Two centuries ago it was a private home, a retreat for artists and intellectuals. Today it's a luxury hotel, loved by travellers from all four corners of the world.
The beauty of a villa suspended between the sea and sky surrounding Capri. The luxury of a 5 star hotel designed to look and feel just like your own beautiful island home. The privacy guaranteed by the secluded location, on the cliff edge, 300 meters above the sea.
HISTORY
Russia's Prince Emmanuel Bulhak, one of the first owners of the villa and the man responsible for transforming the cliff edge property into a center of art and culture, had the statue placed on the corner of the terrace over a century ago.
1850 Villa Bitter, residence of a wealthy German gentleman.
1875 An inn providing refreshment to those travelling along the road linking Capri and Anacapri, and up the Phoenician steps, which terminate in the immediate vicinity.
1900 The villa is purchased by the Russian prince, Emmanuel Bulhak, who places the famous statue of Caesar on the terrace.
1940 Prince Bulhak sells the villa to the Signorini family, responsible for its transformation in hotel.
1995 Paolo Signorini abandons his successful career in industry to devote all his time and energy to the family hotel.
2000 Caesar Augustus receives numerous awards and, year after year, is classified as one of the best hotels in the world.
First recorded mention of the Caesar Augustus dates back to the second half of the 19th century: a number of period photos testify to the existence of a certain Villa Bitter, owned by a wealthy German gentleman.
In the years that followed, the villa was transformed into an inn offering refreshment to the men building the road between Capri and Anacapri, and to all those walking up the Phoenician Steps which, until the road was completed in 1878, represented the only connection between Anacapriand the rest of the island.
At the start of the 20th century, foreseeing troubled times for the nobility in his home country, Russia's Prince Emmanuel Bulhak, decided to move to Anacapri. A wise move indeed, considering how many of his titled friends ended up as dishwashers in Paris following the October revolution. In Anacapri, Bulhak purchased Villa Bitter and transformed it into a center for art and culture.
Bulhak was the man responsible for placing the statue of Caesar on the terrace. Guests often ask why the statue is of Caesar Augustus and not Tiberius who, according to the most accredited historical accounts, was the Emperor of Capri. Well, it transpires that Bulhak was something of an expert in ancient history and supported the theory that it was Augustus, and not his stepson, who made Capri famous.
The statue is a 19th century copy of the Augustus of Prima Porta, found in Villa Livia in Rome. The Prince decided to place it on the far corner of the terrace, with the hand pointing towards Villa Jovis, the magnificent residence built by Augustus' stepson Tiberius, on the opposite side of the island.
Towards the end of the fascist period, sensing the winds of war once more, Bulhak decided to move to England and to sell the villa to the Signorini family.
In the immediate post war years, in the late 1940's, the Signorini family transformed the villa into a hotel. Managed by Paolo Signorini, the property soon evolved into an award-winning 5 star hotel, consistently ranked amongst the best luxury resorts in the world.
Characterized by graceful arches and classical columns, this sumptuous open space suite has been designed to reproduce the architectural style of Ancient Rome.
A night zone with inviting queen size bed, an elegant living space furnished with comfortable sofas and armchairs, and a magnificent Jacuzzi tub with view: this suite is fit for an emperor!
Whilst relaxing on the suite's terrace or in their private garden, guests can enjoy a 180 degree view of the sea surrounding Capri.
From the garden, guests are granted direct access to Caesar Augustus' infinity pool.
This unique suite occupies the entire top floor of the hotel. With more than 80sqm of light-filled living and sleeping space and 180sqm of sun-soaked terrace and roof garden, this penthouse boasts the best views in the whole of Capri.
More than just a room - this is a dream come true! Don't believe? Just take a look at the photos!
A special elevator code key whisks you directly to your suite.
The marble fireplace which takes pride of place in the light-filled living room, dates back to the 18th century and the French rule of Naples.
The French Fleur de Lis motif on the fireplace testifies to both the past and future: two hundred years after it was used to decorate the fireplace, Relais & Chateaux chose this same coat of arms as its symbol!
There are stunning views from every window of every room, but the most breathtaking are those waiting to be seen from the terrace.
Abundant in Mediterranean flowers and olive trees, the terrace features a large wooden deck, furnished with stylish sofas, tables and chairs and perfect for hosting small private parties.
Named after the Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna Romanova, second daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, this suite is comprised of two connecting sea view rooms. Suite Tatiania is the perfect choice for those travelling with teenagers.
Suite Tatiana faces west towards the islands of Ischia and Procida. Each evening, the terrace is the best seat in the house to watch nature's show: the spectacular sunset over the sea surrounding Capri.
