Hotel review: Capri Tiberio Palace, Italy
Capri, (or Cah-pree, if you want to say it Italian-style), is a honeypot for the rich, fabulous and famous. It became a popular celebrity destination back in the 50s, when the likes of Jackie Onassis and Greta Garbo made it the place to be and be seen.
Just four square miles, this Mediterranean paradise sits 20 miles off Naples in Italy's Campania region. Its bougainvillea-bedecked limestone cliffs are a haven for writers, artists, designers and creative types, and the island is still a huge draw for big-name celebrities swinging by in their even bigger yachts, including Mariah Carey, P Diddy, and Oprah Winfrey.
First impressions
Capri Tiberio Palace is situated just a few minutes' walk from the island's main square, the Piazzetta. The island's (supercool, convertible) cabs can't drive through the square, so your luggage will be forwarded on from the harbour, and you can stroll through boutique shop and cafe-clad cobblestone alleyways up to the hotel, which awaits your arrival with open arms. The reception instantly puts you in holiday mode with it's fun fifties-syle decor, the brainchild of designer Giampiero Panepinto. He has created a pop art-style beachy haven, which can't fail to bring an instant grin to your face: sea-blue stripes, aqua and purple chairs, lime-green prints and polka dots set against bright white ceilings and large cooling fans.
Best rooms in the house?
There are 55 rooms at the hotel, all individually decorated with the same retro and flirty style. The most luxurious is the Bellevue Suite, with its direct access to the amazing Mojito terrace with 360-degree views over the Mediterrean sea. We stayed in a Terrace Suite, which featured turquoise ceilings, an extremely indulgent marble bathroom, and a postcard-pretty hand painted tiled terrace with views out to sea.
Where to eat/drink
Take breakfast on the terrace of the Ristorante Terrazza Tiberio, which boasts fabulous ocean views. Jackie, the hotel bar on the ground floor next to the reception, is the perfect spot for a mid-morning coffee (or cocktail?) and offers a brilliant people-watching position. You can even tinkle the ivories on the baby grand piano should the mood take you.
Top tip?
Get to the swimming pool area straight after breakfast and bag yourself a day bed in the corner. There's poolside service to cater to your every need and you can relax and enjoy the sunshine and stunning sea views.
Things to do, places to see...
Capri is a rugged mass of limestone cliffs rising to two peaks: Capri at 1,000ft, and Anacapri, at 2,000ft. Take a trip up to the island's second town, Anacapri, for a more authentic, rustic experience of island life. There's a (rather scary) chair lift, the Monte Solaro, that will take you from Anacapri's Piazza Vittoria to the highest point on the island, 589 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking views that musn't be missed.
This place is perfect if you're...
A couple of newlyweds looking for a special honeymoon treat - or just a couple looking for a special treat! This is laidback luxury with a dash of 50s star glamour mixed in.
Don't miss
You absolutely cannot visit Capri without taking a boat trip around the island. We asked the hotel concierge to book us a private tour, which visited all the amazing limestone caves, including the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), with its incredible-coloured water. You'll stop at beautiful swimming spots and take a dip while getting a little taste of how the other half live. For a more purse-pleasing alternative, head to the Marina Grande (the main port) and hire your own dinghy or join an organised tour.
Details
Via Croce 11-15, Capri, Campania, 80073. Visit citalia.com or call 0843 249 8087.
Get me there!
Citalia (0843 770 4443, www.citalia.com), the leading Italian specialist has a short break at the five star Capri Tiberio Palace from £959 per person. The offering includes a saving of up to £435 per couple, a free night, private resort transfers, four nights B&B in a Superior Room and return flights with Meridiana from London Gatwick.
Book a twin-centre stay
Citalia (0843 770 4443, citalia.com), the leading Italian specialist, is offering a saving of up to £504 per couple on an eight-night Capri and Amalfi Coast twin-centre holiday. Departing on 9 September 2014, the offer starts from £2,035 per person and includes four nights at the five-star Capri Tiberio Palace, return transfers from Capri, four nights at the five-star Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi and return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick.
See more pics of the hotel in our gallery below:
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