Girl, Uninterrupted: An Escape to Casa Melangolo

 

The southern coast of Italy in the summertime has become a bit of a holiday cliché, albeit for good reason. The twinkling, inviting sea, the young, tanned locals jumping in from cliff edges; the road trips along steep cliffside roads with views so expansive and beautiful they are hard to take in—I get it. However, as destinations like Sorrento have surged in popularity, the authenticity of a place tends to be slightly polished away, made a little more digestible for the masses passing through.

 

 

Casa Melangolo, just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Sorrento in the quiet hillside area of Priora, beautifully captures the true essence of Southern Italy. Originally built from volcanic tufo stones in the 1800s, it was recently restored into two guest houses, with two pools, a spa, dining areas, countless corners and gardens to relax in, and lemon and olive groves surrounding uninterrupted views of the sea.

 

 

As soon as the gates opened to the long stone path leading to the property, all the tension from the hectic drive from Naples melted away. I felt immediately wrapped in the calm of the Casa, surrounded by the lush nature that threads through every part of the grounds. It was hard to believe that somewhere so secluded and tranquil could be this close to the bustle of Sorrento. Rebecca, the owner and restorer, greeted us warmly, accompanied by her three big, friendly dogs, Winston, Abby, and Marvel. She made us feel at ease instantly, as she encouraged us to explore and take what we wanted from the gardens. No area felt out of bounds.

 

 

They had hosted a dinner the night before, and when the chef spotted us arriving, she asked whether we’d eaten yet. Shortly after, we were sitting down to a courgette-watermelon salad, generous bowls of tuna pasta, and fresh bread to dip into Casa Melangolo’s own virgin olive oil, looking out over the sea and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

 

 

Over the next three days, my friend, who I haven’t seen for years, and I soaked up the surroundings and each other’s company, making up for lost time. We swam, picked tomatoes from the garden, and frolicked around the different spots of the Casa. We were almost entirely alone and felt completely at home. We made a trip to Bagni Regina Giovanna for a swim and at least a couple of visits to the local Pasticceria, whose walls were lined with every type of pastry and cake imaginable. We spent our evenings looking over the moonlit navy of the sea, drinking Campari Spritzes from chic little glass bottles before clambering into our big, cloud-like bed.

 

 

 

The beauty of Casa Melangolo is in the details. Every corner feels considered and personal: the eclectic mix of books on the shelves, handpicked linens, and small creative touches that hint at a curiosity for different cultures, art, and design. It’s a space that balances individual taste with the timeless charm of its Italian surroundings, creating a home that feels lived-in, curated, and effortless all at once.

 

 

On the last morning, we woke early for the drive back to Naples Airport. The sunrise cast a pale glow through the thin bedroom curtains, spilling across the ripples of the big, fluffy bed sheets, tempting me to climb back in. The light was so beautiful I couldn’t stop taking photos, running around one last time to capture as much of it as possible.

 

 

As we finally pulled away, our big furry friends growing smaller in the rearview mirror, my senses felt renewed, and I left with a certainty: this corner of the world embodies what I believe is the essence of Italy—simplicity, done well.

 

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Check out Cara Melangolo’s website and Instagram and plan your getaway for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.