Vico Equense | All On Board

On and off the catwalk, the nautical trend never ages: striped shirts teamed with bright coral lips remain the pared-down holiday staple, courtesy of Brigitte Bardot. What do you get when incorporating this iconic colour palette into a luxurious hotel on the Sorrento Coast, discretely sheltered by lemon trees? The answer is the stunning Capo La Gala: a perfectly nostalgic memento of all things Mediterranean.

For starters, the hotel is hidden away from the public gaze, overlooking a cliff on the Bay of Naples with perfect views of the sea, raw vegetation and olive trees. It’s an ode to quiet simplicity, its luxury relying on the essential familiarity of the décor: stretches of white wall and interiors stripped to a bare minimum for a fresh and discreet effect, enhanced by mixing in natural timber, stone and sailboat memorabilia here and there. Pops of red, blue and coral on different textures increase the feel-good vibe and keep the 22 rooms from looking too austere.

The vintage aspect of Capo La Gala is largely due to the fact that the original building is dated 1962. Before renovation in 2006, it served as a quiet retreat for artists and dandies; now it’s an exclusive holiday resort.

The intoxicating colors and scents of the Mediterranean make for understated luxury: comfort, excellent service and clear blue waters are simply enough. As for peace and quiet, you ‘ll certainly find it here. But if you opt for a treat (you are in a five-star hotel after all, splurge!), head down to the marine cave, to the underwater-style Aquarium Spa.

Lastly, the hotel’s Michelin Star restaurant Maxi offers real Neapolitan food and jaw-dropping views of Vesuvius: you can opt for a meal a deuxon your balcony or settle for the terrace. Capo La Gala will guarantee an entrancing experience. It’s almost like living in the luxury houseboat you’ve always dreamed of. Minus the sea-sickness.