We are a family of four who stayed at this property for a sunny and hot two weeks in July. I say a family of four, in fact in the end the number increased to an unplanned five which was very kindly accommodated by the owner, Annamaria.
The property is spacious, with aircon throughout, which was a real boon with nightime temperatures in the mid twenties. The beds were very comfortable,the bedding immaculate, the bedrooms well furnished, the kitchen well equipped with dishwasher and washing machine and with dining table. The large terrace and garden with loungers was a delight, with its lovely planting and beautiful views across the gulf of Salerno. A large shaded dining table and benches was a perfect place for alfresco dining any time of day.
Praiano is a quiet village typical of the Amalfi coast and a welcome retreat from the busier towns such as Positano and Amalfi, with very good bus links to all the tourist destinations up and down the coast. The people are very friendly and helpful and tolerant.
Annamaria, her father Antonio, daughter Bianca and cousin Michael were the perfect hosts and were always at hand if we needed any help or advice, even providing us with bus tickets when needed. Antonio's by now famous homemade limoncello was wonderful, as were Annamaria's freshly made tiramisu and muffins. Bianca's charming conversations in Italian were amusing for us and frustrating for her as we can barely speak the language. Nevertheless, our chats were always enjoyable and fun. Annamaria speaks English very well and so was sometimes at hand to translate for us.
Having read with trepidation previous reviewers' accounts of the many steps up to the Villa and the climb up from the SITA bus stop, we were a little apprehensive at first. But we got used to it very quickly and by the end of our two-week stay we considered ourselves proficient hill climbers!
There is so much to do and see on the Amalfi coast, but our highlights were, Anacapri on Capri island, Ravello, Maiori, Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento of course for the shopping ( and a lovely lunch of authentic Italian food at Chantecler's on via Santa Maria della Pietà). A ferry trip from Positano to Salerno is a must if you want to appreciate the stunning coastline in this part of Italy - it takes about 1 hour, stopping once in Amalfi.
We would love to return to Praiano and Villa Arcobaleno and I am sure we will someday. Until then......