Capri Palace Hotel & Spa

Capri

Capri, off the Sorrento peninsula, is one of the magnificent Mediterranean islands known throughout the world. Its six kilometers by three of breathtaking beauty, with lush vegetation, has always attracted artists, intellectuals, writers and celebrities of all kinds. For the Roman Emperor Augustus and his successor, Tiberius, it was their favorite vacation home at the beginning of the Christian period, and closer to our era, it was frequented by Russian writer Maxim Gorky, Oscar Wilde, Jean Cocteau, Andre Gide and Pablo Picasso.

In the 1950s, the international jet set transformed the island into a trendy destination, and in 1962, French director Jean-Luc Godard shot part of his film, Le Mépris starring Brigitte Bardot, here, in the Villa Malaparte. A true garden island, Capri has an unequalled natural heritage. All around the island, there are numerous belvederes looking straight down to the sea, revealing incredible landscapes. Visitors can admire the renowned “faraglione”, the rock stacks rising out of the sea from the Tragara belvedere, and they can visit the magnificent blue grotto with its stunning light. And for those who like old stones, walking through the island’s two main towns, Capri and Anacapri and getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow, winding streets makes for a good excursion. Strollers can walk in the footsteps of poets and writers by visiting the Villa Fersen or the Villa Axel Munthe in Anacapri or the ruins of the Tibere villa.

Finally, another option is relaxing on one of the fine white sand beaches and contemplating the turquoise water of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Capri, with a subtle blend of unforgettable landscapes, an historical heritage and jet set glamour, has become a myth, unique in the world.

The hotel of the stars

Opened in the 1960s by Rita and Mario Cacace, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa looks peacefully down onto the limpid Mediterranean water, at the extreme tip of Anacapri. Considered by the international press as the hotel of the stars, it contributes to keeping the myth of the island alive. And stars do come to the hotel, and when they’re not here, you can find traces of their passage here in the suites which are dedicated to them. Four beige and granite tone suites pay tribute to Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Isabelle Adjani and Audrey Hepburn with a collection of their photos on display.

In the Penthouse suite dedicated to Gwyneth Paltrow, everything is black and white with arches, columns, cushions and photos reflecting the style of the star: elegant and non conformist.

Taken over by Tonio Cacace, the owners’ son, the hotel’s Mediterranean-modern and whitewashed architecture is a subtle blend of precious antiquities, Louis XVI furniture and design. White is the dominant color everywhere. Between the arches and the columns, Tonio displays his collection of art with works by De Chirico, Paladino and Allen Jones, reflecting his taste for the contemporary masters. The simpler rooms all have four-poster beds and “travertine”, a calcareous rock that can be found in the most beautiful ancient Roman structures.

The Art suites dedicated to Miro, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Warhol and Magritte pay tribute to the artists by displaying canvasses and reproductions by Lavinia Argenti and Michele Costantini. The Magritte suite has its own garden and private pool whose bottom is decorated with a painting.

At the spot where Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis would moor, Tonino has had the Capri Beauty Farm built, where guests can be pampered with wellness treatments at the end of the day, after having relaxed at the edge of the swimming pool, or after sailing in the yacht provided by the hotel.

The gastronomy is at the same high level as the rest. The Olivo restaurant is under the supervision of the starred Chef, Olivier Glowig, and guests can also have lunch or a candlelight dinner at sea aboard the Vent du Sud sailing ship.

The Capri Palace also proposes refined, unusual picnics complete with crystal glasses, a maître d’hôtel and waiters, at the summit of Monte Solaro where there’s an exceptional view of the island.