Gatto Bianco Capri 4 stars

In the historic center of Capri, in Via Vittorio Emanuele, road famous for its boutiques and designer shopping, we find Hotel Gatto Bianco: occupying an elegant edifice built according to the island's architectural traditions. The origins of the Gatto Bianco date back to the early 19th century when Carmela Esposito welcomed the first visitors to what was, at the time, an Inn. Over the years the hotel was to become the chosen residence of such illustrious personages as King Farouk, Jack Lemmon, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sofia Lorena and Clark Gable.

Guests are greeted in the spacious, light filled hall before being accompanied to their bedrooms, bedrooms characterised by the vaulted ceilings and exquisite majolica paving tiles found in all of the island's most elegant villas. The rooms lead out on to delightful private terraces overlooking the garden or across the roof tops of Capri.

The large, flower decked communal terrace, complete with shady pergolas, provides the ideal place where to relax and enjoy a drink in the company of friends. For those wishing to be truly pampered, Hotel Gatto Bianco has negotiated special rates at the nearby Pantarei wellness and beauty center.