Who: The Chic crowd then and now?
stylish International jet set- Italians, French, Spaniards, and Americans
By MGM – ebay
By Mario Bonnard – Catturato personalmente da it:User:Vabbè
Why: Location, location, location.. so special and exquisite?
Vibe: luxurious, beach resort comfortable style.
Dream day: beach club, boat, swimming pool, shopping, darty
Dreamy nights: Patio sunset for aperitivo and then dining under the stars
When: Holiday travel dates for the jet set.
Weather: It’s a tropical beach climate on the water so nights can be a bit cooler.
Month: July tends to be the biggest travel month for Americans in Capri, but we found that traveling in early to mid June enabled us to snag the hard to get reservations from restaurants to beach clubs. I would avoid August travel anywhere in Europe if your schedule allows because that is the month the local Europeans are traveling and the most crowded.
Where: The “see and be seen” crowd stay, darty during the day and apertivo at night?
Stay? If you like being close to the restaurants, bars and shopping, I highly recommend staying in Capri itself versus Ani Capri, Marina Piccola or Marina Grande. Google map the location and the walking distance to Quisiana or the Piazette near the taxi stand.
Where the jet set crowd goes during the day:
La fontelina
When I imagine a perfect summer day in Capri it includes a trip to ” one of the most beautiful beach resorts in the world’ , La Fontelina. It’s nestled where the waves of the Bay of Naplese meet the iconic Faraglioni rocks. This incredible place seems to have a soul of its own. A big part of the experience stems from the generations of families who’ve cared for this restaurant and beach club, making it one the most magical authentic experiences in Capri.
As you sit under the famous blue and white umbresses, feeling like you are in a movie, watching the water hit the jagged rocks below, you can only imagine the boats and the people who have crossed this water. From the ancient days of Caesar Agustus to the jet set of the 1960’s including Jackie & Aristotle Onasis, you realize real luxury transcends time. It’s definitely a bucket list to check, every time you’re given an opportunity.
Il Chiosco di Tragara- Ice lemonade stand
Rent a boat -Drive throught the Faraglioni Rocks- myth
Blue Grotto- dingy boat picks you up. Pay 20 euros each then 100 euros extra to cut the line
Heart Cave
Swimming – Conco del Sogno beach club
Appertivo
Quisisana
the popular aperitivo at Quisi Bar- A bar that is an institution in Capri, that used to be attended by princes, actors, Nobel prizes winners and artists, from Oscar Wilde to Ernest Hemingway, from Onassis to Ingrid Bergman: the Bar Quisi and its terrace facing the entrance to Via Camerelle are, together with the Piazzetta, the most glamorous places to be to watch tourists pass by and relive the “Dolce vita”.
Capri Rooftop Lounge Bar is located above the Hotel Luna, just adjacent to the Gardens of Augustus with a view of the Faraglioni, hotel’s rooftop transformed into a rooftop terrace lounge overlooking the Faraglioni, ideal for cocktails and festive toasts from sunset until late into the evening.
Where the pretty people go at night
RISTORANTE DA PAOLINO
This is the famous “lemon tree restaurant.” Though some knock the food, the latest rap is that Da Paolino is having a moment again. The food is really, really good. It’s also the most romantic restaurant in Capri. Don’t miss the dessert room. FAVORITE DISH: Grilled Mozzarella between Lemon Leaves.
AURORA
If you’re looking to be seen, Aurora is it. This is celeb central. Aurora is always buzzing. Great for lunch, too. FAVORITE DISH: Capellini with Salted Butter and Caviar.
RISTORANTE VILLA VERDE:
If you’re looking for a place with great energy, look no further than Villa Verde. On any given night, you’ll find people standing up and dancing, twirling their napkins and — generally — having a lot of fun. The food is phenomenal, too. This statement will be controversial, but I think Villa Verde makes the best pizza on the island. FAVORITE DISH: Pizza Margherita.
VILLA MARGHERITA
If you’re looking for a low-key, yummy dinner, Villa Margherita is it. Great for big groups. FAVORITE DISH: Spaghetti Vongole.
