It has been eight years since we'd packed our bags and escaped for seven whole nights away from it all. Villa Scarpariello Relais is about 1.5km east of Amalfi and has 11 apartments that are built into the cliff face overlooking the sea. A historic building in an incredible location, it really does take your breath away.

Stairs lead down from the roadside to a warm welcome, views into the open kitchen and a first glance into a lovely space of red brick archways broken up with large skylights. The atmosphere is calm, we’re early, and as more people arrive a gentle buzz circulates.