Casa Angelina has the best views of Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy

Location: Praiano, near Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Styles: Modern and small luxury hotels that focus on dedicated services to each guest.

Good for: Romantic, luxury vacations in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Price: The hotel is open from April to October, with prices ranging from €625 ($1107) to €2500 ($4427) per night, depending on the season.

First impression: Our drive from Salerno, a port town at the entrance to the Amalfi Coast, took two and a half hours, due to bad weather and heavy traffic on the winding mountain roads between the towns of the Amalfi Coast. But all worries about the trip disappeared as soon as we got out of the car – a group of Casa Angelina staff appeared to remove our luggage and escort us to the door under white umbrellas. Inside the lobby, we were warmly welcomed, checked in easily and offered sparkling water (Malfi lemon and mint). With whitewashed walls and lots of windows overlooking the sea, this hotel is modern and intimate, with just 37 rooms. The ratio of staff to guests is approximately 2:1, meaning you can be sure that there is always someone to attend to your every need.

We were given a quick tour of the hotel’s public areas, which are full of modern and quirky art – notably a series of Murano glass sculptures by Cuban artist Alfredo Sisabravo and oil paintings by Argentinian artist Patricia Valencia Carstens. They will not be to everyone’s taste – they certainly were not mine! – but they will certainly be a topic of discussion.

Romans: On the third floor of four rooms, our room – as was the hotel – was a bright white space, with plain walls and white herringbone tiles. The lack of color guides your gaze – the perfect sweep of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the rugged cliffs that lead to the Amalfi coast. Even better, the unobstructed view of Positano, the beautiful pastel-colored houses and hotels rising up the hills like a tower of licorice allsorts. Even on the rainy days, which unfortunately were the only days we had on our trip, the light was amazing and the scenery was amazing. The small balcony with a table and two chairs was a great place to watch the sea and breathe in the fresh air.

The room was small but comfortable, with divine mattresses and pillows, lots of linen, and sweet light. All amenities were top-notch – such as Bang & Olufsen TV, Nespresso machine, iPad room information, and lighting controlled by computer panels on the bed.

My only gripes were the lack of USB ports near the bed – these are common in luxury hotels these days and it’s annoying when they aren’t – and the lack of storage for two people traveling together. We felt very confused because there was not enough space to put anything.

The pampering service was delightful – every night we received chocolates, glass bottles of water, a Casa Angelina silk eye mask, and L’Occitane pillow mist and hand cream.

Bathroom: Again, a small space, but everything you need – shower over the bathroom, toilet, bidet, sink and white cotton robes. Toiletries were L’Occitane and Malin & Goetz.

Food and drinks: The hotel prides itself on its good food but it is important to note that things are very expensive – €10 euros for a bottle of water, €20 for a glass of wine, €30 for a meal, €35 for a club sandwich. … if you want to eat and drink only at the hotel, you will pay more. However, the standard is high, and you should make a reservation for dinner at the fine restaurant on the fourth floor of Un Piano de Cielo, if you just want to try the freshly baked bread. My traveling companion, Deb, said it was the best bread she had ever eaten and I have to agree. We enjoyed a four-course dinner, featuring seafood, handmade pasta from the Gragnano region, and more, such as small tuna tacos and guacamole spring rolls, and refreshing small bites. of Amalfi lemons and “osmosis” or avocados.

Breakfast is served daily from 7am-11am and is a hearty feast – lots of fruit, granola, juices, freshly baked breads, tortillas, frittatas and healthy snacks, as well as delicious fresh tomatoes, prosciutto and local cheeses. You can also order eggs, omelets and pancakes, and wash it all down with fresh water (although the water is the only thing you pay for at breakfast, at a price of €20).

Be sure to have dinner, wine or an aperitif in the Seascape bar – yes, it’s expensive, but in great Italian tradition, it’s served with snacks. At Casa Angelina, this is not a peanut plate (although you will find it too) – we were served arancini, sashimi, olives, chips, and a ricotta pie.

Resources: Beautiful coffee table books and daily international newspapers are available to borrow from the shop. The gym has a small selection of machines and equipment, and there’s an indoor heated pool and sauna if you want to have a relaxing day. The weather was bad during our visit, but on nice days you can enjoy the outdoor pool or the hotel’s beach club – just down the elevator and 250 steps.

Functions: Kiwi visitors should be aware of the 2:1 ratio of staff to guests as it can be the make or break for you. All the staff were very friendly, efficient and eager to please but during our stay, where there were few other guests, it was overwhelming. It was as if we were being watched at all times, to be expected and attended to for our every need. Some people may enjoy that attention, but I found it difficult. For example, when I went to use the gym, I was the only visitor there, but there were two workers, just standing quietly in a small area. Don’t talk to each other, don’t talk to me, just… there. At breakfast one morning, I was in the middle of bringing a fork full of food to my mouth, and the waiter stood next to me and placed a knife and fork on either side of my plate. I think I might need a new clip on your mouth? It was very difficult for me, but I’m sure there are many guests who would appreciate the good care.

Area: Praiano is located between Amalfi and Positano, both about 25 minutes by car. Skip the hassle of getting into crowded buses plying the winding mountain roads and instead take advantage of the hotel’s free minivan, which departs from the hotel to Positano every hour. Or, if you want to avoid the crowds of Positano, talk to the hotel manager, who can give you tips to explore Praiano itself, where you can find shops, restaurants, bars, restaurants and beaches, churches and a more authentic vibe. popular tourist towns. Cheaper prices for food and drinks than a hotel too, I would think.

Family benefits: Casa Angelina is for adults and children over 12 years old.

Accessibility: The hotel is not suitable for guests with mobility needs, and the Amalfi coast itself can be difficult for those with mobility issues.

Stability: Casa Angelina’s environmental practices include energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems; leftover food is composted and recycled back into the garden soil; there are charging stations for electric cars; and most of the produce in the restaurant comes from the farms on the premises, while the exporters have a green certificate. Coffee is fair trade, and the goal is to protect water.

Contact: casangelina.com