Il Capri Hotel, a seasonal gem on the enchanting Italian island of Capri, reopened its doors in late March 2023, welcoming guests to an experience defined by impeccable design and luxurious comfort. Created by the innovative husband-and-wife duo Graziella Buontempo and Arnaud Lacombe, representing the Parisian Savoir Vivre Group, this boutique hotel is housed in a 19th-century neo-Gothic Venetian-style palazzo. The property, originally a private villa before its first transformation into a hotel in 1899, showcases a meticulous blend of historical architecture and contemporary chic, making it a standout destination for discerning travellers.
Situated just a few steps from the bustling Piazetta, Il Capri Hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of the island, offering easy access to Capri’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. The hotel’s iconic pink and white façade, which has been carefully restored and repainted, reflects the hues found across the island and the dramatic volcanic reds of Mount Vesuvius. This thoughtful colour palette extends into the interiors, where shades of pastel pink, sisal flooring, and natural materials like bamboo, wicker, wood, linen, and wool create an atmosphere of understated elegance and comfort.
Each of the 21 guest rooms at Il Capri Hotel is a testament to the island’s rich culture and history. The rooms are designed with a focus on no-frills luxury, emphasising comfort and sophistication while allowing the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the island itself to take centre stage. The design elements, from the sisal flooring to the carefully selected antique furniture, celebrate the island’s connection to nature. The headboards in the guest rooms, shaped as ogee arches, echo the Gothic arch windows of the building, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The hotel’s public areas are designed to feel homely and inviting, with a variety of antique furniture pieces and artworks sourced from Buontempo’s personal collection. Checkerboard flooring, black lighting fixtures, and red curtains create a striking yet cosy ambience. The grand staircase, with its marbled steps, has been lovingly restored rather than replaced, preserving the building’s architectural integrity. This decision to maintain the original staircase, despite the suggestion to install an elevator, highlights the owners’ dedication to preserving the hotel’s historical charm.
Il Capri Hotel’s dining options are as thoughtfully designed as its interiors. The hotel’s restaurant, Vesuvio, is a culinary masterpiece where every dish is homemade. From the bread to the tomato sauce, from the jams to the ice creams and sorbets, Vesuvio’s commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every bite. Guests can enjoy lunch in the garden area, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, or dine on the rooftop terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The rooftop, adorned with greenery and vibrant flowers, provides a serene and picturesque setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
In addition to Vesuvio, the hotel features the Caprirama Bar, located at street level and connected to the lobby. This all-day bar extends onto an expansive terrace with a herringbone-pattern tiled floor and groupings of terracotta plant pots, landscaped by garden designer Jonathan Froines. The bar is a perfect spot for guests to relax with a drink while taking in the stunning views of the island.
Entertainment at Il Capri Hotel is as sophisticated as its design. The basement nightclub, Rumore, offers a cutting-edge music program and transforms into a cinema and event venue during the winter season, providing year-round entertainment options for guests. The nightclub’s history as the first nightclub on the island adds a layer of nostalgia and intrigue to the experience. The hotel’s outdoor spaces are equally inviting. The rooftop swimming pool, lined with sun loungers and shaded by red parasols with crenellated white edges, offers a refreshing escape with panoramic views of the island and the sea. Various terraces throughout the property provide guests with ample opportunities to relax and soak in the beauty of Capri.
Graziella Buontempo and Arnaud Lacombe have brought their extensive experience in hospitality to Il Capri Hotel, creating a space that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Buontempo, a native of Naples and the founder of the award-winning Parisian pizzeria Da Graziella (now Camino), and Lacombe, the founder of the renowned Parisian group Savoir Vivre (Déviant, Vivant, Le Collier de la Reine, etc.), have infused the hotel with their unique blend of Italian and Parisian savoir-faire. The design inspiration for Il Capri Hotel is deeply personal, drawing from the owners’ childhood memories and experiences. This influence is evident in the choice of materials, colours, and furnishings, all of which evoke a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. The aim was to create a place where guests feel at home, surrounded by beauty and history, and where they can create lasting memories.
Il Capri Hotel stands as an ode to the island’s enduring allure, blending tradition and modernity in a way that honours the past while embracing the present. It is a place where guests can experience the true essence of Capri, whether they are dining at Vesuvio, dancing at Rumore, or simply relaxing in one of the beautifully appointed rooms. The hotel’s thoughtful design and luxurious amenities ensure that every guest’s stay is unforgettable, making Il Capri Hotel a destination in itself.
