Casa Angelina

From the narrow street outside, the Casa Angelina is fairly unassuming; its all-white, boxy exterior doesn't give a hint of the luxury hotel's sleek and chic interiors. Inside the lobby, guests are greeted with white walls and furniture contrasted by colorful modern art and warm-toned wood floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light and spectacular coastal views from almost every vantage point. The hallways makes use of light aromatherapy scents and the relaxing atmosphere is supported by nearly no exterior noise (thanks to the large, rocky surroundings). Guests here are discerning travelers with more of an interest in art and style and less in sticking to a budget. While it's not nearly as expensive as [Il San Pietro di Positano]() (which clocks in at over double the rate), it's significantly more than it's nearest competitor, the four-pearl Hotel Tramonto d'Oro. Note that children under 12 are not permitted to stay at Casa Angelina, guaranteeing that the environment stays peaceful. 

Casa Angelina occupies a quiet and beautiful location built into the cliffs of Praiano, one of the villages along the
Amalfi Coast. The hotel is easily accessed from the main road running along the Amalfi Coast. Although it feels secluded, it's conveniently situated for exploring the area, though there are a handful of cafes, bars, and restaurants within a five- to 10-minute walk of the hotel right in Praiano. It's a 30-minute drive to both Amalfi and Positano, and about an hour-and-a-half to the Naples Airport. Sorrento is a 45-minute drive away, and Pompeii can be reached in about an hour. The hotel also organizes boat excursions to Capri and other villages.

Casa Angelina's rooms and suites feature chic, all-white contemporary decor. This is taken so seriously that if housekeeping finds a smudge on the white walls, they will fix it before the next guest arrives. The white walls, simple white furniture, white floors, and minimalist design feels fresh and luxurious, though it's worth noting that while many rooms are spacious for Italy, Single Sea Rooms come in at only 15 square meters (161 square feet), which is compact any way you slice it.Single Sea Rooms are designed specifically for solo travelers. They come with a French bed, private balcony, and shower-only bathroom. Classic Rooms are slightly bigger, with a shower/bath combo, and are ideal for short stays for up to two people. Junior Suites are a particularly lovely splash, with massive 30-square-meter (323-square-foot) terraces overlooking the gulf. All rooms offer bathrobes and slippers, Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with bidets, a range of L'Occitane toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. Upper category rooms and suites add extras like Nespresso machines and coffee pods, stocked-to-the-brim minibars, shower/tub combos, notebooks, and iPod docks. Most rooms have a terrace, private balcony, or large windows, and great views of either the Gulf of Naples, Positano, or Capri.To get closer to the beach, opt for one of the hotel's four Eudesea Experience rooms. These former fisherman homes have been restored and are located at the bottom floor of the hotel's glass elevator (though you'll still have to walk down the 200 steps to reach the beach club).

While the hotel itself is located up in the cliffs, the La Gavitella Beach Club and Bar can be accessed by an elevator down, followed by 200 steps. Here, hotel guests have exclusive space with loungers overlooking the gulf. Be warned, though, as this is not a sandy beach, but a stone and concrete platform. Access to the turquoise ocean is either via jumping or climbing down a small ladder. The beach's location is somewhat unique for the area as it faces west, allowing for more direct sunlight, and the popular spot is certainly lively.

Casa Angelina may be small, but it is home to several well-taken-care-of features, most notably the restaurant and wellness center. The hotel's main restaurant, Un Piano Nel Cielo, serves up delicious Italian food made with local and seasonal ingredients. The hotel's extensive continental breakfast buffet is not free, but those who opt-in can expect fresh salads, aged ham, cheeses, tons of fresh fruit, baked goods, and eggs. As an additional dining experience, there is a varied tasting menu in the evening, or the chef can cook a private dinner, both for extra fees. Dining takes place on a large terrace overlooking the sea or in a chic and minimalist indoor dining room. There's also a rustic cigar bar and a large cocktail lounge.The hotel's wellness center includes a modern gym outfitted with TechnoGym machines, a small fitness pool, a personal trainer, and outdoor group classes with a view of the coast. The hotel's modern spa is home to a sauna, several treatment rooms with aromatherapy and/or chromotherapy variations, and a small selection of fresh juice and fruit. In addition to the indoor pool at the gym, Casa Angelina has a small outdoor pool -- though it's better for dipping than swimming. It's surrounded by a weathered wooden sundeck with a few arrow-straight rows of stretched loungers facing the gulf. The
hotel also owns a private boat for exclusive excursions. Guests can ride around the Gulf of Naples, visit famous spots like the Blue Grotto, or make day trips to the local Amalfi villages. The hotel also offer free shuttle service to Positano, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking.