Villa Giulio makes a phenomenal retreat for a large group seeking luxury and privacy within a stone's throw of Capri's main attractions.
Villa Giulio is one of Capri's largest properties and is set in luxuriant, terraced gardens with spectacular views out over the Mediterranean towards the islands of Ischia and Procida. The myriad of illustrious guests over the years has only served to enhance its charm and character. It was built in the 1700s and it is only a short walk to the fabled Capri Piazzetta along the Villa Jovis road. The gardens are filled with trees and Mediterranean vegetation; from the old oak trees to olives and cypresses. The pine and palm trees were planted by the English writer Norman Douglas, who dedicated much of his time to the creation of what is now a truly enchanting garden.
There is so much to see and do on Capri; a boat trip around the island and into the fabled Blue Grotto, a visit to the Emperor Tiberius' villas or the house-museum of the Swedish physician Axel Munthe. At least one evening aperitif in the celebrity-studded central Piazzetta of Capri is an absolute must. Although the island of Capri has long been a favourite haunt of the international jet set, it manages to retain an idyllic beauty and there are some excellent walking trails across Monte Solaro and over to the three picture-postcard Faraglioni rocks. Monte Solaro soars almost 600 metres above sea level and there is also a chairlift from Anacapri. From the summit, you can see not only the whole island but also across to the Amalfi Coast, the city of Naples and the mountains of Calabria.
The island of Capri covers a total of only 10km2 so most of the attractions on the island are within a reasonable walking distance or a short taxi ride away. The ferries to Naples leave from the Marina Grande and take about 45 minutes. From Naples, you are within easy reach of Pompeii, Vesuvius, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. There are also direct ferries to Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano from Capri. Naples International airport is a ten minute taxi ride from the port.
The Property. Villa Giulio comfortably sleeps up to 13 guests in five double rooms and a lovely annexe. The bedrooms have private access to the gardens and terraced areas with tables and chairs for sunny breakfasts with an amazing view. Three of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and there is another fourth bathroom for the other two bedrooms. The annexe sleeps a further two guests and has its own private bathroom. There is also a staff bedroom with an en suite bathroom. The bathrooms are all tiled with prestigious majolica.
The living spaces are phenomenal with their views, creamy arches and tall French windows leading out onto the gardens. At the heart of the villa is a series of exquisite staircases heading up to the different floors. The enormous living room houses a gigantic, custom-made sofa which is ideally placed for lounging around and just gazing at the view. It is larger than a king-size bed and designed for simply soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible island. The natural hues of the relaxing décor complement the outside colours, creating a seemingly single open space with the gardens.
The dining room features a round marble table and has large floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic dining. There are also several dining tables out on the terraces, each seating between eight and twelve diners for al fresco meals under the stars.
The kitchen is spacious and comes fully equipped with all mod-cons. The laundry room is close by.
The terraces surround much of the villa and are fully furnished with tables, chairs, coffee tables, teak chaise lounges, umbrellas and comfortable armchairs. The short walk through the garden to the swimming pool turns into glorious amble through the trees which opens out onto a jaw-dropping cliff top swimming pool whose shape follows the natural contours of the rock. It's only too easy to whittle away whole summer afternoons watching the boats come in and out of the harbour from the comfort of one of the hammocks. One of the best moments to sit here is at sunset with its red-gold light outlining the island of Ischia. There is a handy pool house next to the pool with a fridge, a large bathroom and shower, a changing room and a store room.
