Driving down Amalfi coast, we went looking for a crumbling monastery that our Milan office did the design and feasibility for almost 10 years ago. Bought by a Texan, widowed billionaire for $12m, she planned to spend $20m on it and turn it into an exclusive 12 room boutique hotel.
At the time, the job was shelved, but when we found it, wow. Beautiful.

Built on the edge of a 400 ft high cliff, with an infinity pool and spa. We went in to get a coffee or something but it was closed – or rather not yet open.

Builders were just putting in place the furniture and completing the snagging (boy I remember how miserable that is).
The place looks tremendous. Infinity pool is built on the cliff edge and the terraces are all laid out ready for the place to open in a matter of weeks – ready for the Easter season to start I guess.
Since we couldnt get any joy there, we found a little bar in Positano. Even though its pretty cold, Helene spotted a bottle of Pimms and couldn’t resist. The guy didn’t seem to know what to do with it so poured her a bucket full and added an inch of lemonade to the glass. Excellent value (£3.50 for Pimms and a beer!).

We’ll be back.