 031 3481, villadeste.com

Contact Tarek Mourad, general manager, concierge.bosphorus@fourseasons.com, +90 212 381 4051, fourseasons.com