Hotel Punta Tragara is a 5 star luxury hotel in Capri, which proves you can really have it all - stunning views, elegant rooms, a spa and a restaurant serving delicious food.
Over the years, Chris and I have taken many wonderful trips through Italy — however, one place we always dreamt of visiting, but never were able to make it to was Capri, a beautiful little island located off Italy’s famed Amalfi coast. So, as summer reared its sunny head, we decided our first trip of the season had to be to Italy — and Capri was at the top of our list.
As a popular tourist destination, Capri has a host of luxurious and charming hotels, but it was the Hotel Punta Tragara which captured my attention. Photos of the hotel featured a pastel building which sat prettily on top of a cliff overlooking the deep blue sea. Elegant, minimalistic rooms with fantastic views and a tiled swimming pool beckoned to me. Had we found the absolute perfect place to start our holiday, I wondered?
Chris, Axel and I were soon off to Capri to see.
About the Hotel and Design
Capri sits in the Gulf of Naples; so to get to it we took a ferry through the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 30 minute ferry ride was a great way to relax and sink into the holiday mode. At Capri’s port we were met by a porter from the hotel who picked up our bags and handed us tickets to the funicular.
Capri is full of winding streets and narrow alleyway - not ideal if you have large suitcases, but the porters are pros at navigating through the crooked paths! The funicular dropped us off at Piazza Umberto, Capri’s central town square. The hotel was another 15 minute walk, but we weren't complaining - along the way we (ok only myself) window shopped at all the designer stores lining the streets, there was Hermes, Vuitton, Dior, Missoni and so much more, all sitting neatly next to each other and beautiful cafes with people sitting and sipping a spritz. Capri is definitely a vibe and we were there to check it out!
Hotel Punta Tragara was once the summer home to Count and Countess of Manfredi who, every summer, would invite their friends, family and even dignitaries to stay. It was a place for relaxation and rejuvenation; not just for the body but also for the mind and soul. Hotel Punta Tragara carries forward that vision and atmosphere of joy, bonhomie and peace even today. The hotel’s decor is elegant but quirky, with warm, earthy orange walls balancing out colorful abstract and floral prints that grace furniture, cushions and other accessories through the hotel. And, since the hotel is so strategically placed, the view of the sea and the horizon follow you everywhere you go and really is the masterpiece of the hotel.
“ And, since the hotel is so strategically placed, the view of the sea and the horizon follow you everywhere you go and really is the masterpiece of the hotel. ”
Our Room
Our room was no exception; glass paneled French doors opened out onto a terrace which overlooked the Marina Piccola bay. We were staying in a Junior suite, and as we stepped into the room, we were distracted from the view when we spotted a plate of fresh fruits and a bottle of champagne with a handwritten note welcoming us to Hotel Punta Tragara. We were so impressed by the gesture and it set the tone of luxury for the rest of our stay.
Another stunning element in our room was the bathtub which sat majestically in the corner of the room...and I really do mean majestically. It was like a small pool, with jets right next to our bed. It was a little odd at first, but once we took that first bath, it totally made sense ;) There was plenty of space in the room, which was more like a small apartment sans the kitchen. We had a huge bathroom, walk-in closet and small hallway (which is where Axel’s crib went) and lots of privacy so that Chris and I could enjoy that bottle of champagne together :)
Amenities
Even though you can enjoy the view for hours there’s lots more to do at Hotel Punta Tragara. We had a wonderful time exploring the property which is filled with stunning gardens and open terraces. There are two freshwater swimming pools, one with heated jets to give you the underwater massage you deserve.
There’s also a wellness area with the Gili Beauty & Spa that offers guests soothing massages and facials. Next door is the Fabrizzio Narducci Hair Boutique. Treating yourself to some time at the hairstylists is an especially great idea if you’re planning on enjoying a delicious sit down meal, which we did at one of the hotel’s restaurants - Monzo.
Dining At Monzu
Even if you're not staying at Hotel Punta Tragara, Monzu is a must-dine when you’re in Capri. Headed by Chef Lionetti, it serves Mediterranean dishes which are inspired by Capri’s traditional flavors. We excitedly put ourselves in the chef’s hands and decided to have the tasting menu with the wine pairing - what a wonderful decision.The tasting menu has 5 or 7 courses, depending on how big your appetite is. Trust me when I tell you to go for the 7 course menu; exquisite dish after dish made its way over to our table and our taste buds were having a party. A particular favorite was the Ravioli Caprese, a traditional dish from Capri which combines crumbly soft ricotta with provolone and marjoram in a thin ravioli wrapper. If you’re a cheese lover, this is the dish for you!
You can’t come all the way to Capri and not gorge yourself on fresh seafood - the tasting menu at Monzu allowed us to do just that. We savored the octopus with scarola and bean sauce, the sea bass tartare and the seafood & lobster pasta. The highlight of the meal for me - thanks to my ever demanding sweet tooth - was the dessert - a delicate white chocolate egg filled with sweetened ricotta perched in an edible ‘nest’.
Monzu sits on one of the hotel’s many terraces and, as we dined, we enjoyed the scent of sea-air and the sight of the sun setting over the horizon of endless blue. It was a truly romantic evening; Axel had gone to bed early and Chris and I were able to spend long, relaxing hours together, savoring the food and each other’s company.
Dining at Mammà
Another memorable meal we had was at the Michelin starred Mammà, which is in Capri’s main town area. Even if you have to leave the luxurious embrace of Hotel Punta Tragara, Mammà is well worth a visit and the concierge at the hotel was only too happy to make a reservation for us. Mammà is run by two Michelin starred chefs; Gennaro Esposito and Salvatore La Ragione and focuses on using fresh, local produce to create stunning Neapolitan dishes.
“Mammà is run by two Michelin starred chefs; Gennaro Esposito and Salvatore La Ragione and focuses on using fresh, local produce to create stunning Neapolitan dishes. ”
Like Monzu, Mammà has a tasting menu which includes an exquisitely cooked fish of the day and velvety eggplant parmigiana. Of course, you can also order a la carte which gives you the opportunity to try the restaurant’s signature dishes including the mixed pasta soup with crustaceans and the sea lasagnette. We had an amazing time dining at Mammà and appreciated how family friendly it was - Axel enjoyed having his own plate of sumptuous food and the attention of the warm staff.
What to Do in the Area
If we weren’t at the hotel, we were out meandering through Capri’s charming streets and visiting the (many) designer shops in the area. I think every major designer has a shop in Capri and many of them offer unique pieces that are only made in Capri, so it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re looking for some unique pieces.
We also spent plenty of time on Capri’s beautiful beaches and paddling in the warm aquamarine sea. Axel became an exacting treasure hunter, looking for only the most perfect shells while I worked on my tan. If you want to, you can even hop on a boat and explore the islands which surround Capri, but we were happy to simply spend our days eating, exploring and enjoying Hotel Punta Tragara’s beauty and hospitality.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Capri, don’t think twice; book yourself a room at Hotel Punta Tragara. It will give you exactly what you need, whether it’s a romantic escape or family friendly holiday.
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