A former noble residence dating back to the 12th century, Palazzo Avino (nicknamed ‘the pink palace’ thanks to a salmon exterior) has opulence in spades. It’s long been considered one of the most luxurious places to rest your head in the region, tempting celebrities from near and far – Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini were regulars. The building was introduced as a hotel in its current form in 1997 after undergoing a detailed and lengthy renovation to restore it to its former glory. Now it’s home to a lengthy list of amenities, including a spa, wellness centre, solarium, Michelin-starred restaurant, limousine and helicopter access, beach club and outdoor heated swimming pool. However, martini lovers will be most delighted to hear about the on-site watering hole; the Lobster & Martini Bar.

Palazzo Avino can be found in quaint Ravello, in the midst of the iconic Amalfi Coast – about an hour’s flight from Naples, or a slightly lengthier ferry ride away. It’s a town with outstanding views of both its neighbouring mountains and ocean, courtesy of sitting 350 metres above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. The hotel itself is perched just away from town, making for an easy stroll to the town’s historic centre, where heritage villas and famed gardens await. While ocean access might not be walking distance, the Palazzo Avino doesn’t let its guests go without; the hotel’s Clubhouse by the Sea sits in the neighbouring town of Marmorata. A complimentary shuttle service runs to and from the Palazzo all day long.

As you would expect from an Italian villa, the Palazzo Avino is ripe with charm. But its 43 rooms (including 10 suites) aren’t awash with the antiques and gold accents typical of a heritage home. Instead the rooms here are largely mid-century in decor. Architect and designer Cristina Celestino recently overhauled a capsule collection of seven rooms in the hotel. Each of these has embraced geometric patterns, a colour palette of pinks, and bathrooms dripping in colourful stones and marble with curved furniture and statement lighting plentiful.

Just as enticing as the interiors (more so for martini lovers) is the devoted drinking den, located on the main terrace. The Lobster & Martini Bar opens at 6pm sharp each evening. As the name suggests, fresh local lobster is on hand, as is a lengthy array of Champagne and prosecco options. But it’s the martinis which are truly worth talking about; 100 different takes on the tipple are available to indulge in, each conjured up by the hotel’s in-house mixologist. There is quite literally something for everyone, whether gin, vodka or tequila is your preferred martini base. Flavours range from the classic to the inspired; including an ode to the hotel, the Pink Martini, mingling rose and lychee liqueurs, with fresh lemon, lemon essence and vodka. Or the equally unique (and on-brand) Lemon Drop Martini. The juice of locally grown Amalfi lemons join Tanqueray gin, house-made limoncello and house-made lemon syrup for this zesty cocktail.

Martini lovers won’t need further convincing, but there also happens to be a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, for those who have worked up an appetite. Rossellinis is a celebration of Southern Italian cuisine, led by executive chef Michele Deleo. Only open for dinner, the restaurant serves up dishes which are distinctly Italian but unabashedly elaborate in design, with local ingredients (like rabbit and seafood) front and centre. But Rossellinis’ star attraction is arguably not even its cuisine; the candlelit restaurant roosts on a terrace overlooking the ocean, with views that have to be seen to be believed. For more, see Palazzo Avino.