Hotel Caesar Augustus probably one of the closest experiences to heaven on earth. Formerly used as a retreat for artists and intellectuals two centuries ago, today this hotel, part of the Relais & Chateaux conglomerate, is an incredible 5-star luxury escape located on Capri. Destination Luxury wanted to share our unforgettable experience at this palace-like paradise. Beyond perfect for honeymooners, special occasions, or just those looking for a seaside escape, this gem of a hotel is a dream come true. We’d even dare say that the Emperor Caesar Augustus himself would choose it as perhaps his number one vacation spot.
Here are Destination Luxury’s 7 reasons to visit Caesar Augustus for your next dream destination:
7. The picture perfect views.
Perched on the cliff edge, 300 meters above the sea, the hotel boasts the best views on the island. From every window, and terrace, unforgettable views of the entire sweep of the Bay of Naples can be seen.
Particularly astonishing is the view from the double level infinity pool overlooking the sea. Euphoric, one can spend all day just floating about in the warm water (heated to around 76 degrees Fahrenheit) and gazing off at the calm, blue sea, with the silhouettes of Ischia, Naples, and Vesuvius off in the distance.
As the pool faces northwest with an unobstructed view, you can also see the glorious Capri sunsets from here in the evenings.
6. The property and hotel grounds.
The hotel grounds, along with their dazzling backdrops of the sea, are absolutely picturesque. The “house” (as they call it) is coated in a pastel yellow exterior with striped awnings, and a charming, comfortable, homey feel on the inside.
Along the house’s perimeter are terraces, where guests can relax the day away.
An intimate boutique property, Caesar Augustus has only 56 individually appointed rooms and suites. No two rooms are the same, but they all share a classic, island look, consisting of graceful arches, crisp white walls, and soothing pastels. For those seeking the most jaw-dropping views, book a Cliff Side Room or one of Caesar Augustus’ magnificent Master Suites.
Finally, a very prized possession of Caesar Augustus is the huge organic garden, which guests visit to see all of the flowers, aromatic herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown there, many of which are used in the restaurants’ dishes. The outdoor wellness facility is also located within the garden.
5. The cliff edge restaurant featuring zero mile cuisine.
The hotel’s restaurants feature the freshest fish and the tastiest of seasonal vegetables, the latter plucked from the hotel’s organic garden just minutes before they reach your plate. The cuisine at Caesar Augustus is as good for you as it is delicious.
For lunch, patrons can eat at the lovely La Vele restaurant with beautiful views of the sea, and for dinner, the hotel’s spectacular cliff edge restaurant, La Terrazza di Lucullo.
Several times a year, Caesar Augustus holds special events, often featuring live music, aperitivo, and a unique menu for that evening. We were lucky to be there for one of such event, the “Four Hands Dinner,” cleverly named to show a collaboration between the resident chef, Eduardo Vuolo, and the honored guest chef, Nello Cassese, who has worked alongside Gordon Ramsay and is currently the Executive Chef at Castel Monastero.
The night began with delectable aperitivo and rosè out on the terrace, watching the sunset.
Then, we traveled down to La Terraza di Lucullo for dinner. The meal consisted of several types of the Italian wine Costaripa, amuse bouche, and a mouthwatering 4-course meal created by Chef Vuolo and Chef Cassese.
4. Hours of panoramic pampering in the hotel spa.
The hotel’s outdoor wellness facility is the perfect place in which to enjoy a relaxing massage or exclusive facial treatment, whilst contemplating the view of Caesar Augustus’ gardens and the sea surrounding Capri. The garden grounds also house an open-air fitness area, and just above, an amazingly relaxing steam bath.
3. Family owned and managed.
The only family owned and managed 5-star hotel on the island of Capri, Caesar Augustus is the result of Paolo Signorini’s passion for all things beautiful. Introducing himself as “just Paolo,” Mr. Signorini is a humble owner, who truly takes time to meet his guests and is genuinely filled with joy to share Caesar Augustus with them.
2. Its perfect location.
Located in peaceful Anacapri, the sleepy little town nestled on the sunny slopes of Monte Solaro, Caesar Augustus is the perfect choice for those looking for “romance with a view”. During the day, if wanting to explore, the steps leading to Villa San Michele are just a few hundred meters from the hotel, and the center of Anacapri just a few minutes’ walk away. For those that want a night out on the town, a ten minute cab ride will get you to the glitz and glamour of Capri’s celebrity-packed Piazzetta.
1. The look of a private villa and the feel of your own luxury island home.
Once the preferred residence of Prince Bulhak of Russia, Caesar Augustus still looks and feels like a much-loved private home. With its soft white sofas, simple tabletop lamps, and books on the shelves, the entire hotel evokes a sense of coziness and comfort–exactly like home.
Hotel Caesar Augustus
Via G. Orlandi, 4, 80071 Anacapri (NA) Italy
+39 081 837 3395
To note: The hotel is closed from late fall through early spring. This year, it will be closed from October 25 through next April 13, 2016, so we’d recommend booking as soon as possible for 2016.