Casa la Cycas

We picked lemons from the tree every morning to make fresh lemonade, and loved relaxing on the spacious patio with its beautiful views. Casa La Cycas was a wonderful place to unwind, with a hot tub and convenient amenities. The property and Ivana’s hospitality made our Amalfi Coast trip unforgettable. She helped with all parts of the stay, from transport and tours to an authentic pasta-making class and dinner, and we’d choose this home again and again. The cooking class with Ivana and her mom was one of our trip’s highlights: they showed us how to make pasta step by step, then served an incredible multi-course meal. Come hungry! We started with arrival and a walk around Sorrento. The next day, Ivana arranged an 8.5-hour driving tour through Amalfi Coast towns. On day three we took an 8-hour boat tour to Capri, also arranged by her. Day four was Pompeii and Cantina del Vesuvio, a top-rated winery overlooking Mt. Vesuvius, where we had a tour, tasting, and lunch. On day five we went to a local beach club in Nerano, then walked into Massa Lubrense, where the Airbnb is, and found it lively on a Sunday night. For day six, our hostess arranged taxi pickup and drop-off for Positano Beach Club, then we had the cooking class with Ivana and her sweet mom. Their hospitality was incredible. Casa La Cycas is a great place to relax and have a stress-free vacation. You’re in gracious hands with the family. Ten stars plus!

The best part was the home-cooked dinner. We checked in late, at 9:30 pm, when all the restaurants were closed, and Ivana rescued us with a huge pot of perfectly cooked spaghetti. The house was tidy, spacious, and clean, with well-kept bedrooms and all the amenities we needed, including laundry and dishwashing capsules, towels, and toiletries. There were tasty complimentary snacks too. We loved the cherry tomatoes, limoncello, and fresh lemons from the back garden tree. The Jacuzzi was incredible, with sea views, and could be heated to 40°, though 35° was the recommended temperature.

Ivana and her family were the best hosts I’ve encountered anywhere. If you can book a cooking experience with them, do it. That time together was a trip highlight, and they gave us the kind of love and hospitality it usually takes years in one place to find. We came home a little kinder and much more hopeful because of them. The home in Massa Lubrense near Sant’Agata was clean, new, and beautifully designed, with thoughtful details throughout. Outside, the space was lush and peaceful, with gorgeous coastal views and sunsets. Sorrento, Positano, and Pompeii were all easy to reach, but Casa La Cycas was always a welcome place to return to. I only wish we’d spent more time nearby. Sant’Agata’s walkable restaurants were delicious and worth visiting again.

Easter week turned out to be a lovely time to visit: the tourist numbers were low, and the weather was pleasantly sunny. We were a family of four, with two teenagers, renting the beautiful three-bedroom home for the kids’ spring break. I don’t usually write reviews, but this place and host made me want to. Ivana was attentive and kind, and we connected with her right away. She and her family took excellent care of us, shared the history of the property and area, and offered ideas for food and things to do. I love meeting locals, and it was a bonus to get a glimpse of life there. They also gave us homemade treats, including olive oil, limoncello, and Easter pastries. We made lemonade from the property’s lemon trees. The house was immaculate and beautifully decorated, and we spent many hours enjoying it and the hot tub. It was a much-needed chance to relax after four busy days around Rome. Their dog Desy was part of the fun too. The location is excellent for Sorrento, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast. Shops, restaurants, and a large grocery store in Massa Lubrense are all walkable. With beautiful views and a host who went above and beyond, Casa la Cycas was a remarkable stay. We’ll definitely return. Five stars. Ciao…