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Situated in the Campania region of southern Italy, the Bay of Naples, or Gulf of Naples (Golfo di Napoli) as it is sometimes known, is a very popular place to visit, not only for its delicious food, intriguing history, architecture, and cafe culture but also, for its beautiful scenery and high-end luxury hotels.
Approximately 15 km wide and opening westwards into the Mediterranean, the Bay of Naples reaches from Naples and Pozzuoli at its northern edge to the Sorrentine Peninsula at its southern, with Mount Vesuvius lying on its eastern border.
The Bay has many attractions to offer, including the islands of Capri, which houses many of the most luxurious hotels in the area. Ischia and Procida are just a short ferry ride away from Naples and Sorrento across the Bay, whilst the old Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum are jam-packed and full of archaeological interest.
It is best to plan your trip to the Bay of Naples in early or late summer, ideally May, June, and September, when the temperature is not too hot but still warm enough to sit and eat out in the evenings and watch the world go by. In the winter months, the hotels and islands more or less close down, so it can be extremely quiet if you visit completely outside the main season.
From the UK, British Airways (www.ba.com) flies in from London Gatwick. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) connects Europe with regular flights from the UK, Geneva, Milan, Madrid, and Berlin.
In this article, we have selected the top 10 best boutique hotels in and around the Bay of Naples. We have tried to pick some less obvious boutique hotels. These hidden gems will give you the full spectrum of hotels in the area.
1. San Michele Boutique Hotel
Set in the colorful fishing village of Marina Corricella, the San Michele boutique hotel offers a truly bohemian luxury experience with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Located in the idyllic landscape of Procida island in Marina Corricella, this beautiful whitewashed building is dominated by air and light and lies surrounded by picturesque pastel-painted fishermen’s houses, craggy shorelines, and bottomless blue.
The hotel is pure and natural in décor, keeping it in harmony with nature, with raw wooded furniture, wicker accessories, textured rugs, and tapestries. It boasts 12 unique rooms and suites, all equipped with air-conditioning, smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a modern bathroom with a shower.
The hotel offers a dining destination: Il Pescatore, a food hall-inspired restaurant in the heart of Marina Corricella serving traditional Neapolitan cuisine where the restaurant and sea views seamlessly merge.
Our favorite room is the Famosa Suite, which offers homely comforts and a stunning airy and sun-filled veranda, creating the ideal place to feel at ease. The master bedroom and living room feature elegant yet simple and handpicked touches that exude the local flavor in subtle splendor. The suite features a private master bedroom with a king-size bed, living room, and smart TV.
Rates here start at around €200 EUR half board in May, and this price is a steal for such a gorgeous hotel, particularly when you compare this to the hotel prices on Capri.
2. J.K. Place, Capri
J.K. Place Capri has 22 rooms or suites and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Virtuoso, American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Traveller Made, and Signature Travel Network. This means that our own concierge offers some fantastic free benefits at this hotel.
It is located just above the Marina Grande and 45 minutes from Naples by hydrofoil and 15 minutes by helicopter. Walk to the beach, Capri, or climb the windy steps to Anacapri. Take the funicular railway up to the historic square or walk down to the marina for island cruises. The hotel features a spa, J.K. Spa, and a restaurant, JKitchen.
J.K. Place, Capri is open from mid-April to mid-October, and while it is undoubtedly luxurious, you have to pay a hefty price tag to enjoy this level of boutique luxury on Capri. Prices here start at around €1,000 EUR per night in May.
3. Capri Palace, Anacapri
The Capri Palace, with its 57 rooms (so a larger boutique hotel), is located in Anacapri, which is sleepy in comparison to Capri town. Most of the crowds don’t make it up this far up the mountain, so during the day, you can wander through the streets without being jostled. Conversely, you are not in the center of things, and if you just want to pop out for a new handbag or a cola in the square, you have the hassle of having to taxi down the hill, or you can take the sweaty sardine can bus for a couple of euros which is not the most pleasant experience.
Arrival is beautiful. Stroll up a windy path, past water features, and underneath the main pool. Brush past the tropical palms and bougainvillaea that overhang, and you reach the vaulted foyer that is the Capri Palace. The decor is a million shades of dreamy cream and is complemented by fantastic and unusual artwork. The staff are welcoming and will be expecting you.
Each room is different and above the base level. Most are large and stylish, replicating the cream tones of the lobby. Most have large canopied beds, and the bathrooms are beautifully finished, although they can be on the small side. The tiling and decor in our last bathroom reminded me of the inside of a luxurious pyramid.