Le Monzu – Capri-Punta Tragara
A Michelin star that shines as bright as the stars in Capri’s evening sky. The beating heart of Punta Tragara, suspended between heaven and earth. An incomparable setting with wondrous island views as far as the eye can see. Le Monzù takes you on a culinary journey across the Mediterranean: from lunches and dinners that cleverly mix tradition with innovation to his rich and varied breakfast spread, Chef Pedana will act as your guide as you discover the tastes, smells and textures of the local cuisine, with his signature flair for the international. Slim aarons photograph of orange steps- This is where slim Aaron’s famous photo was taken on steps.
Geranio
View on the Faraglioni-Located in one of the most secluded and enchanting places in Capri, you can reach it along a road lined with colorful and blooming oleanders that also leads to the Gardens of Augustus and the famous Via Krupp.- big family in slim aarons photograph overlooking the rocks
What: Stylish pieces are they packing and wearing?
View on the Faraglioni-Located in one of the most secluded and enchanting places in Capri, you can reach it along a road lined with colorful and blooming oleanders that also leads to the Gardens of Augustus and the famous Via Krupp.- big family in slim aarons photograph overlooking the rocks
Day looks for Capri: skirt/blouse or cotton dress that doubles as a coverup over swimsuit. With cobblestone streets in mind, wear comfortable sandals, block heeled shoes or sneakers.
Night looks for Capri: Take inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Dior and Chanel Resort patterns and styles.
How: Transportation tips…getting there and getting around?
Flight to Naples:
Taxi to port
Direct Ferries- Naples to Carpri
Choose Fastest and/or best time: as an estimate the fast ferry is 50 minutes verses the standard ferry 1 hr 25minutes
Check in, in person at the port in the line to pick up the physical ticket in the line at the dock
Wait at the dock for the ferry to come: sometimes the dock listed is not he dock the ferry arrives
Give you the round trip paper ticket and have to save it- I misplaced mine and they would not reprint the copy for me. Rob had to talk his way on with the ferry worker
When arrive in Capri
Hire the baggage company to take your Checked luggage bags to your hotel or villa: approximately 25 euros each. Only recommend giving them your checked bags without valuables. For example, I personally take my carry-on bags with my jewelry and luxury accessories on my own.
Take taxi to town of Capri
- approximately 25 euros from Marina Grande
Walk to the hotel or villa
- wear sensible shoes and clothes so you are able to manage your carry on luggage (including jewelry and handbags) on cobblestone streets in the heat of the day
Packing- What to Wear in Capri
Dresses & Skirts for day and night: Designer clothes are not a must but you can look at current styles, patterns, colors and trends from Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Dior and Chanel Resort.
Blazer and/or pashmina/wrap from day & night: I recommend traveling with a blazer and/or pashmina wrap for cool nights on the water, air conditioned spaces, light rain and other surprising weather conditions.
HANDBAGS & SHOES
Tote: Think airplane bag that transforms into your beach or pool bag. For planes, I wear sneakers that work with dresses and add a pair of flip flops or sandals for beach. However, the best beach club in Capri is La Fontelina and requires over a 10 minute walk down a winding steep staircase and a 15 minute walk back. If your day at the beach club includes a few cocktails, you may prefer the alternative route of taking a boat to Marina Piccola then a taxi to Capri then walking back to your hotel. In any case, I always wear sneakers and bring a change of sandals for walking from the beach to lunch and to the sea.
Crossbody for Day or night
- For daytime sightseeing or luxury store shopping, I love carrying a crossbody. I recommend every crossbody is large enough to store a
- phone,
- Sun or reading glasses,
- Lipstick and powder,
- credit cards and a little bit of cash.
- I pair the crossbody with a coordinating flat or sneaker. When I travel to a tropical destination for a week I pack two pairs of each. And I add a pair of sandals that can be worn with a dress or a beach cover up.
- For night- I tend to wear dresses in breathable fabrics that can be paired with a blazer or pashmina. As a rule, most evening crossbody bags are smaller than day versions but still can hold all the essentials listed above.
What to Wear & Carry On the Plane
I like to be fashionable, comfortable and dress with layers on a plane. I generally wear a
- Button blouse with a tank,
- a jacket/blazer
- scarf/ pashmina.
If you are on a tarmac without ac on a plane, you remove layers down to the tank. If the AC is strong, layer up with a blazer and/or pashmina/wrap worn around your neck or as a blanket. I wear sneakers on the plane, considering I may have to remove my shoes at the security checkpoint and my feet may swell when traveling for an extended period of time.
