Wayfarer exclusive: essential guide to Praiano, Positano and Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Casa Angelina has a distinctive blend of contemporary elegance, heartfelt hospitality and this 36-room retreat is not simply a hotel but a contemporary home overlooking one of the world’s most celebrated coastlines.
Surrounded by lemon groves, dramatic cliffs and endless blue horizons, Casa Angelina offers guests a serene sanctuary where the timeless pleasures of southern Italy are reimagined through a lens of quiet luxury.
To find out what to experience at the hotel and along the Amalfi Coast, Wayfarer’s JAMES WILKINSON caught up with Casa Angelina Guest Experience Curator, ANTONIA GAMBARDELLA.
What I love most about the experiences at Casa Angelina is that they are not simply activities; they are opportunities for guests to slow down, reconnect and engage with the destination in a more meaningful way.
One of my favourite experiences is our bespoke cooking class with Executive Chef Leopoldo Elefante. Unlike a traditional cooking demonstration, it is entirely tailored to the guest’s interests, whether they wish to master handmade pasta, learn the secrets of preparing local seafood, or explore the richness of Mediterranean vegetarian cuisine.
The experience begins with a walk through our organic cliffside garden, where guests harvest seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits alongside the Chef before transforming them into dishes inspired by the flavours of Campania. It is a wonderful way to understand the connection between the land, the ingredients and the cuisine that defines the Amalfi Coast.
I also often recommend our watercolour painting experience with a talented artist from Amalfi. The class can take place on the Rooftop Terrace or in one of the hotel’s panoramic corners overlooking the sea. Guests frequently arrive believing they are joining an art lesson, only to discover something much deeper.
The experience is incredibly meditative, encouraging them to observe the landscape more carefully, embrace the present moment and express their creativity while surrounded by extraordinary beauty. It perfectly complements the sense of peace and inner calm that so many guests discover during their stay.
For those seeking restoration and wellbeing, I highly recommend dedicating time to our Augustinus Bader x Casa Angelina wellness rituals. The experience can begin with a private yoga or Pilates session overlooking the Mediterranean, allowing guests to awaken body and mind in harmony with the natural rhythms of the Coast.
This is followed by a personalised treatment journey designed around individual needs, whether preparing and nourishing the skin before days spent under the Mediterranean sun, relieving physical tension and travel fatigue, restoring energy through deeply relaxing body rituals, or indulging in a rejuvenating facial designed to enhance natural radiance. Much like every aspect of Casa Angelina, these experiences are highly personalised and centred around helping guests feel their very best.
And for a truly Casa Angelina moment, I always suggest spending some unhurried time beneath our iconic lemon pergola by the pool.
Before settling into this fragrant oasis, guests often enjoy meeting Michele, our Lemon Keeper, who lovingly tends the pergola throughout the season and is the guardian of one of the most photographed and beloved corners of the hotel. Listening to him share the care, patience and passion behind its creation transforms what might seem like a beautiful setting into something far more meaningful. It is a simple yet memorable encounter that perfectly captures the spirit of Casa Angelina: authenticity, beauty and a deep connection to place.
After all, sometimes the most restorative experience is simply finding a comfortable spot beneath the lemons, overlooking the endless blue of the Mediterranean, and allowing yourself to do absolutely nothing at all – what in Italian we call ‘Il Dolce Far Niente’.
Ultimately, the experiences I cherish most are those that allow guests to leave with more than memories. They leave with new skills, new perspectives, a deeper connection to the Amalfi Coast and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed sense of wellbeing.
One of the things I love most about the Amalfi Coast is that it can be experienced from so many different perspectives, each revealing a different side of its personality. If I were creating the perfect itinerary for a guest, I would encourage them to discover it from the sea, from the mountains and through its timeless way of life.
The sea is undoubtedly where I would begin. Exploring the coastline aboard our Lady Angelina Gozzo 35 by Apreamare or our Master Angelina offers an entirely different understanding of the destination.
From the water, guests discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and charming fishing villages that remain invisible from the road. Sunset cruises have become particularly popular, especially for celebrating milestone moments such as wedding proposals, anniversaries and special birthdays.
There is something magical about watching the sun disappear behind Capri while enjoying a glass of Champagne on deck. For an even more memorable occasion, we can arrange a private chef on board, transforming the excursion into an intimate culinary experience surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean.
For guests who enjoy nature and active exploration, the Path of the Gods remains one of my favourite experiences. However, we approach it differently. Rather than offering a standard hike, we work with an exceptional local guide who tailors the route to each guest’s preferences and fitness level.
Whether they are looking for a gentle walk or a more challenging trek, the experience can be customised accordingly. Along the way, guests have the opportunity to stop at a small rural farm, where they can meet a local farmer and enjoy a simple yet authentic refreshment featuring local products while taking in extraordinary views over the coastline.
For those seeking a more romantic interpretation of the Amalfi Coast, I often recommend a journey to the charming village of Ravello in a vintage Italian car accompanied by a photographer/experience curator.
It is a beautiful way to embrace a modern version of La Dolce Vita, winding through scenic roads, discovering hidden corners of one of Italy’s most enchanting villages and capturing timeless photographs along the way. Guests return not only with beautiful images but with memories of having truly lived the elegance, beauty and spontaneity that have made the Italian lifestyle so admired around the world.
