Capri’s first hotel, built in 1822, is to be transformed by Oetker Collection and owners, Reuben Brothers, into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite property. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques.
Hotel La Palma will be the incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers, and musicians from all over the world. Once again, it will be at the epicenter of the social scene on the island.
Set the scene
The property has been conceived as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island for the modern traveler. The original hotel on Capri will once more become the chicest address on the island for people who want to see and be seen. The renovation will decrease the room count to 50, including 18 suites. Each will have its own private balcony or terrace. Located in the heart of Capri, it is just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I, better known as the Piazzetta. Hotel La Palma is perfectly positioned for guests to visit some of the most notable sites of Capri: Via and Villa Krupp, La Certosa, I Giardini di Augusto and the iconic Faraglioni rocks.
A Feast for the Senses
In true Italian fashion, Hotel La Palma will be a gourmet’s delight. Leading the hotel’s culinary scene is chef Gennaro Esposito, who has run his own two-Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for 23 years. Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace will embrace the timeless romance of the island, serving unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. Another highlight will be Bianca, a glamorous, newly created rooftop restaurant and bar. Open until late, it will offer spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village. And then, there will be the elegant pool bar which pays homage to the “classic Capri” of the golden age.
Beach life
Just a short drive to Capri’s southern coast, guests can spend their day at Hotel La Palma’s elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola. At the island’s most famous beaches and restaurants, people come and go from their yachts and neighboring hotels. One can enjoy a lazy lunch created by Chef Gennaro, or later a sunset cocktail while soaking in Capri’s animated social scene. Or, you might want to head back to the hotel and indulge in one of the spa offerings like sauna, steam bath, ice shower or the fitness center.
Hotel History
Since 1822, Hotel La Palma – formerly known as Locanda Pagano – is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travelers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations. Often, his guests were artists, architects, painters, writers and musicians. All showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the “Artists” Hotel.
Capri – The iconic island
Laidback and a synonym for enduring elegance, Capri is set in the blue waters of Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea in the Bay of Naples just off the Sorrentine Peninsula. The island is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter from the mainland, Capri has remained a popular destination since the 1950s; a sun-soaked playground for the contemporary jet set that captures the quintessential spirit of the Mediterranean.
Photos: Romain Réglade, Oetker Collection