In order to feel fresh, I almost always change my plane outfit when I arrive but sometimes for business it isnt an option. So the layering of a scarf or changing to a heel or a nice flat can make a look more business appropriate. I keep
What to carry on plane
- Airplane tote with crossbody nestled
- If tote is light color or in excellent condition keep an outer bag or a dust bag for storing under seat or going thru the security scan
- Snack- nuts or bars
- Insulated cup with ice- add water after security- use at pool and at convention
- Miss Mouth Messy Eater Stain Treater
- Hand lotion
- Medicine needed for night
- Touch up makeup if makeup lost
- jewelry
- Phone charger-
- Carry on for domestic large planes different than international and commuter flights
- For international- charge for luggage, cheaper to pay for more expensive ticket sometimes
- Wear pants or maxi skirt, sneaker, tank, jacket and wrap/scarf
- Pull cart luggage on plane
- Accessories with value including handbags, belts, scarves and shoes
- One or two fabulous outfits to make it through the trip- if a wedding or big event including shoes
- A different blouse to wear with skirt or pants wearing on plane
- Change of shoes
- Checked luggage
- Add Air tag to checked luggage
- Room for shopping Or buy an extra bag
- Steamer
- Check weather average and the 10 day forecast before your trip
- Textures for Las Vegas: Sequins, Feathers, Metallics, Fringe, Leather and Lace
- For Weekend
- Blazer coordinates with day and evening looks
- Swimsuit with sundress as coverup that doubles to wear shopping
- Dress day with sneakers or flats for convention
- Evening dress coordinate with jacket- Plan a dress that can transition from a restaurant with a jacket to a show or a club on the dance floot. Vegas theater/concert attendees are cocktail attire from a fabulous top and pants to a cocktail dress and jacket/shirt for men. The shoes and bags can easily be the focus.
- The second evening dress you choose can coordinate with your wrap. I recommend you choose a dress that is a little sexy but definitley still classy. If you are wearing a low cut dress, dont also wear a really short skirt. It’s best to balance the exposure between the decolletage and the short
- Work out clothes
- Pajamas
- Sneaker, flat, heel
- For Week
- Add second pair of sneakers, flats and heel
- Add second blazer and scarf
- Add 2 more evening tops and skirts that can interchange
- Bookings
- Dining- American Express Travel or hotel concierge
- photographers or drivers – Instagram hashtags and locations
- Tours- Viator
Booked boat through Napoli Boat charters – no VAT if pay in Euros/cash
Ischia
Ferry Capri to ischia: Direct Ferries
Marina grande to Porto d’Ischia
Via Iasolino 1, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy
Email you ticket- use the QR code on your phone when you walk on ferry
Day: Iscia
1. Best of the best: San Montano Resort & Spa
Of all the thermal spa experiences on Ischia, Dallarda cites the San Montano Resort & Spa as her all-time top pick. “Super elegant. Top. Chic… I simply adore it,” she said. “There’s this incredible 360-degree view of the bay. It feels like you’re floating in the sea, just surrounded by all these gorgeous thermal and sea water pools… and in the hotel everywhere there are those locally made ceramic floor tiles.”
The stately mountaintop five-star resort boasts various levels of luxury villas and suites plus the splendid Lemontano citrus grove. “Inside the grove they have these sunbeds, set up like it’s an outdoor spa,” explained Dallarda. “And they give you massages right there in the grove with all the lemons dangling above your head. It’s absolutely insane.” The San Montano Resort also has a traditional spa, offering medicinal thermal cures, volcanic mud treatments, hydromassage and balneotherapy, as well as indulgent face and body treatments.
After days full of pampering, guests can choose from three restaurants, all with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the sea and Mt Vesuvius. “You eat all day long. It’s like being on a cruise ship,” said Dallarda. “San Montano is the absolute best.”
Website: https://www.sanmontano.com/
Address: Via Nuova Montevico, 26 Lacco Ameno
Phone: +39 081 994033
Instagram: @sanmontanoresort
Shopping
The Vittoria Colonna Course in Ischia Porto is definitely ideal for your shopping or even just for a walk in the evening. There are so many shops and high fashion boutiques.
Going down the course, you get to via Roma, the central street a few steps from the port. Even here, there are many clothing stores, but also small craft shops, typical products, restaurants and bars.
Those interested in handcrafted objects can buy baskets, lampshades, hats and other items made from plaited straw following an antique island tradition that has been passed down the female generations.