Sixty years ago, King Farouk of Egypt would reserve this luxurious suite in the Hotel Caesar Augustus all year round. Today, this charming open space suite is still decorated with its original antique furniture. The suite's bathroom facilities are situated in two separate rooms: one with large walk-in shower and hand-painted ceramic wash basin and toilette and, one with double bowl vanity and sensational sea view Jacuzzi.
Featuring a Queen size bed, free Wi-Fi, Led TV with satellite channels and a docking station, the suite boasts magnificent 180 degree views and a panoramic colonnaded terrace from where to best enjoy them!
If it's romance with a view you're after, you'll love the Tiberio suite, which features a fabulous four-poster bed from where you can enjoy the most amazing views of Capri, Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples.
And if you think the view from the bed is amazing, wait 'til you see the one from the bathroom!
Fitted with marble surfaces, a vanity mirror, hairdryer and olive oil bodycare products, this suite's bathroom features a Jacuzzi tubpositioned so as to afford bathers the most unforgettable sea views.
From the private terrace, yet more gorgeous views of the sea surrounding Capri can be seen.
The Vesuvio Suite is an exclusive space boasting breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the whole of the Bay of Naples.
This open space apartment features a queen bed and a wonderfully palatial and panoramic bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and shower system, opening out onto a cliff edge terrace.
The bathroom contains marble surfaces with double washbasin, natural olive oil personal care products, a vanity mirror, and hairdryer.
Additional amenities in the suite include complimentary minibar, free Wi-Fi, and TV with satellite channels.
Amongst the most spacious rooms in the hotel, these individually-appointed junior suites, personally decorated by the owner's wife, feature a large living area, a generously-sized marble bathroom and an attractive outdoor area.
The perfect place for some peaceful pampering, the marble bathroom in your junior suite is fitted with a large tub or powerful shower and an exclusive range of natural body care products made with olive oil.
Tailor-made for relaxation and romance, Caesar Augustus' individually-appointed Junior suites with sea view have exquisitely decorated bed and living areas and either a generously sized terrace or garden from where to enjoy glorious views of the Bay of Naples and the neighboring islands of Ischia and Procida.
Take a seat on your private sea view terrace, a glass of fine wine in hand, and get ready to experience the unique sight of the sun setting over the islands of Ischia and Procida.
A marriage made in heaven starts with a honeymoon in one of Caesar Augustus' unbelievably panoramic Junior Suites with sea view - Cliff Side! In addition to luxurious interiors and top notch amenities.
These individually-decorated rooms, situated in the part of the building located closest to the cliff edge, boast the most spectacular views of the Bay of Naples you'll ever see.
Elegant furnishings, carefully-chosen artworks, a full range of luxury amenities and the chance to experience the sight of the sun setting over the neighboring island of Ischia from the comfort of your room: Caesar Augustus' Deluxe sea view rooms have all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable holiday!
Ultra comfortable beds, magnificent marble bathrooms, an exclusive range of courtesy products, free Wi-Fi, complimentary drinks from the mini bar, and views to die for: if you need anything else - just let us know!
Book one of Caesar Augustus' Deluxe sea view cliff-side rooms and make your dream holiday on the island of Capri come true. Situated in the part of the building located closest to the cliff edge, these intimate double rooms provide the ultimate in panoramic pleasure.
Romantic beds, soft drapes and pretty sea view balconies: these rooms are the perfect place in which to enjoy an authentic Italian love story. As beautiful as these rooms may be, it's the spectacular view of the shimmering blue sea surrounding Capri.
Perfect for the single traveller who enjoys their comfort or a young couple keen to experience the thrill of staying in one of Italy's most desirable 5 star properties, Caesar Augustus' tastefully furnished classic garden view room is the ideal choice for a short break which wont break your budget!
Want to post that fantastic photo of Capri on your favorite social network, send a mail to friends and family back home, or spend time researching your next destination? No problem, there's free wifi in every room.
A unique opportunity to learn about the local varieties of fish and to choose the one you want to eat that evening for dinner!
On Friday morning, don't miss the chance to accompany chef on a trip to his trusted fishmonger.
Fancy something really special? Book one of special tables and get ready to indulge in an exclusive gourmet experience.
Created just for you by La Terrazza di Luculloís Executive Chef Eduardo Vuolo.
Book a table and tasting menu at restaurant for Wednesday evening and, before your meal, you'll have the opportunity to visit the organic kitchen garden with the chef, pick the vegetables for the dinner and help prepare two dishes from the Neapolitan/Capri tradition.
If your stay at Caesar Augustus includes a Wednesday, don't miss this fantastic experience!
