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Enjoying spectacular open sea views of the Gulf of Naples and the Island of Capri, with sleek and stylish white décor, colorful modern art and delicate Mediterranean cuisine, Casa Angelina is the Amalfi coast’s first real design hotel. Situated 50m above sea level and surrounded by terraces of lemon trees, Casa Angelina emerges from the rocks gleaming in bright sunlight. The unique style of this cliffhanger combines luxury and elegance with colors and forms of contemporary art and minimalist design. Light-filled bedrooms are spacious, with furnishings as contemporary as Mies and as funky as Starck, where the predominance of white creates a cool and calming vibe.

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The airy living spaces provide the perfect setting for a fabulous collection of Murano glass from some of Italy’s best young designers and bold rainbow-glass sculptures from Cuban surrealist Alfredo Sosabravo. All of the rooms have fabulous views over the Gulf of Salerno. Some have private terraces or balconies that look straight onto the sea in front—perfect for cocktails and intimate dining. There are also 4 private apartments down by the sea, blending the hotel’s signature style with rustic touches (like a natural rock). Located in beautiful former fishermen’s houses the apartments come with Bang and Olufsen entertainment systems, private kitchens and patios.

Casa Angelina’s panoramic Un Piano nel Cielo restaurant offers Mediterranean gastronomy in a dramatic rooftop setting, accompanied by a superb wine list featuring all of the best Italian wines. The small Moroccan-inspired bar with a wide range of bespoke cocktails has a terrace on the cliff-edge, scattered with teak tables and umbrellas. It’s a perfect spot for a sundowner drink… or two. There’s a state-of-the-art gym and spa, indoor and outdoor small pools to choose from and a private strip of La Gavitella—a pebbly beach reachable via the hotel’s private glass lift and a set of stairs, where deck chairs and beach umbrellas await hotel guests.

Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi are all within easy reach either by car or by the hotel’s Master Angelina boat, which can take you on private trips along the coastline, or as far as the islands of Capri and Ischia.

WHAT I LOVEd

• Modern style, unique design, intriguing art, designer furniture, and stylish living spaces—as well as the freshness of the white interiors;
• The latest mod cons: netbooks with complimentary internet access, iPod Docks and Nespresso machines in every room;
• Location in the quiet and picturesque village of Praiano, halfway between Amalfi and Positano, within easy reach are Naples, Salerno, Vesuvius, Pompei, Herculaneum, and Paestum;
• Stunning vistas: facing the sunset, it takes in the island of Capri’s famous ‘Faraglioni’ rocks and, in the foreground, the town of Positano, one of the most picturesque on the coast;
• Most rooms are positioned to make the best of the wonderful views;
• The gourmet Mediterranean cuisine at Un Piano Nel Cielo restaurant with panoramic views across the coast from indoor or outdoor rooftop terrace;
• Well-stocked wine cellar;
• Free use of umbrellas and loungers for Casa Angelina guests at the Gavitalla Beach, accessed by glass elevator;
• Sublime and almost surreal contrast of the white interiors against the blue sea;
• Unusually for an Amalfi coast hotel, Casa Angelina has plenty of parking space.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Casa Angelina is open annually from April to October and for selected dates over the New Years Eve period;
• The hotel’s beach is a small grey-pebble strip 15 minutes’ steep walk below, though a lift takes guests part of the way;
• Children are welcome but there are no dedicated facilities (except a children’s menu);
• Because of the hillside location, the lower room categories have less space;
• While all guest rooms come with a balcony or some type of sea view, some of the balconies are small;
• 180º sea-views are slightly marred by some shabby buildings in front;
• The outdoor pool is small and gets quickly crowded;
• To get to the hotel it’s a 20-minute drive from Naples Airport (NAP) to Naples Central Station followed by an hour 10-minute train ride from Naples Central Station to Sorrento and finally a 10-minute bus ride from Sorrento to Praiano. Thus we recommend car hire as the hotel has a parking space.

In my opinion, the chic Casa Angelina is a rare find on Italy’s legendary Amalfi Coast—it’s like a breath of fresh air when compared to all the other, rather conservative hotels. If you are looking for something extra luxurious, then go for the fabulous Junior Suite 401, with a vast private terrace offering 180º expansive views of Positano and Capri. My second choice would be the Grand Deluxe Suite, with lovely views of Praiano from the Starck bathtub.

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Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety