May 2012

I LOVED Il Saraceno! My answers for VIA Villas would be all the same (great!) I loved how funky that place is. It's not overly fancy, even though it's spectacular. It felt just right for the town. A bit of bohemian spirit which SO suits me. I can't tell you how happy I am that I know I'll be going there again in the spring of 2013. 

Alicia J. NYC

July 2011

More beautiful than I could have imagined. Even better than the pictures portrayed...

Joanna P. McLean, VA

June 2009

Il Saraceno was a magical place to stay. 

Robert and Linda W. Perth, Australia

April 2009

Amazing property, beautiful setting and a great slice of history. I think that we were early in the season, heat was definitely needed in Il Saraceno at night and we did get it turned back on. Loved, loved the location and privacy. Great to have the separate annex for our son. Views amazing ++++ ... would love to return at some point later in the season, when warmer, pool functioning etc. All adjunct staff great, Car service could not have been better.. used them alot. Your list of side trips etc. was super. 

Name and city withheld by request

June 2008

We love the location, views, charm and decor. Staying on top of the views in Positano with the soft breeze was magical. We would like to thank you again for helping us find the right villa and answer any questions we had. I have spoken highly of your help with our replacing one villa with another. I will happily pass your name on to our friends!! Thanks so much. Ciao, 

N. and M. Emmerson Portola Valley, CA

May 2008

Greetings, Lori and James...

Not a day goes by that Bob and I don't reminisce in some small way about our 2 weeks at Il Saraceno this past May. Vacationing in our own private fortress overlooking the Mediterranean was a scene right out of a postcard, only we were part of the scenery! Our living quarters were so uniquely 'old world' and steeped in history that it was easy to believe we were becoming more Italian with each day. And the 27 curving stone stairway to the decorative tile bathroom was always worth the trip, helping us work up an appetite for our next glorious meal, whether under our own pergola or at one of the many remarkable outdoor restaurants that are so prevalent in Positano.

We were especially delighted to have our own kitchen (with wiew of Positano in the distance), and the ability to prepare a platter of fresh hearty bread, a variety of local cheeses, an assortment of native olives, and a fine red wine to enjoy outdoors on our patio. And as if this weren't sufficient for the vacation of a lifetime, we were thrilled to have access to the stone staiway leading to the Mediterranean Sea, where I made certain to take a swim while a dramatic view of the rocky cliffs surrounded me, as Bob took photos to savor the memory for all time.

Is it any wonder that we are still recalling on a regular basis the magical memories of our Positano experience? 

Joann and Bob A. Woodbridge, CT

May 2007

Lori and James - have to say we LOVED Il Saraceno. It was beyond spectacular. 

R. McKnight Half Moon Bay, CA

May 2007

James: The simple answer is -WE HAD A WONDERFUL TRIP. Many thoughts to exchange with you. We loved IL Saracino. We met the owners and a good story to convey. All the food , ordered in and eating out was superb. Weather very lucky wonderful. Many good visits and lots of good stories. Paula was helpful. Naturally we are in a mile high catch up so I will make this short and perhaps we can chat in the near future. Also, about a possible re-upping for another visit. My best and thanks, 

B. Alvine Woodbridge, CT

October 2006

Dear Via Travel Design/James,

We would like to write and 'Thank You' for the recommendation of staying at Il Saraceno and let you know we had a wonderful time! Our 25th Wedding Anniversary was very 'Special' , Thanks to the wonderful location of this property, we were thrilled and more than happy with our choice. We would be happy to recommend Il Saraceno to anyone who wishes to celebrate a special occasion in the future, we hope to return again someday as we love Italy so much, Positano was more than we had hoped for too. So many restaurants to choose from and some great meals and wine! The weather was the icing on the cake for us nice and hot and sunny so we could not have asked for anything more. Plus the people of Positano including Paola who were so very nice to deal with and she was very accomodating showing us around the property when we arrived! Eva too was a lovely lady who cleaned for us and even though I spoke no Italian we seemed to be able to communicate somehow? "Thanks" again for telling us about this wonderful property, we were truly lucky to have found such a wonderful place at such 'late notice' but it was the "BEST"!! Our Anniversary memories will be truly cherished and we cannot wait to return again sometime in the future, maybe for our 30th??!!

We found the beautiful views from Il Saraceno hard to leave behind as they were magnificient. Regards, 

Paul & Melanie Church Ontario Canada

July 2006

Dear James, We are now back home and I wanted to tell you how wonderful Il Saraceno was, the photos do not do it justice! It was the PERFECT place to spend our honeymoon & we hope someday to return! Paola and Eva (the housekeeper) were great as well. I will definitely be recommending your company to friends & family. Sincerely, 

R. Stolfi & John Zawada Clifton, NJ

September 2005

James and Lori,

Paul and I thank you again for recommending we stay at Il Saraceno to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary in September. It was an enchanting place to stay in the always-enchanting Positano.

In a way, it was exactly as you described it, and pictured it on your website; I say in a way because there are no words or pictures that can truly reflect the beauty of the site the ancient tower abode, with all its charm; the pristine private beach where I spent the better part of a day completely alone with my books and thoughts; and the absolutely stunning view from the bedroom, the terrace, or from just about anywhere on the property. It was spectacular! Paola was there to meet us, and available to assist us throughout our stay. She was very kind, even offering to give Paul and me a ride (via her boat) to the San Pietro.

It was nice to have a local looking out for us. We also want to thank you for all of the recommendations you provided on what to do once we got settled at Il Saraceno. Everything you recommended be it a shuttle service, cafe restaurant, grocery store, pottery shop, etc.was terrific. I am amazed that you are able to keep your list of recommended places to go so current and GOOD; however you are doing it, keep it up! Your pre-trip guidance and suggestions were invaluable. So, grazie mille for all you did to make our celebration truly memorable. We are already browsing your site searching for next years destination! Warm regards, 

Lisa Kerber Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

August 2005

The pictures and description of Il Saraceno do not come close to conveying the magic of this place!! What an absolutely incredible place. We loved it. 

B. Berardo Lambertville, NJ

June 2005

The property was incredible! 

G. Cirillo Penn Valley, PA