Casa Angelina: A Dreamy Escape in Praiano
Perched high on the cliffs of Praiano, Casa Angelina invites you to take a pause, breathe, and let the elegance of the Amalfi Coast envelop you. This intimate retreat, with its blend of modern design and classic Mediterranean charm, offers guests a serene sanctuary where every detail is considered, and every view is a masterpiece.
A Special Hotel Review from Kyle Seltzer, Principal of KAX
An approach nothing short of cinematic
Winding through the sunlit labyrinth of Praiano’s narrow streets and walkways, where lemon trees dangle like golden baubles and terraced gardens cascade down towards the sea, the pristine white fa?ade of Casa Angelina rises before you, perched high above the sapphire waves.
The entrance is graced by the bronze statue “La Conversacion”, by the French artist Etienne, a stark contrast to the lightness of the buildings, only mimicked by the pops of modern art sculptures that grace the interior rooms and corners of the outdoor terraces like modern art gargoyles. The property is charming, sure, but there is a certain sense of sprezzatura-like splendor that seems to be embedded into its structure.
Casa Angelina is a flex of quiet luxury that I can’t get enough of. The Seascape Bar, with its panoramic terrace, and the newly opened Terrazza Costiera, designed by Paola Lenti, are the perfect spots to sip on a craft cocktail as the sun sets over Capri in the not-so-far distance, casting a golden glow across the horizon and into neighboring Positano. Inside, the airy spaces are filled with plush seating and sleek design elements that echo the natural beauty outside.
The pool, seemingly suspended between the sea and sky, offers a noteworthy vantage point. Here, you can lounge on a sunbed, the scent of rosemary and citrus (the pool is lined with lemon trees) in the air, and watch as boats drift lazily along the coast. With the iconic lemon pergola, it’s a scene that feels like it belongs on a postcard, but here…it’s just another day.
A symphony of white and light in the suites
The 36 rooms and suites at Casa Angelina are a study in the art of white. Every surface, from the crisp linens to the plush bedding and modern furnishings, is bathed in various shades of white, creating an ambiance of serene elegance. This isn’t just by chance; it’s a deliberate design choice that evokes a sense of calm the moment you step inside. The natural light flooding through the large windows amplifies this effect, creating a seamless flow from the interior’s pristine palette to the vibrant greens of the garden and the endless blue of the Mediterranean outside. The view, in this case, becomes the ultimate artwork, painted on the white canvas that is Casa Angelina.
The hotel’s commitment to this aesthetic goes beyond mere decoration. The hotel’s longstanding collaboration with renowned Italian designer Paola Lenti ensures that each suite (including the newly renovated suites Azure and Vermarine with their light blue and pale green hues) is a sanctuary inspired by the tranquility and colors of the coast, with white serving as the perfect backdrop. But this dedication to white doesn’t stop at the initial design—there’s a man who roams the hotel daily with 15 buckets of white paint, each containing a slightly different shade. His job is to touch up every surface, ensuring that Casa Angelina remains a flawless masterpiece at all times. This meticulous attention to detail keeps the hotel looking as if it’s been freshly painted every single day, maintaining its pristine charm.
The result is a space that feels both timeless and effortlessly chic, where the only other bursts of color come from a few expertly placed linens and furniture and the simple yet elegant floral arrangements, crafted daily by the hotel’s florist of nearly twenty years. These touches, combined with the ever-present white, make Casa Angelina not just a place to stay, but a living, breathing work of art—a sanctuary where every detail is designed to soothe and inspire.
The dining is the star at Casa Angelina
It would be cliche for me to say that dining at a hotel is not just a meal, but an experience. Yet, at Casa Angelina, experience truly is the foundation of what their dining options have to offer. I’d be remiss if I didn’t start with the breakfast. As we all know, Europeans take their breakfast buffets very seriously, but Casa Angelina is serving up your first meal on another level. Besides the seemingly endless array of options to choose from, you’ll also find the best iced cappuccino of your life (no…seriously). It has no ice, yet is chilled to perfection–and is the absolute perfect ratio of milk to coffee.
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At the Michelin-starred Un Piano Nel Cielo restaurant, which translates to “a floor in the sky,” Executive Chef Leopoldo Elefante, pulls from his decades of cooking that he learned from his mother and grandmother…so you know it will be good! His signature dish is the dentex, a fish dish that’s baked and served with potatoes and cherry tomatoes with a clam sauce.
The restaurant’s terrace, with its sweeping views of the coastline, is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner under the stars. Each dish is beautifully plated, with flavors that capture the essence of the region. The wine list, a treasure trove of over one-thousand bottles and featuring an extensive selection of Italian vintages, ensures that each meal is perfectly paired.
More immersive experiences can be found in a range of very magical and very curated culinary adventures. The first is the Chef’s Table, where guests are seated at the Moon table (designed by Paola Lenti) and receive a front row seat to the chefs crafting precise and exquisitely palatable dishes.
However, my personal favorite is the private rooftop cooking experience. The entire meal is curated by the Executive Chef, starting with live-cooked appetizers of local finger foods on the ground level of the rooftop. As you nibble, the Chef will present all the freshest produce of the evening and ask about your preferences and what you love to eat. From here, he crafts a four-course menu personalized specifically to you. You’ll dine on this legendary menu on the Rooftop Terrace with some of the best views on the coastline. It’s an immersive experience where the line between kitchen and dining room blurs, and every dish is a personal creation tailored to you.
The indulgence can continue with Chef on Board, where your meal is prepared by Chef Elefante while cruising along the Amalfi Coast. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner, this experience is the (literal) epitome of luxury one cannot miss. Think Sfusato Amalfitano & zucchini flowers, eggplant meatballs, the freshest catch-of-the-day seafood and other delicacies that will have you savoring in style.
Time for the beach
Heading down the cliffs, via elevator or the picturesque (and count ‘em–250) steps, you’ll find the One Fire Beach Club, with a special VIP section for hotel guests. Situated on La Gavitella Beach, this lively scene will have you soaking up sun, music and cocktails for hours. But, be ready at 4:30pm, when impromptu dancing begins and the staff slices up watermelon to hand out to the lucky crowd. WATERMELON TIME! Heavier snacks are available via the Gavitella Beach Club & Bar, and sweet treats like the sorbetto al limone di Praiano, a sorbet made with local lemons and citrus fruit.
The more private water experiences will be found in Casa Angelina’s boats. The Lady Angelina is the newly upgraded yacht that feels like a hotel suite on the water. Let the captain bring you to some of the lesser-explored coves along the coast for a half- or full-day adventure. And, of course, don’t forget to take advantage of the Chef on Board experience.
The pulse of Praiano and beyond
While Casa Angelina and your inevitable boat rides up and down the coast offer everything you need for a perfect getaway, the area right outside your door is also rich with opportunities for exploration. Praiano itself is a charming village, less crowded than its more famous neighbors but just as beautiful. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the historic churches, or simply enjoy a gelato in the piazza as you watch the world go by.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, a party, or a bit of both, Casa Angelina offers something for every type of traveler. It’s a place where time seems to (thankfully!) slow down, where every moment is an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and where luxury is redefined in the most thoughtful of ways.