By Laurie Markus, Special Correspondent

The splendid four star Hotel Poseidon is our pick for Positano. Genoan Bruno Aonzo fell in love with Positano in 1926. In 1950 he and his wife Liliana decided to purchase an orange and lemon grove on the Amalfi Coast and build a villa there.A few years later, that charming mediterranean home in the center of Positano became the Hotel Poseidon.

For over 40 years,the hotel has been operated by the Aonzo family.Guests delight in the discreet and refined hospitality, which mirrors the image and traditions of Positano. The hotel is a short walk to the center of town and the beach and conveniently located to popular regional sites. Staying at the Poseidon enables guests to visit wondrous places during the day and return "home" to the tranquility of the hotel.

The Hotel Poseidon has 48 rooms and two suites, all with private terraces overlooking the spectacular and beautiful bay of Positano. They are finely furnished and include air-conditioning, satellite T.V. minibars and direct telephone lines. A fresh-water pool, restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, the "Laura Elos Beauty Center" which offers a full range of spa treatments and complete gym, elevator and private garage round out the amenities of the property.

Positano, for those who know it, is a tiny corner of Paradise. This vertical village on Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the world's most enchanting destinations. As a relaxing retreat, Positano heightens sensory perceptions with extraordinary visuals, casual elegance, and sumptuous dining. As an ideal place from which to set out and adventure, Positano is centrally located to some of the region's better known attractions.

What to See and Do // Endless hiking opportunities, a charming cathedral square and a picturesque harbor guarantee to delight visitors. The Spiaggia Fornillo, and Spiaggia Grande, are the most popular of Positano's beaches. Umbrellas are available at nominal day rates.

Tours // This region of Italy is a treasure chest full of cultural and historical gems. The tourist office at via del Saracino, 4 (tel.87-50-67), is in the red building opposite the town cathedral and just below the main square. Advice on hiking, special tours and access to nearby towns is ready available.Most visitors converge on Capri, a half an hour by hydrofoil, Sorrento 12 kilometers, Amalfi 14 kilometers, Ravello 18 (Ravello Music Festivals between May and October) and Pompeii 33.

Transportation Tips // Positano is 260 kilometers from Rome and 50 kilometers from Naples. Most hotels provide taxi service or parking for private cars. Positano is also on the Sorrento-Amalfi S.I.T.A. bus line. The 40 minute trip from Sorrento to Positano costs about $1. each way. Ferries and hyrofoils also connect with Capri.The telephone code for Positano is 089.

By Laurie Markus, Special Correspondent

We visited Positano on our honeymoon during the month of August. After flying into Rome, we took a train to Naples and were driven by car from Naples to Positano. The car ride was breathtakingly beautiful, albeit somewhat windy. In spite of our long journey from the U.S. we were instantly enchanted by the Hotel Poseidon once we arrived. The elegant antique furnishings, area rugs, aqua bath tiles, linens and accessories provided us with an immediate level of gracious welcome. The piece de resistance of course came when we opened the shutters to the balcony of our room where the extraordinary views of Positano validated the reason for our long journey. Simply phenomenal.

The hotel restaurant serves the freshest foods, at all meals. From the vegetables, salads and pastas to the daily seafood catch, all our choices were superb. We especially enjoyed the limoncello, a drink made with lemon liqueur that is indigenous to the area.. We spent our days, hiking, relaxing by the pool and enjoying the marvelous scenery. The perfect honeymoon location!