What all these experiences have in common is that they allow guests to move beyond sightseeing and connect more deeply with the essence of the Amalfi Coast, creating memories that feel personal, authentic and uniquely their own.
One of the aspects we are most passionate about at Casa Angelina is helping guests discover the authentic cultural soul of the Amalfi Coast beyond its famous scenery. We always try to create experiences that allow visitors to connect with local traditions, craftsmanship and the people who continue to preserve them.
One of the most unique experiences we can arrange is the traditional Totani fishing ritual in Praiano, a centuries-old practice deeply rooted in the village’s maritime heritage.
Taking place at sunset and into the evening, guests head out to sea with local fishermen to learn the fascinating techniques historically used to attract and catch squid along the coastline. It is far more than a fishing excursion; it is an immersion into a way of life that has shaped the identity of Praiano for generations.
For guests interested in local craftsmanship, we can organise visits with artisans who continue to keep traditional skills alive. In Praiano, this includes discovering the intricate art of bobbin lace-making and meeting local basket weavers whose work reflects the region’s rural heritage.
In nearby Positano, guests can visit workshops dedicated to handmade sandals and artisanal ceramics, meeting the craftsmen behind creations that have become symbols of the Amalfi Coast’s timeless style.
Another experience I particularly enjoy recommending is a visit to one of the family-owned Amalfi lemon farms nestled along the terraced hillsides of the Coast. Guests can walk among the fragrant lemon groves, learn about the cultivation methods that have shaped the landscape for centuries and discover how these extraordinary fruits influence everything from gastronomy to local traditions and daily life.
For those drawn to art and history, we can arrange visits to some of Praiano’s ancient watchtowers that once protected the coastline.
Today, some of these remarkable structures have been transformed into creative spaces where local artists host intimate ateliers. Meeting them within such an atmospheric setting offers a beautiful encounter between history, culture and contemporary artistic expression.
And sometimes, embracing the local lifestyle means doing very little at all. We can organise relaxing days at some of the Amalfi Coast’s most exclusive beach clubs, where guests can spend hours enjoying the sea, long Mediterranean lunches and the effortless elegance that has defined this destination for generations.
What makes these experiences special is that they allow guests to move beyond observation and become part of the story of the Amalfi Coast, even if only for a day. They return not only with photographs, but with a deeper understanding of the traditions, people and culture that make this region so extraordinary.
One of the wonderful things about the Amalfi Coast is that every village has its own personality, and the dining scene reflects that beautifully. When guests ask for recommendations, I always try to understand what kind of experience they are looking for, because there is truly something for every mood and occasion.
In Praiano, I often recommend Da Armandino, located directly on the water in the charming Marina di Praia. It captures the essence of the traditional fishing village and is one of my favourite places to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the boats gently sway in the harbour.
For something more contemporary, Kasai offers a sophisticated atmosphere, spectacular views and a creative interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine that blends innovation with local flavours.
Another address I enjoy recommending is La Moressa, where traditional regional recipes are revisited with a modern touch, while La Strada remains a wonderful choice for those seeking a classic family-run restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine on a panoramic terrace overlooking the coastline.
For guests wishing to discover the agricultural soul of the region, KM0 is a particularly special experience, celebrating the flavours of the Amalfi Coast through locally sourced ingredients and a genuine farm-to-table philosophy.
In Positano, there are several institutions that never disappoint. Max is renowned for its warm hospitality and consistently excellent cuisine, while Buca di Bacco offers an elegant seaside setting and a menu deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. For a more relaxed atmosphere directly on the beach, Chez Black remains a timeless classic where guests can enjoy traditional dishes just steps from the sea.
For long summer lunches and sunset cocktails, I particularly enjoy recommending Rada Beach Bistrot. The setting is spectacular, combining the vibrant energy of Positano with a chic yet relaxed beach-club atmosphere.
One hidden gem that I often suggest is La Taverna del Leone, located between Praiano and Positano. Opened in 1965, it beautifully embodies the relationship between territory and cuisine, offering traditional dishes, exceptional ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere that feels authentically local.
Ultimately, my favourite recommendation is to experience a mix of both worlds: the refined and the rustic, the celebrated and the undiscovered.
The Amalfi Coast reveals itself most beautifully when guests allow themselves to move between elegant seaside dining, family-run trattorias and simple places where recipes, hospitality and traditions have remained unchanged for generations.
Qantas’ brilliant Business Class ‘Suite’
Qantas flies to London, Paris and Rome direct from Perth, with flights operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft that feature the airline’s signature suite-style Business Class, fantastic meals, premium Australian wines and one of the best in-flight entertainment systems in the sky.
The design of the innovative suite-style seats means you can recline from take-off through to landing, plus there’s a large table that’s ideal for working and dining, storage space for headphones, laptops and water bottles, plus a power socket and a USB port for charging.
When it comes to rest, the fully-flatbed seats turn into a single bed thanks to the seat topper, 100% cotton duvet and European style pillow.
From London and Paris, Qantas Frequent Flyer partners Air France and British Airways have several daily flights to Naples that connect well with the Qantas services from Australia. Alternatively, ITA Airways offers direct flights from Rome to Naples that are also well priced.
Once in Naples, Praiano is on average a 90-minute drive away and the Casa Angelina team can arrange airport transfers for you.