Relais Diana

"Life is paradise, and we are all in paradise, but we refuse to see it." -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky The gentle breeze softly caresses my face as I sip my last cappuccino on the terrace. I smile at the surroundings, the wisteria arbor over the long dinner table, the hills in the distance, the incessant chirp of happy sparrows filling the air with joy-- all this idyll against the ethereal backdrop of the sea. This is a typical morning at the Villa Carolina Sorrento. This is paradise. From the moment my family arrived by taxi to the villa, hosts Emanuela and Carlo received us with the warmest welcome, offering to cater to whatever needs we might have during our six-day stay. While nestled on a hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Sorrento, guests have access to all their creature comforts thanks to the hosts' attention to detail and hospitality. One early afternoon, Emanuela offered to take us to the nearest grocery store in the town to do some shopping. This was truly one of the highlights of our visit, as the ladies went shopping together and were able to get provisions to cook delicious meals with the freshest ingredients in the large kitchen filled with rustic charm. I must note, as I am a passionate disability activist and am always advocating for accessibility: those of us with limited/reduced mobility should consider this property at our own discretion. All of the bedrooms are only accessible via stairs, and just arriving at the property is a steep climb. You can also arrange transportation in advance with owners Carlo and Emanuela, but the stairs will still be necessary for reaching all the rooms. There are also steps to go down to the small pool on another level of the terrace. Since I traveled with several members of my family who were able to assist me with my wheelchair and with climbing the steps myself, I was able to manage. But, I made the decision to stay in this villa being fully aware that it was not going to be easy for me. (Nor for any of my family members!) One thing I absolutely loved about this property, especially given my mobility challenges, is that there is a toilet (a "half-bathroom") on the ground floor. This made it easy for me to use the facilities without having to climb stairs all the time during the day. The outdoor space in this villa is massive, and so many beautiful spots make it nearly impossible to choose where to sit with a caffè or a glass of Prosecco! Indeed, there is not a bad spot to take in the Amalfi Coast ocean views and the bucolic hills of Sorrento. Whether it's an early-morning moment of peace on the massive terrace over breakfast, or an evening gathering with friends and family under twinkling lights, this is literally the Costa Amalfitana experience I have always dreamed of. On the property, there are lemon trees, and the hosts graciously allowed us to pick and use the lemons. The kitchen is fully equipped with tools and gadgets and utensils-- everything needed to whip up a feast for a large family. The espresso machine in the kitchen yields very good coffee, and some of the capsules are provided for your stay. We purchased more when we went to the supermarket in town with Emanuela. The "Honesty Bar" in the villa offers various items for sale that you might need-- including their own olive oil produced on the villa, and other basics such as milk, wine, spirits, and pasta. When we arrived late at night to the villa, we were famished. Emanuela immediately presented us with a "menu" of nearby restaurants that were still open and offer delivery to the villa. Those rustic, authentic Italian sandwiches could not have tasted any better for us hungry, exhausted travelers! While it might feel like you are completely isolated and remote from the town, Carlo and Emanuela offer everything you need to be connected to the town. The wifi connected worked well for us, especially in the indoor living areas, although I often used it out on the terrace, as well. In the spirit of a true Italian family-owned business, on the day of our departure, we were able to met Emanuela's mother, who offers cooking classes at the villa, and Emanuela's father, who tend to the grounds of the property. It gives you the warmest feeling to be taken care of by a family, and we met Carlo and Emanuela's wonderful young daughters, too. The day we checked out of Villa Carolina, no tears were spared, as we felt we had established a genuine connection to this amazing family. We hope that we will be able to stay again, and experience the sort of magic that only happens at Villa Carolina in Sorrento. As the iconic Neopolitan folk song, "Torna a Surriento" states (translated to English): "And you say, “I’m leaving, goodbye!” You go away from my heart From this land of love Do you have the heart not to return? But don’t leave me, Don’t cause me this torment! Come back to Sorrento, Let me live!" I will be back, Sorrento. Someday, I shall come back.

Emanuela and Carlo, GRAZIE MILLE for your warm hospitality, attention to our every need, lovingly prepared breakfasts and dinners with your organic products. Villa Carolina, 100 years old and aging well was our welcome oasis after a full day of exploring the area. It is in a beautiful location and centrally located, should you want to visit Pompeii, Naples and the towns of the Amalfi Coast as we did. Childhood friends now living in 6 different cities around the world looked forward to coming home to converse in the outdoor terrace with a gorgeous view of Mt Vesuvius and Naples, while waiting for Carlo to surprise us with his special dishes, several taught by his beloved Nonna. And the lemon sorbet from his sisters’ gelateria is to die for! So, so good! Would highly recommend Villa Carolina Country House for reunions with family and friends. Emanuela was so helpful in planning our visit with recommendations for transport services, guides, restaurants…. Wishing you many more years doing what you are very good at Carlo and Emanuela - taking care of people with respect and consideration. Our thumbs up to join yours.

Spectacular There are not enough words to describe how amazing Villa Carolina is. We recently stayed here as a family for 10 days. Simply put, this was the best vacation of our lives. We travel extensively and have very high standards and this one exceeded them all. Emanuela and Carlo are incredible hosts who went out of their way to make sure we felt at home, had everything we needed, and experienced all that the area had to offer. They prepared several meals on the terrace, offered a cooking class, hosted a pizza party in their outdoor pizza oven, arranged tours and reservations, and even secured a doctor and drove to the pharmacy to get medicine when one of us became ill. They embody the true meaning of the word “hospitality” and we now consider them friends and family. The Villa itself is incredible. It is luxurious and yet feels like home at the same time. The view from the terrace is stunning, all of the rooms are comfortable and have private bathrooms, the gardens are delightful, and the location cannot be beat as it is a great spot from which to explore the entire Amalfi coast. Simply put, staying at Villa Carolina is one of the best vacation decisions we have ever made, and we cannot recommend it highly enough. Book it now.