One of the most famous vistas on Capri, looking out over the Blue Grotto

After the Haute Couture and some business meetings in London, I took a little break and went to Capri for 5 days. I hadn’t been there in 10 years, but I remembered it being very charming so I was curious to see it again.

The Capri Palace, seen from the pool

This time I stayed at the Capri Palace in Anacapri. It’s not in the main center but it came so highly recommended I thought, “Why not?” I’m glad I took the chance, because it was fabulous.

The simple, but beautiful, lobby of the Capri Palace

The gardens, pool, restaurant and well-known Beauty Farm spa were out of this world. I really needed some rest and relaxation–and this was perfect. Best of all, the weather was hot, which I adore.

Poolside, happy to sit still and relax after running nonstop during the Haute Couture

On Capri, the shopping is beyond. Many of the best-known couturiers have stores there, but you’ll also find some small boutiques that are unique to the island. My favorite shop was 100% Capri, with its gorgeous linen dresses and shirts, a small selection of shoes, and travel bags.

A selection of chic, simple bags–perfect for summer–at 100% Capri

A beautifully-detailed linen dress (I also bought one in navy)

The store carries things for both men and women. I bought myself a man’s shirt because I thought it was very sharp, but I also picked out 2 linen dresses in white and navy. I know summer is almost over, but these are timeless pieces that are so well-made and fresh, I’ll wear them forever.

I had forgotten how many incredible jewelry stores there are on Capri. When I say “jewelry,” I mean serious jewelry–and not just classic pieces but really interesting, yet fancy baubles.

Chantecler’s “Capri 1947” ear clips, with white sapphires, white coral and diamonds set in 18k white gold

Italians seem to understand this type of jewelry particularly well. Some of the best were Di Losa Gioielli, La Perla Gioielli and Chantecler (and there are many more). Everything on Capri was a feast for the eyes!

And each day, after sunning and swimming on the beach, people gather in the main square. It’s a great spot for people-watching, and you can even shop then because most of the stores stay open until 9 pm, if not later.

Late afternoon on the main square: time for an aperitif, and then some shopping!

As I’ve said before, I never tire of looking at beautiful things. Since I wasn’t staying in the main town, I had to take a taxi from my hotel but it was fun because the cabs are open-air and the view driving down the hill was worth the trip!

“Window shopping” often pulls me into a store: this silver cuff is by French designer Philippe Audibert

Once in the center of town, I meandered down one small, charming street after another. I felt like a kid in a candy store, drooling over such beautiful (and fun) things in the shop windows.

With a friend from Paris, Eduardo Francia, at the Club Nettuno

On my first day there, I happened to run into an Italian friend I know from Paris, Eduardo Francia. I was lucky to meet up with him, because he helped reacquaint me with the town. The first day, we spent most of our time at his club, Nettuno –very different from the Capri Palace but fun nonetheless. That night, we went to the famous Villa Verde for dinner. As you’d expect, the food in Capri is delicious, and the atmosphere in all the restaurants is so charming. My favorite was a place called Aurora, where we sat outside and watched the people go by–really wonderful. Another great spot is Da Paolino, which I remember as The Lemon Trees because of all the fruit hanging from trees in the garden.

Enjoying a moment of total relaxation at the Beauty Farm spa

For the most part, I just hung out at the hotel pool during the day–it was so relaxing not having to move! I did try a massage at the Beauty Farm–what an amazing list of treatments, from botox injections to the usual range of massages. In a word, overwhelming. If the weather hadn’t been so spectacular I might have stayed at the spa all day.

Another great spot for a drink: the Grand Hotel Quisisana

At night I would order an aperitif at the Quisisana, where I’ve stayed before. It’s a very nice spot for a leisurely drink, but I was much happier staying at the Capri Palace.

Late-night cocktails on the main square, after the heat of the day has passed

Friday night I hit the clubs with my friend, Lorenza.We hit all the hot spots– Number One Club, Number Two Club and Le Clochard–and had a lot of fun. Italians, in general, are such warm and friendly people. And Italian men??? What can I say?!

It was a short but perfect stay. At the end of the week, I had to get back to Paris to collect my city belongings and then head back to New York.