Casa Angelina Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel description

Maybe you don’t know Praiano, but it’s a sure bet that you do know the Amalfi Coast, that charmed little crescent of heaven on earth just north of Naples, on Italy’s west coast. Some of the world’s most famous hotels lie along this coastline, perched on cliffsides high above the ocean, and most of them are in a traditional 19th-century style — Casa Angelina, though, is proof that there’s a place for modern design even in these most classic environs.

After all, the elements that make this sort of hotel are timeless. The 19th century has no monopoly on cascading terraces, spectacular views, or thoughtful, indulgent service, all of which Casa Angelina has, in spades. The interiors may be minimal and monochrome, but it’s a long time since anyone under 60 really felt alienated by this sort of thing — even the more traditional-minded among us have accepted that this is more or less the new international style.

Anyway it would be churlish to complain about decorating choices when you’re faced with these astonishing views, and enveloped in down duvets, plush armchairs, or glass-walled tubs. There’s a smallish but well-equipped gym and spa, as well as both indoor and outdoor pool, as well as plenty of terrace space and a top-floor restaurant — all of the above accompanied by (did we mention?) views that are literally, physically, stunning.