The use of terracotta is also an antique island tradition: there are still craft shops today that sell handmade items such as vases, cups and other ornaments.
Food and wines to purchase can instead be found in the several food and wine shops where you can try the island’s traditional tastes and buy souvenirs to take home, such as the delicious citrus fruit or Millefiori honey or a few bottles of white Ischia wine such as Forastera and Biancolella. For a more low-key experience, explore the tiny boutiques and art galleries in Sant’Angelo and Lacco Ameno.
Sant’Angelo is an ancient and fascinating fishing village, kissed by the sun and caressed by the sea, which has become a destination for Italian and international tourism.
Life and shopping are concentrated in the famous little square, surrounded by bars, restaurants, small shops and elegant boutiques that make Sant’Angelo a little Capri.
Lacco Ameno with its promenade is ideal for a walk and a bit of shopping. Walking along its course you will find small boutiques of textile crafts, jewellers, clothing boutiques and shoe shops.
The walks along the course are pleasant towards evening, when at dusk tourists and locals pour into the street and sit among the tables of the bars for an aperitif at sunset.
Useful information: Most shops in Ischia open from 9am to 1pm, then close until 4 or 430pm and remain open until 8 or 830pm on Monday to Saturday and remain closed all day on Sundays.
Spa
Best of the best: San Montano Resort & Spa
Of all the thermal spa experiences on Ischia, Dallarda cites the San Montano Resort & Spa as her all-time top pick. “Super elegant. Top. Chic… I simply adore it,” she said. “There’s this incredible 360-degree view of the bay. It feels like you’re floating in the sea, just surrounded by all these gorgeous thermal and sea water pools… and in the hotel everywhere there are those locally made ceramic floor tiles.”
The stately mountaintop five-star resort boasts various levels of luxury villas and suites plus the splendid Lemontano citrus grove. “Inside the grove they have these sunbeds, set up like it’s an outdoor spa,” explained Dallarda. “And they give you massages right there in the grove with all the lemons dangling above your head. It’s absolutely insane.” The San Montano Resort also has a traditional spa, offering medicinal thermal cures, volcanic mud treatments, hydromassage and balneotherapy, as well as indulgent face and body treatments.
After days full of pampering, guests can choose from three restaurants, all with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the sea and Mt Vesuvius. “You eat all day long. It’s like being on a cruise ship,” said Dallarda. “San Montano is the absolute best.”
Website: https://www.sanmontano.com/
Address: Via Nuova Montevico, 26 Lacco Ameno
Phone: +39 081 994033
Instagram: @sanmontanoresort
Best for living out your dolce vita dreams: Albergo Della Regina Isabella
The classic film La Dolce Vita took place in 1960s Rome, but those three words will come to mind again and again at the Albergo Della Regina Isabella – a lavish five-star hotel founded in 1956 by celebrated publisher and film producer Angelo Rizzoli that has remained frozen in time.
“In the ’60s, during the ‘dolce vita period’, the families that participated in film festivals used Ischia as their summer house, ” said Dallarda. “All the celebs from Los Angeles like Bridgit Bardot… they were all guests in the gorgeous Rizzoli villa. It’s retained that vintage 1960s style. Iconic.”
Located in a quiet bay in the hamlet of Lacco Ameno, Albergo Della Regina Isabella stuns with its original brightly patterned tile floors, ornate furnishings and mesmerizing sea views. “They have this private pier where everyone comes in with their yachts,” said Dallarda. “The view is total wow.”
The hotel’s thermal springs are classified as “hyper-mineral waters”, rich in salt, sulfates and bicarbonates, flowing at a temperature between 56C and 77C. Dallarda notes that the hotel’s spa is a bit of an anomaly – a high-grade clinical structure plopped amid vintage glamor. “It’s for health, not for wellness,” she explained. “Even the uniforms of the therapists… it’s very clinical.”
The spa specializes in mud therapy, utilizing Ischia’s natural volcanic mud which, after a six-month maturation process, absorbs new microelements helpful for treating inflammation and improving blood circulation. And after top-notch clinical treatments, guests can return to the hotel, refreshed, and get ready for an Aperol Spritz at sunset. The sweet life, indeed.
Website: https://www.reginaisabella.com/it/
Address: Piazza Santa Restituta, 1 Lacco Ameno
Phone: +39 081 994322
Instagram: @regina.isabella