What a sight: the family-run Caesar Augustus - built in 1850 as the residence of a wealthy German - sits right on the coast, on a 300-meter cliff on Monte Solaro with gorgeous views of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The villa houses 56 elegant rooms and suites, where antique furniture transports you to times long past. On hot days, take a dip in the infinity pool on the hotel terrace, and those who want to work out can do so in the sea-view gym. Chef Eduardo Vuolo is responsible for the culinary delights at La Terrazza di Lucullo, where typical Italian dishes are served with organic vegetables from the hotel's own garden.
From old to new: Capri's oldest hotel, built in 1822 as Locanda Pagano, opens its doors this summer as Hotel La Palma Capri. Today part of the exclusive Oetker Collection, which includes such renowned hotels as Le Bristol Paris, the hotel is a careful reinterpretation of the former artists' residence. Francis Sultana and Francesco Delogu are responsible for the interior - a mix of large-scale artworks, sculptures and installations as well as homely elegance in soft earth and pastel tones. Culinary delights include Cuisine Caprese. Completely in the style of the 50s in Gennaro's restaurant, bar and terrace under the direction of star chef Gennaro Esposito - buon appetito!
Where the elegant flair of Capri meets pop art? At the Tiberio Palace, in the heart of the charming, much-frequented island capital. Giampiero Panepinto is behind the hotel's unique design concept. He designed the five-star hotel with eclectic international statement pieces, from vintage to pop art, patterned wallpaper and lots of colours. What sounds garish at first glance, however, turns out to be elegant and bold in character. A two-story spa and a small outdoor pool are available for relaxing hours. And after a light dinner in the Italian restaurant, which also serves kosher dishes, you can take a look in the atmospheric Jacky Bar before heading towards the nightlife of the trendy island.
In tranquil Anacapri, away from the tourist crowds and close to the famous Blue Grotto, the Capri Palace Jumeirah has opened its doors. The design borrows from 18th-century Neapolitan palazzi with its large columns and whitewashed walls. Interspersed throughout are modern statement pieces and contemporary art, as well as large lounge areas with comfortable sofas. Since no two rooms or suites are alike, it's worth a repeat stay - there's always something new to discover. The highlight of the hotel - in addition to the Michelin restaurant Il Riccio - is certainly the award-winning Beauty Farm, which offers holistic treatments par excellence as a medical spa.
It is Capri's largest and second oldest hotel: the venerable Quisisana opened in 1845 as a sanatorium and became a hotel in 1861 under the Morgano family. Literary greats such as Sartre and Hemingway have stayed here, and today the hotel reminds its guests of bygone days with its magnificent interior; pure nostalgia. In addition, the Quisisana is home to a wide range of facilities. In addition to classics such as meeting rooms and a spa with an indoor pool, saunas and more, a nail salon and a hairdresser can also be found in the house. Yes, the Quisisana even houses its own Liberty-style theatre.
If you're looking for the typical elegance of what is arguably Italy's most beautiful small island, La Scalinatella is the place to be. The typical Capri architecture with its Moorish touches of the house, which is also owned by the Morgano family, is only trumped by the breathtaking view of the cliffs and the sea. Guests stay in classically elegant rooms and suites; some with sea views. On hot days, by the way, you don't have to make the trek to the coast, because at La Scalinatella, you have a choice of two panoramic terrace pools where you can keep a cool head. And everywhere airy patios invite you to relax - simply: molto bene.
Punta Tragara is probably one of the most famous houses on the island - because its walls carry great architectural history. Originally built as the private villa of an Italian engineer, the building was designed by none other than Le Corbusier. The renowned architect's international style was reinterpreted in the 1970s by interior designer Giorgia Dennerlein in a 1930s vintage style inspired by the rose garden theme. Today, the 38 rooms and six suites are individually designed, each a highlight in its own right. And at Le Monzù, Chef Luigi Lionetti invites guests to a seven-course tasting menu à la Capri - a culinary dream.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hotels on the island is J.K. Place Capri. Located right on the harbour, the Marina Grande, it offers a stylish hideaway from the everyday hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. Interior designer Michele Bönan rounded out the mansion with nautical style elements - this is evident in the 22 individual rooms, almost all of which have sea views. Fishnets, the black-and-white colour scheme, and houndstooth patterns define the overall look. Outstanding dining is served at JKitchen, the hotel's on-site restaurant, where Chef Eduardo Estatico creates Neapolitan-style haute cuisine. There's also a large pool and spa at J.K. Place.
A skilful mix of mid-century and contemporary design, Villa Mediterranea will win over style-conscious travellers. The elegant interior combined with a bold colour palette may look familiar to many. Here too, as at the Tiberio Palace, designer Giampiero Panepinto had his creative fingers in the pie. He transformed the hotel's exclusive ten suites into individual accommodations whose design now rivals the gorgeous view of the deep blue sea. For more, guests head next door: the spa, pool, and Terrazza Tiberio restaurant of the partner hotel Capri Tiberio Palace are available to guests at the Mediterranea, as is its Jacky Bar.
Set in a 20th-century villa just up the road from Marina Grande, Villa Marina Capri is a five-star hotel with panoramic views and a charming flower garden. Hard to beat for opulence and splendour, the villa is the place to be for those who crave time-honoured luxury. Space is found in one of 22 contemporary-furnished rooms named after notable island personalities. The centre of the hotel is the outdoor pool with a sea view, from which you can also access the hotel's gym. And in the exclusive wellness area, which can be booked for a private stay, there is a small indoor pool, sauna and steam bath.
Source: Falstaff Travel