Rooms either have a balcony looking out over the pool and, in the distance, the island of Ischia or face the mountain and offer a patio or, my favorite, a private pool. Don’t book the basic room unless you book with our luxury travel concierge and can secure an upgrade. These rooms are small and lack any outside space. My preference is to book the deluxe sea view to be upgraded to a pool room (subject to availability), but this option isn’t cheap.
By Capri standards, the pool at this gorgeous hotel is large, and there are certainly plenty of loungers in their beautifully tended tropical garden. Wait for the nice pool man who will make up for you. The Spa is meant to be superb – Liz Hurley comes here for their effective leg treatments, which I think says it all.
At night, Capri evolves into one of the most romantic places on the planet, and the same is true of the Capri Palace. At night the entire hotel seems to be candlelit. Lanterns adorn every corner and shelf, and the entire world seems to be bathed in a subtle glow. Prices here start at around €500 EUR per night in May.
4. Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel
Within Naples itself, the Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel is the top-rated and best boutique hotel on TripAdvisor. The Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel is located in the historic Palazzo Tufarelli, an XVII building, along Spaccanapoli, the famous street that bisects the city of Naples and a departing point for tours.
Restored frescoes and original wallpaper blend with a modern design, creating an intimate and relaxing environment. Seven suites will satisfy the needs and desires of any traveler. The Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel is located in downtown Naples, within a short walking distance from the city’s main attractions such as Santa Chiara Cloister, San Gregorio Armeno, Piazza del Gesu, Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, the Veiled Christ at Cappella San Severo, and, of course, the Bay Of Naples. Prices start at around €200 EUR per night, making it one of the cheapest boutique hotels in our listing.
5. Capo la Gala Hotel & Spa
Capo La Gala Hotel & Spa is located in Vico Equense on the Amalfi Coast, halfway between Sorrento and Pompei and less than an hour’s drive from Naples. Tucked into a cliff among towering pines, Capo la Gala Hotel & Spa is a secluded boutique hotel with sea views at nearly every turn. The tree-encircled pool is at the center of the hotel, with wooden decking and a rocky path down to the sea. As well as a hot tub, there’s an assortment of terraces with loungers and an indoor pool. Expect to pay around €270 EUR per night to stay here.
6. Bellevue Syrene
Bellevue Syrene is built upon the ruins of a Roman villa. There’s a small pool on the lounger-lined sunbathing deck, balancing above the water, and the sea is within easy reach. Double rooms start at around €500 EUR. Superior Sea Rooms are styled with Italian elegance with crystal chandeliers, antiques, and fresh-cut flowers and have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Rooms here start at around €500 EUR per night.
7. Maison La Minervetta
Maison La Minervetta sits up the cliffs of Sorrento on the Amalfi coast, with spectacular views of the Bay of Naples from the pool and sun terrace. The hotel pool is a large outdoor hydro massage pool surrounded by loungers. All rooms are sea-facing with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the vistas are marvelous. Rooms here start at around €240 EUR per night.
8. Punta Tragara
Looking out the far side of Capri, the opposite side to the main Marina, you will find Punta Tragara clinging to the edge of the cliffs. Sitting high above the iconic Faraglioni pinnacles, the five-star Hotel Punta Tragara is a masterpiece of views and 1920s sophistication. The hotel also holds a special place in Capri’s illustrious past. Converted into a hotel by a Roman Count in 1973, it has been reworked several times over its lifetime. The latest renovation is by interior architect Giorgia Dennerlein with 1930s vintage patterns. Guests can enjoy two freshwater pools by day. One is heated with whirlpool jets. There’s also a gym and a wellness area. Rooms here start at around €700 EUR per night.
9. Capri Tiberio Palace
For a time, this amazing boutique hotel, which is a short walk from Capri’s main square, was a JW Marriott, but not anymore. Now, the stunning Tiberio Palace offers views, a wonderful spa, a pool, and a restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine as well as Kosher dishes. Price-wise, expect to pay around €400 EUR per night.
10. Hotel Luna
Hotel Luna is another hotel in Capri, stuck to the side of a cliff like glue. Stylish rooms, frame views of the Faraglioni from big windows. The same views can be enjoyed from its rooftop bar, whether you are staying here or not. There is a good-sized pool surrounded by crisp white loungers. The pool area looks down upon the Mediterranean below, offering the same hues of blue which are enjoyed across the Bay of Naples. This boutique hotel is cheap by Capri standards and starts at around €200 EUR per night.
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