LA DOLCE VITA IN CAPRI

Off Italy’s Amalfi Coast lies a tiny island resort, Capri. Pronounced Cap -ry, not Ca- pree, this island to many is the most beautiful place in the world. When you arrive in Capri by boat, you are greeted by a multi-colored hillside of hotels, cafes, lemon groves, and the bluest water. As you set foot off the boat, you notice a line of cabs waiting for you, white convertibles ready to take you around the twists and turns of the tiny, charming roads of the island. However these roads are few, you will soon find that most places you would like to travel are only accessible by foot.

World renowned as a place where the rich and famous play, throughout this century Capri has been host to everyone from Cary Grant to Naomi Campbell and has the accommodations to prove it. With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, impeccably fresh cuisine, immaculate hotels and breakfast available in bed or overlooking the isle, Capri brings paradise to life. I remember we arrived on the isle at night and took off to our hotel, the next morning I woke up to my husband saying, “you will not believe this.” We walked over and looked off our balcony onto a true paradise, the sun was shining brightly against the blue water and its reflection danced like diamonds on top of the sea while the colorful villas painted the hillside, it was too breathtaking to even put into words. I felt as if I had woken into to real life Technicolor world.

With tiny paths only accessible by foot creating a maze that weaves around the Piazzetta of Capri, it is easy to get lost amongst these paths and feel like you have traveled back in time to Old World Europe. A day trip to the Mount Tiberius, where the ruler Tiberius built his secluded castle, leads you over 1,000 feet above the sea. Atop Capri you pass beautiful villas guarded by statuesque pillars and draped in blossoms and vines. You cannot help but wonder how they were built, and more so, who lives there. On the island also lies Villa San Michele, the "Axel Munthe Museum", the chair lift to Monte Solaro (the island's most panoramic vantage point), as well as designer shops and local artisan shops specializing in cameos. Don’t miss the village of Anacapri, the antique Phoenician and Greek island Acropolis, which pre-dates Emperor Augustus' times. Narrow streets lead to the Blue Grotto and to the many other romantic and secluded locations of Anacapri, where the sun shines from dawn to sunset. Of the many beaches you must enjoy is La Fontelina – its privacy and gorgeous water are just a short walk down via Tragara and you can enjoy a wonderful lunch in this sunbathing paradise.

Whether you choose to join an organized tour, or rent a private boat with captain, taking to the turquoise waters is the only way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the island. You can charter a private tour around the island, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. For those planning to explore the waters around Capri, the many beautiful tour boats are a traditional wooden fishing craft, known as Gozzi. These beautiful boats measuring from 7 to 10 m. and manufactured by the prestigious Aprea shipyard, offer the maximum comfort and excellent stability in the water. They are all equipped with comfortable sun deck, sun shade, shower, and ice box. Snorkeling equipment is also available.

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A tour of the island and its many grottos (caves) in one of these characteristic boats has to be the most fascinating ways in which to admire the breathtakingly dramatic scenery around the coast of Capri and to feel at one with a landscape capable of evoking the strongest of emotions.

Our private tour guide, Gerianno, told us the history of the island and took us to see the many luminescent grottos around the isle as we enjoyed wine. Gerianno even caught a Yellowfin Tuna while we cruised around Capri. Along our private tour, we stopped to enjoy lunch on the beach, a Caprese and water with gasso (sparkling water). The beaches in Capri are rocky and sandy or simply large rocks that jut out into the ocean where places are naturally made for you to enjoy the sun. As our tour came to an end Gerannio said he wanted us to dine at his sister’s restaurant, Buca di Bacco. That night we had reservations for two at the best table in the house overlooking the Mediterranean. From the Piazzetta go through a passageway to Via Longano and a short walk will take you to Buca di Bacco.

Whether at a café in the Piazzetta or dining under lemon groves, you will enjoy every bite and every sip. The food in Capri is incredibly fresh. The seafood is so rich with flavor it as if it was caught that day. The aroma of spices fills your senses as the steam rises from each platter. The sauces are so savory you will fantasize about the seafood and marinara. With one bite of Mozzarella, you will realize you had never really tasted it before. Even the cheapest wine in Italy is among the best you have ever tasted. For another drink of choice, try a margarita made with lemons or truly indulge in a fresh Bellini with strawberries, peaches, or bananas. With the abundance of lemon groves be sure to enjoy a fresh lemonade on the beach or as you stroll and a sip of homemade Limoncello is a must. Of course, an Italian getaway would not be complete without gelato. Rich and creamy in texture, once you taste true Italian gelato, like Canoli Sicilioni, your palette will not be satisfied with anything else.

With 5 star accommodations, you can certainly enjoy la dolce vita in Frette sheets as well. The grand dame of the island, the Quisi is immortal. Marble and flash bulb territory await you on the glitziest of streets in Capri. Enjoy a Quisi Royale (peach, strawberries and prosecco) on the streetside terrace. The more discreet might enjoy La Scalinatella, but can you resist the Quisi's immaculate service and a chocolate massage in the new spa? www.quisi.it

La Scalinatella is a luxury boutique hotel where guests delight in its unique and intimate hospitality. The extremely comfortable rooms with all facilities are large and have terraces with sea and Charterhouse views. There is a terrace with a swimming pool and a restaurant serving lunch and snacks. In America it is known as "Bella Scalinatella". The Scalinatella is situated in the most panoramic and peaceful area of the Island of Capri. Its service is guaranteed by the professionalism and with the years of experience of the owners, the Morgano family. At midday, lunch can be enjoyed at the restaurants, by the pool, featuring caprese cuisine and an excellent selection of wines.

Located in Anacapri, the most exclusive and unspoilt part of Italy's island of Capri, The Capri Palace stands 300 meters above sea level, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Naples. The Capri Palace has 77 rooms, 6 with their own private gardens and heated swimming pool; 13 luxuriously furnished suites among which one finds the penthouse "Acropolis" bathed in sunlight, boasting a marvellous shell shaped tub from where one can gaze at the stars and across the sea. Then there is the "Megaron" Suite, a spectacular 150-square-meter apartment, featuring a hanging garden, private swimming pool, and an enchanting view of the Bay of Naples. Adjacent to the Capri Palace Hotel, guests can relax at the exceptional "Capri Beauty Farm", one of Europe's most prestigious and modern spas.

The elegant Gozzi are also available for furthering your journey to the breathtaking Amalfi coast where you shop in the boutiques of Positano, visit to the historic center of Amalfi and its spectacular cathedral, or venture to the gardens and villas of Ravello, perched high above the sea.

Best time to travel: May and October, weather is nice and the island isn’t as crowded as in summer months.

Capri Information:
Buca di Bocca
daserafina@libero.it

La Scalinatella
5 stars
http://www.scalinatella.com/

Grand Hotel Quisisana
5 stars luxury
info@quisi.com
http://www.quisi.com/

Capri Palace Hotel-Spa
5 stars luxury
palace@capri.it
http://www.capripalace.com/

Capri Transfers
Transport and Rental
info@caprieventi.com
http://www.caprieventi.com/