Summers in Capri

Written by '74Escape

Traveler: Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar – Creative Director

What is your most unforgettable escape? My husband and I always go back to Capri every summer. It is our special place where we reconnect and recharge. Capri evokes many senses in me; olfactory, visual, romantic..

What was the purpose of your travel? We travel a lot for work and then when we travel for leisure whilst we like to take our six-year-old son Emir along with us. Capri is the only place that we keep to ourselves so we make it a point every summer to go back there. We both believe in the importance of having family rituals. Going to Capri and visiting the same places is one of them.

With how many people did you travel? We have been going there for the last 5 years tete-a-tete, and only 1 year we went with another couple we love.

Where did you stay? When we stay in Capri we go for Punta Tragara. If we are to stay in Ana Capri we prefer Caesar Augustus. Both have their own perks. Stay in Anacapri if you want to be more immersed with the beautiful nature and have a fantastic view.

What did you most like about the trip? I love that Capri has a balance of luxury and the smoothness of island life. There is no banality whatsoever. It is all very refined and chic while still being authentic and relaxed. I love the nature, the long lunches, and I love the intimacy of the island. There is not too much going on, and therefore there is no pressure to ‘do it all’. It is a true relaxing getaway with the upside of being exposed to impeccable beauty.

Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? For the last 2 years we have been getting caught in enormous tropical rains on our way back from La Fontelina. We get soaked to the core and all that can go wrong goes wrong. But we just give in, laugh and just enjoy the moment. It is good practice for letting go and not trying to be in control. The previous year that we got caught we ended up seeking refuge at a hidden spot having fresh bellinis back to back and having a great time.

Your most surprising find during the trip? I love Capri’s open air taxis.

Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip? La Conco del Sogno, La Fontelina and Il Riccio for lunch. I crave La Fontelina’s antipasti in winter. Not to mention the amazing beach vibe. Villa Verde is our favorite for dinner. We also go to Da Paolino even though it is a bit touristy. My love of lemon trees wins for this occasion.

What are the must tries of the city? I am not one for bikes but if you like it then renting a Vespa and cruising with it is nice. Rent a boat to go to Conco del Sogno if you are not already on one. Have some lobster pasta. Make it a long sensual lunch with rosé wine and a real conversation. Go barefoot. And then cruise with the boat for half a day, and make a wish under the arch of love. JK Place is a must see and drinks there before dinner is a sure way to inspire a chic and fabulous night. Quissisana Hotel’s front porch is pretty old school, if you like people watching after dinner. Have a bellini, sit back and watch chic American ladies pass by. I am not a big party person, but if you like to make the most of your trips, Anemo e Core is Capri’s very authentic and fun taverna. Be sure to see the surprise male stripper whose name I now can’t remember.

Any hidden gems you could whisper to us? Da Costanza for sleek, simple suede sandals. No photos allowed inside! I also like to bring back ceramic lemon plates or Sicilian head planters. Shop them at Claudia in AnaCapri or the ceramics shop right at the entrance of Capri.

Would you go back? I hope I always will.

Any tips that might be useful to know before going there? Do not take heels to Capri. Bring with you beautiful, white, breezy and sensual caftans, maybe a slim croc belt in tan, a nice raffia sunhat, tan leather sandals, lots of turquoise and coral jewelry, a spacey and chic pochette and a nice big, natural beach tote. Bring your most beautiful jewelry too, if you are a jewelry enthusiast. I think Capri is the best backdrop for all things beautiful to sparkle, without being too much.

Next stop you would like to visit? I think it’s time we give Positano a chance as well. It’s just we have so much we want to do in Capri, and usually only 3 nights..