Praia Art Resort

Praia Art Resort: A Calabrian Gem of Luxury and Tranquility

Praia Art Resort, nestled in Isola di Capo Rizzuto on Italy's Ionian coast, is a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property offering a sublime blend of artistic design, exceptional service, and natural beauty. This 5-star "borgo" provides an intimate and luxurious escape, highly praised by guests for its serene atmosphere and culinary excellence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Praia Art Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently using words like "superb," "delicious," "incredible," and "amazing" to describe their experience. It holds a strong guest score of 8.7 on Agoda and 4.7/5 on Small Luxury Hotels of the World, reflecting high satisfaction across various aspects of the stay. It's often referred to as a "hidden gem" in the Calabrian sea, offering a unique and tranquil retreat.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Praia Art Resort:

• Exceptional Service: The attentive and friendly staff are a standout feature, praised for going "above and beyond" to ensure a delightful stay.
• Stunning Private Beach: The resort boasts a breathtaking unspoiled private white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, located just 20 meters from the property. Dedicated sunbeds for each room add to the exclusive feel.
• Michelin-Starred Dining: The presence of the Michelin-starred Pietramare Natural Food restaurant is a significant draw, complemented by the excellent poolside Osteria del Mare.
• Artistic Design & Atmosphere: The resort is celebrated for its "hand-crafted, almost cinematic style" and modern design, reflecting the personality and character of a pocket-sized Italian boutique hotel.
• Tranquil Seclusion: Despite the "resort" in its name, with only 32 rooms, it offers a sense of intimate and tranquil seclusion, making it ideal for relaxation. The adults-only focus further enhances the peaceful environment, though children are welcome with extra charges.

3. Room Quality

Praia Art Resort features 32 distinct rooms, each thoughtfully designed and crafted with the collaboration of local artisans. Guests describe the accommodations as luxurious, comfortable, and stylish, made with high-quality materials. Rooms are generally spacious and equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning, LCD TV, mini-bar, safe, and either a patio or balcony. Many rooms offer sea views, and some even include a private Jacuzzi or private pool. Examples include the Superior rooms (25 sq m) with outdoor patios, Deluxe rooms (25-30 sq m) featuring captivating terracotta tiles and an outdoor patio with a bathtub, and Sea View Deluxe rooms (25-30 sq m) offering private terraces with unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers an outstanding culinary journey with two main restaurants:

• Pietramare Natural Food: This Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its authentic and culinary approach, following the rhythms of nature and utilizing local raw materials to interpret Calabrian traditions with an innovative and contemporary flair.
• Osteria del Mare: Located poolside, this restaurant offers a "light, seafood-focused, and largely raw menu," or fresh, local seafood dishes, in a picturesque setting. Guests consistently praise the "amazing food" and "refined choice of dishes" available at both establishments.

Breakfast is described as "very good" and offers multiple choices, focusing on a "sweet, enveloping, authentic" natural cuisine concept. The resort also boasts an extensive wine cellar with over 800 national and international labels, and a beach bar and poolside bar for lighter fare and drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Praia Art Resort is a consistent highlight, with staff frequently described as "exceptional," "fantastic," and "extremely helpful, nice and professional." Guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The team is multi-lingual and offers a concierge service to assist with excursions, boat tours, nature walks, and food and wine experiences. Airport transfer services from Crotone and Lamezia Terme are also available.

6. Location & Accessibility

Praia Art Resort is situated in Praialonga, within Isola di Capo Rizzuto, on the beautiful Ionian coast of Calabria. Its prime location places it just 20 meters from a stunning private white sand beach and on the edge of the protected marine area of Isola Capo Rizzuto, Italy's largest marine reserve. The resort offers idyllic and tranquil surroundings.

While secluded, contributing to its "hidden gem" status, it remains accessible. The closest airport is Crotone Airport, approximately a 30-minute drive away, while Lamezia Terme International Airport is about a 1.5-hour drive (100 km). Car rental or taxi services are recommended for exploring the area. Nearby attractions include Castello Aragonese (6.4 km away), Capocolonna Archeological Park (within 40 km), and the Sila mountain range is an hour's drive for those seeking natural excursions. The region itself is rich in history, culture, and charming villages, offering authentic Italian experiences.

7. Value & Pricing

As a 5-star luxury resort and a Michelin Key Selected property, Praia Art Resort commands a premium price. KAYAK shows rates starting from approximately $367. While some guests on Booking.com rated "Value for money" at 7.3, indicating it might be on the higher end for some, one review noted that the prices were "very moderate for such a resort," suggesting that for the quality of the experience offered, many guests consider it a worthwhile investment. The comprehensive amenities, exceptional service, and unique setting contribute to its perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• One guest mentioned the restaurant menu could be "limited," despite praising the food quality.
• A suggestion was made to improve breakfast with more fresh and local products.
• One review indicated that lunch service could be lengthy.
• One guest, while appreciative, felt the resort was "intimate and cute," but would not categorize it as full luxury, also noting limited services and its secluded location being far from water sports.
• The property's upper floors are only accessible by stairs, which might pose a limitation for some guests.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. tablethotels.com
4. agoda.com
5. slh.com
6. expedia.com
7. praiaartresort.com
8. booking.com
9. nestitaly.com
10. michelin.com
11. michelin.com
12. booking.com
13. hilton.com
14. praiaartresort.com
15. praiaartresort.com
16. praiaartresort.com
17. thestylemate.com
18. kayak.com