La Minerva

La Minerva is a laid-back, private retreat with remarkable personal attention. Its location terraced into the side of a hill offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean from many vantage points. Quiet and secluded grounds include beautifully tended lawns and gardens with colorful bougainvilleas, citrus trees, and other plants whose subtle fragrances permeate the property. Recently renovated, this historic property has retained its island feel and architecture, including the vaulted ceilings and arched doorways. There's bright "Capri white" everywhere, and a feeling of freshness and sunshine. The walls are hung with striking photographs, and bright flowers, sculptures, and handicrafts are artfully arranged throughout the building. The floors are spectacularly tiled in hand-painted majolica, mostly done in lovely Mediterranean blues. Inside, there are white-upholstered couches and armchairs where guests can gather and socialize or page through one of the coffee table books found in the bookcases. Day or night, guests are welcome to use the telescope that's tucked away on a stair landing. The pool is for guests only, so it's never crowded, and lunch is served in the pool bar, which is elegant, and blends beautifully into the environment with its rustic stone walls and thatched roof. There's no menu; the day’s culinary choices are presented by the waitstaff and cooked to order. During warm weather, breakfast is served on the elegant roof terrace, where guests can watch the cruise ships come in.

La Minerva faces south and gets bright sunlight, even in the cooler months. It sits on a narrow quiet street in the center of Capri, one twisty street away from the high-end shopping streets of Via Camerelle and Via Tragara. From there, guests can take a path down to the beaches at the foot of the Faraglioni rocks, about 16 minutes to the shoreline. Sightseeing attractions can also be reached on foot, including the Charterhouse of San Giacomo (three minutes away) and the Gardens of Augustus (eight minutes). Capri’s famed Piazzetta is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but guests can leave the tourist hubbub behind and return to La Minerva's quiet when day is done. Travelers with mobility issues may want to stay elsewhere, however, as the hotel's location is inaccessible, except on foot. 

Rooms at La Minerva are large and airy, with bright white walls and furnishings, flowers, decorative tilework, and individual decor. All but the Standard and Single Rooms have beautiful furnished balconies or terraces with panoramic views. Superior Rooms have balconies shaded by pergolas or fragrant bougainvilleas. Deluxe Rooms are enormous, with comfortable sitting areas, walk-in closets, double whirlpool tubs, and sea views (even from the bathroom). Housekeeping comes twice daily, and guests return home in the evening to find flowers, candles, and the hotel’s daily newsletter. Amenities include air-conditioning, SKY satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, minibars, free toiletries, and, upon request, iPod docks and DVD players.

La Minerva features an elegant pool ringed with luxe teak sunbeds. There's an attractive pool bar and restaurant with lovely tables, where a light lunch is served. In the afternoons, aperitifs and popular crushed ice drinks are offered at the bar. A free buffet breakfast, including local pastries and eggs cooked to order, is served each morning. During warmer months, breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace; in cooler weather, guests eat in the hotel’s small and stylish breakfast room. There's also a dedicated massage room, or guests can request in-room treatments. While there's no on-site fitness center, La Minerva offers guests free access to a nearby gym. Concierge service is available to help with excursions or special requests, and Wi-Fi is free.