If The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner swept you away with its stormy secrets and sun-soaked coastline, you’re not alone. Set on the steep cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the novel blends gothic tension with breathtaking views—making it hard not to picture yourself there, journal and spritz in hand.

Penner takes you between past and present, mixing mystery with the magic of Positano. As the story unravels, one thing becomes clear: this is a place worth visiting in real life. John Steinbeck, who visited in 1953, wrote “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”

So where should you stay?

If you’ve turned the last page and want your own cliffside escape, then let me introduce you to Le Sirenuse.

This legendary hideaway in Positano offers everything you imagined while reading: candlelit terraces, dramatic sea views, and old-world elegance with a modern soul. Originally a private villa, Le Sirenuse is now one of Italy’s most iconic hotels—still family-owned (which I love!) and as romantic as ever.

It’s the perfect setting to reflect on the novel’s themes of love, legacy, and the powerful pull of place. Whether you’re lounging poolside, wandering the lemon-scented streets, or soaking in the view from your balcony, it’s easy to feel like you’re living your own beautifully written story.

Book through Luxury Reading Retreats and receive exclusive VIP perks:

• Room upgrade on arrival (when available)
• Daily breakfast for two
• $100 spa credit
• Welcome bottle of Italian Spumante
• Early check-in / late check-out (when available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

These thoughtful touches make it easier to slow down, unwind, and let the story stay with you.

Ready to Turn the Page?
If The Amalfi Curse left you dreaming of secrets by the sea, it’s time to follow the fiction. Let’s bring your Positano escape to life by reaching out to Luxury Reading Retreats today!