The intoxicating scent of lemon trees drifted over the deep blue; crisp white walls overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and rosemary trees framed the turquoise pool. These were just some of the mesmerising sights and scents of Casa Angelina, a stunning hotel sitting atop the cliffs of the Costiera Amalfitana in Italy.

A summer escape to this magnificent part of the world in 2015 brought me to the iconic hotel Casa Angelina Lifestyle, nestled in the small town of Praiano, next to Positano. Little did I know at the time that this hotel would recharge my soul in more ways than I could have imagined. It has captured my heart!

My days at Casa were spent by the pool with sketch book and pencils at hand. So much to draw; nearby Positano; the distant island of Capri and the iconic rocks of Faraglioni; Aperol Spritzes by the pool. However, it was a particular corner of the pool deck that lured me. In this corner, expertly trimmed lemon trees were shaped as a pergola, framing the pool, and not only bearing abundant fruit, but providing welcoming shade from the midday sun.

Sitting under the lemon pergola and enveloped in uplifting citrus notes was therapeutic. Sketching flowed so easily to me and I didn’t want this creative time to end. But I knew that the alluring sights and sounds of this magical hotel would call me back once again.

“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” John Steinbeck.