Capri's first hotel to be taken over by Oetker Collection for 2022 reopening

(From Oetker Collection press release) Capri’s first hotel, Hotel La Palma, built in 1822, is to be transformed by Oetker Collection and owners, Reuben Brothers, into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite property. Hotel La Palma will be Oetker Collection’s reimagined incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers and musicians from all over the world, and once again be at the epicentre of the social scene on the island.

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Reimagining a Capri icon, the 50- key hotel in vibrant Capri Village will be a complete transformation of the original Hotel La Palma that dates back to 1822 – the first and oldest hotel on the island. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, it will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques.

In line with Oetker Collection’s mission to create meaningful connections in endearing places, the brand’s first Italian property is set bring to life the island’s iconic dolce vita lifestyle.

The hotel is owned by Reuben Brothers, marking the latest landmark procurement in their pipeline of investments and developments in Europe. The Reubens Brothers’ acquisition also includes the legendary La Taverna Anema e Core nightclub, a famous nightspot frequented by celebrities, located in the same premises.

Set the scene

Hotel La Palma will celebrate the timeless and warm hospitality for which Oetker Collection is loved. The property has been conceived as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island for the modern traveller. The original hotel on Capri will once more become the chicest address on the island for people who want to see and be seen.

During its renovation, the room count of the hotel is being drastically decreased, from 80 to 50 rooms – including 18 suites – each complete with its own private balcony or terrace. The property’s interiors are currently being transformed by two acclaimed architects: led by Rome based Francesco Delogu of Delogu Architects for the rooms and lobby, and New York-based Tihany Design, one of the world’s preeminent hospitality design firms, led by Adam Tihany and Alessia Genova, for the restaurant, pool, spa, and beach club.

Located in the beating heart of Capri, just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I – wellknown as the ‘Piazzetta’ – Hotel La Palma is perfectly positioned for guests to visit some of the most notable sites of Capri: I Giardini di Augusto, Via Krupp, La Certosa and the iconic Faraglioni. Another of the island’s best-known, must-visit natural sites in easy reach from the hotel is the ‘Grotta Azzurra’ – the Blue Grotto – a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave.

A feast for the senses

In true Italian fashion, Hotel La Palma will be a gourmand’s delight, with Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace, under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito. Esposito is a true name in the region, having run his own two-Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for the last 23 years.

A simple, stylish step back in time to the Capri of the 1950s, Gennaro’s will embrace the timeless romance of the island, serving unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. A contemporary, vibrant place that shuns formality and celebrates the spirit and cuisine of Capri, Gennaro’s will also benefit from being right next door to the great Taverna Anema e Core.

Another highlight will be Bianca, a glamorous, newly created rooftop restaurant and bar open ’til late with spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village. Bianca, also under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito, will become the island’s chicest hangout, transporting guests to another time and place. In addition, Hotel La Palma will offer a brand-new pool deck, complete with an elegant pool bar which pays homage to the ‘classic Capri’ of the golden age.

To the beach

A short drive to Capri’s southern coast, guests will discover Hotel La Palma’s elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola, home to the island’s most famous beaches and restaurants.

This will be the place where fabulous people come and go, to watch sun-drenched days flow into glittering twilight evenings. Open to non-hotel guests, visitors will come from yachts and neighbouring hotels as La Palma Beach Club becomes the meeting place of choice on the island for long, lazy lunches created by Gennaro Esposito and sunset cocktails.

By day, it will be a playground for the great and the good and by night, home to carefree indulgence and the place to rendezvous and soak in Capri’s animated social scene.

Back at the hotel meanwhile, there will be an indulgent spa which will offer three treatment rooms, including one double treatment suite, a sauna, steam bath and ice shower, relaxation space and fitness centre. The hotel will also offer three boutiques.

The iconic Italian island

Effortlessly laidback and a synonym for enduring elegance, Capri is an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples off the Sorrento Peninsula, famed for its rugged landscape, iconic restaurants, excellent shopping and glamorous visitors from the literati, dignitaries, royalty and A-list celebrities.

Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter from the mainland, Capri has remained a popular tourist destination since the 1950s; a sun-soaked playground for the contemporary jet set that captures the quintessential spirit of the Mediterranean in Italy’s Campania region.

History & heritage

Since 1822, Hotel La Palma – formerly known as Locanda Pagano – is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travellers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations and often, his guests were artists, poets, writers, architects, painters and musicians, all who showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the ‘Artists’ Hotel.’

A collective of creatives began to gather from all over the world who were inspirited by the genius loci, charmed by the smooth, familiar atmosphere of this eccentric hotel. When Hotel La Palma reopens in April 2022, guests will once again receive the same warm Italian welcome.