Casale San Martino

We have traveled the world far and wide, and we are yet to experience a more extraordinary stay than at Casale San Martino. We had not met Carmela and Geremia prior to our visit, though we were greeted as if we were members of the family. I wouldn't know where to begin describing the hospitality of the hosts. Just imagine you were visiting the dearest of friends -- that is the reception you'll get. "What did we do to deserve this?" we would ask again and again. "That's just the way we are," they would laugh in response, "otherwise, we wouldn't be in this business." The setting of the casale is stunning, with the views of the Bay of Agropoli, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Capri. When you enter the grounds of the house, you feel like you've entered the Garden of Eden. The trees, the flowers, the gentle sun, the gentle shade... Every morning, while having our breakfast, lovingly served by Carmela and her daughter Elvira, under the canopy of the wisteria plants, we would push all our day's plans further down, as it would hit us: this IS the destination, you don't have to rush to see more and more. And the food... what can I say about the food -- it's made by hand from ingredients that are grown by hand, and the first on the list of ingredients is always love. I could go on and on and on, and no amount of praise would do full justice to Carmela, Geremia, and Elvira. We made a wish as we were leaving and exchanging hugs with Carmela, and we hope it will come true: we wish to return someday soon!