Postcards from the islands of the Bay of Naples

Travel
Written By Ash Chin

#FriendOfSojourns Tiffany Shaw was in Europe for much of summer and following her travels was a delight – particularly once she hit the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and our favourite island Capri and its delightfully charming neighbour Ishchia.

Capri is iconic – there is no doubt about it and the hordes of tourist that visit each year are testimony to this. It’s, quite simply, idyllic and the realisation for many of the fabulous clichés of ‘la dolce vita’.

The usually affluent crowd that is attracted to Capri spends their days at famous beach clubs like La Fontelina or Il Riccio, staying at incredible hotels such as Punta Tragara or Capri Palace, exploring the waters and grottos around the island on skippered boats, or shopping up a storm along Via Camerelle.

A gorgeous place to spend a few days (or longer as we do), Capri’s charms in summer are really apparent once the day trippers head back to the Amalfi Coast and a level of haute sophistication settles across the island for the long, balmy evenings.

Capri also has plenty to offer those seeking a lower key vibe too – the excellent Bagni Tiberio restaurant and beach club is one, along with the charismatic atmosphere one finds around the beaches near Marina Piccola.

And then you have Ischia.

Relatively undiscovered, Ischia offers a relaxed and serene option – after all, the mineral rich volcanic island (as opposed to its limestone friend) is one of Italy’s best-known spa retreats.

There’s no Gucci or Hermes here, but what you will find is a gorgeous, laid back island where rustic villages have retained their charm and beauty.

A star of the island is the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa which has been revamped by our friends at Pellicano Hotels since they took over management of the property in February this year. I adore their property Il Pellicano on the Tuscan coast at Porto Ercole!

Mezzatorre quickly became a favourite amongst those ‘in the know’ who this year flocked to the iconic rust coloured property which stands proudly on a rocky headland overlooking a private bay – with that stunning seaside pool.

Bigger than Capri, Ischia offers plenty to do for those looking for activity on vacation with many hiking trains and hot springs located around the island.

And of course, there’s the sea which remains such a drawcard of this region no matter where you choose to base yourself.

People often ask me where my favourite place in the world is. The answer is always Capri (sorry Paris you’re my favourite city) but I’m already seeing myself spending a few days at Mezzatorre next summer as an antidote after days of the type of indulgence only Capri can offer.

Follow Tiff on Instagram at @tiffanyshaw1.

See below the postcards for some Sojourns Of favourites.

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Sojourns Of Suggestions

SO Stay

  • Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
    A retreat in Anacapri, this is one of the islands most storied – and deluxe – properties
    https://www.capripalace.com/en/
    Isola di Capri NA IT, Via Capodimonte, 14, 80071 Anacapri
    Affiliations: Virtuoso, Leading Hotels of the World

  • Hotel Caesar Augustus
    Once a private home, now a boutique hotel, prepare to be captivated by the views of the Bay of Naples
    https://www.caesar-augustus.com/
    Via Giuseppe Orlandi, 4, 80071 Anacapri
    Affiliations: Virtuoso

  • Hotel Punta Tragara
    Sojourns Of’s number one recommendation in Capri magically located with endless vistas featuring the Faraglioni rock formations
    https://www.hoteltragara.com/en/
    Via Tragara, 57, 80073 Capri
    Affiliations: Virtuoso, Small Luxury Hotels

  • J.K. Place Capri
    Discreetly elegant and effortlessly chic, J.K. properties always deliver
    http://www.jkcapri.com/en/
    Via Marina Grande, 225, 80076 Capri
    Affiliations: Virtuoso, Leading Hotels of the World

  • Villa Brunella
    Tucked away on quiet Via Tragara, this family run hotel is an eternal favourite (you’ll often find Sojourns Of here) and may just have the best view in Capri
    https://www.villabrunella.it/
    Via Tragara, 24, 80076 Capri

  • Villa Mediterranea
    The sister hotel to Capri Tiberio Palace, just a short stroll from the Piazzetta with access to all the facilities of its sibling
    https://www.villamediterraneacapri.com/en/index
    Via Croce, 11, 80076 Capri
    Affiliations: Mr & Mrs Smith

  • Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa
    The place to stay when visiting Ischia and better than ever with Pellicano hotels (of the famed Il Pellicano) now at the helm
    https://www.mezzatorre.com/en/
    via Mezzatorre, 23, 80075 Forio d'Ischia
    Affiliations: Virtuoso, Leading Hotels of the World

SO Eat and Drink

SO Beach Clubs

SO Do

  • Anacapri is quieter than the centre of Capri, and the views from its high vantage point are incredible

  • Don’t be afraid to use Capri as your base for the Amalfi Coast – everything is just a short ferry trip away, just like it would be if you were to base yourself at Positano, Amalfi or anywhere in between

  • Spend a day on the sea on a private gozzo boat with Gennaro at Capri Rent Boats (https://www.caprirentboats.com/) – you can circumnavigate the island in a few hours and get dropped at La Fontelina for lunch

Ash Chin
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