The kitchen garden, in the grounds of the hotel, is where the aromatic herbs and organic vegetables used in chef's delicious dishes are grown. Something of a rarity on Capri, a rocky island characterized by impervious cliffs and with little if any land available for agriculture, Caesar Augustus' kitchen garden guarantees a supply of fantastically fresh ingredients - throughout the opening season.
A peaceful and panoramic patch of paradise, abundant in basil, rosemary and lemongrass, kitchen garden is one of Anacapri's sweetest-smelling secrets.
Suspended between the sea and sky, a terrace, a table for two and a view of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the Sorrentine Peninsula you'll never forget.
From the vegetables grown in the kitchen garden to the fish delivered direct to the hotel by the island's fishermen each morning, only the freshest of locally-sourced ingredients are used to create Caesar Augustus' highly acclaimed regional cuisine.
Then there are Capri's wonderfully succulent lemons, the pasta made in nearby Gragnano, and homemade bread, freshly baked each morning.
Team adopted "zero kilometer cuisine": the philosophy of cooking using only the products of a land.
Simplicity, quality and passion are the secrets of chef Eduardo Vuolo's success.
Vuolo, whose creative interpretation of traditional island dishes has left many a gastronomic critic speechless, heads a team of young Italian cooks all of whom, after working worldwide, have returned to their home region of Campania.
12.45h -14.45h
19.30h - 22.30h
Whatever the time of day, take a seat on one of the terrace's inviting sofas and relax with a good book, a glass of fine wine or a few morsels of Mediterranean sushi.
The atmosphere is even more magical in the evening, when the sound of piano music fills the air and the sky is painted with the colors of the setting sun.
11.00h - 00.00h
Occupying one of the most peaceful and secluded corners of the hotel's clifftop garden; surrounded by sweetly-scented lavender and rosemary bushes; Caesar Augustus' outdoor wellness center is the perfect place in which to relax and regenerate.
A panoramic oasis complete with sea view fitness terrace, the wellness center offers an impressive range of luxurious face and body treatments by Maison Orlane Paris, performed by Ariel, expert of beauty and massage therapist.
In the hotel's exquisitely scented Mediterranean garden, there is a small outdoor fitness corner with tread mill, exercise bike and free weights.
To be sure to offer guests the best and most exclusive wellness experiences possible, team has enlisted the services of Maison Orlane Paris.
Ideal for secluded swimming and sunbathing and with breathtaking views of the bay, the vanishing pool occupies much of the lower terrace.
The wellness center offers an impressive range of luxurious face and body treatments by Maison Orlane Paris, performed by Ariel, expert of beauty and massage therapist.
The only steam bath in the world to have a view of the sea surrounding Capri!
Despite the passage of time and the arrival of tourism, the little town of Anacapri has managed to conserve all of its typical Mediterranean charm. Stroll through the historic center and you might easily come across artisans at work, gaggles of children playing in the piazzettas and groups of eldery islanders sat outside their cottages, chatting or snoozing in the sun.
You won't find stores selling the latest in designer fashions, but you'll have no problem finding a seamstress capable of making you a beautiful, made-to-measure shirt.
You won't spend the night in a club packed with models and movie stars, but you'll be able to share a bottle of wine with the local fishermen, on the beach beneath the lighthouse.
You won't come across glitzy restaurants invaded by popstars and paparazzi, but you'll be able to enjoy the authentic flavors of the island's cuisine in La Terrazza di Lucullo. And, if you fancy a glamorous night out on the town, Capri's legendary Piazzetta is only a 10 minute taxi ride away!
Anacapri is exactly the way a peaceful little Southern Italian town should be.
The best way to see Capri is from the sea!
From the center of Anacapri, the road leads all the way down to the sea and the jetty located next to the entrance of the famous blue grotto.
Look out of the window: after a series of hair-raising bends, at a certain stage, you'll be greeted by a magnificent view of the Sorrentine peninsula and the Bay of Naples.
The chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point of the island of Capri, lies within easy walking distance of the hotel.
The hotel lies within meters of the Phoenician Steps: 900 steps carved out of the rocks by the Ancient Greeks and which, until the early 20th century, were the only way to reach Anacapri from Marina Grande.
On the westernmost tip of the island, Capri's "faro" is one of the tallest lighthouses in Italy.
Stay at Caesar Augustus and you'll be granted access to a reserved area on the "Bagni di Tiberio" beach, where holidaymakers get to swim amidst the ruins of one of the villas Emperor Tiberius.
You can take unforgettable day trips from the island to explore stunning sights like the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the vibrant city of Naples and its world-class museums and unique "Naples Underground".
Hotel Caesar Augustus is located within steps of the museum-house built by the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe in the late 19th century.
CAESAR AUGUSTUS, RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTEL
Via G.Orlandi, 4 80071 AnacapriItaly