Praia Art Resort

It’s almost funny at this point — in any corner of Italy, at the end of any randomly chosen road, you just might find a sublime little boutique hotel. Here, on the Ionian coast of Calabria, in the tiny village of Praialonga, is as likely a spot as any. And it’s here, set back a few wooded yards from a stunning unspoiled beach at the edge of the Capo Rizzuto marine reserve, that you’ll find Praia Art Resort.

The word “resort” is not a description of the size of the hotel — with just thirty rooms it’s rather on the small side — but a reference to the general air of tranquil seclusion. Likewise “art” isn’t about a collection of paintings, but the hand-crafted, almost cinematic style of the resort — a list of facilities and amenities would sell the place short, as it’s about personality, character, atmosphere: everything, in short, that you love about pocket-sized Italian boutique hotels.

That splendid beach is obviously the main event, though the pool is no slouch, and you’ll want to stay close at mealtimes; Pietramare is a fine dining restaurant focused on Calabrian flavors, and it’s joined by the similarly inspired Osteria del Mare. From there to ancient villages, wild landscapes and endless opportunity for culinary tourism — for Italy, it’s just another typical day.

Please note: Praia Art Resort is open seasonally, from May to October.