Hotel La Minerva is more than just a 5-star hotel; it is the epitome of authentic Capri, the quintessential Mediterranean hospitality, thanks to the extraordinary hospitality of three generations of the Esposito family.
The Elegance of a Capri Dynasty
The history of La Minerva has its roots in the golden postwar years. It all began with Luigi Esposito and Laura Cannavale, who received the villa as a wedding gift. Realizing before anyone else that Capri’s future lay in excellent hospitality, they decided to transform it into a hotel. Given their great love for classical culture, they named it Minerva, after the Goddess of Wisdom.
Luigi had inherited from his father, a skilled florist, the passion and care for greenery and the flowers that still adorn the hotel’s terraces, while Laura had inherited from her family, hoteliers since the first half of the 19th century, a love of hospitality and ceramics. These values are carried forward today by their son Antonio, his wife Giovanna, and their children Luigi, Antonino, and Marco.
Every corner of the villa is designed to frame the blue of the sea, creating a continuous dialogue between the rationalist architecture and the wild nature of the island.
The Architecture of White and the Majolica Collection
Just a 10-minute walk from La Piazzetta, the Minerva’s aesthetic is a tribute to the purest Capri style. The clean lines are dominated by a dazzling white that enhances the colors of the surrounding vegetation. The famous hand-painted majolica tiles, with their geometric and floral patterns in shades of blue, yellow, and green, cover the rooms, creating a fresh and vibrant ceramic carpet.
The wide arches and cross vaults are not merely decorative elements, but historical architectural solutions designed to maintain a fresh, welcoming atmosphere throughout the interiors. This structure allows light to gently reflect on every surface, eliminating harsh shadows and imparting a sense of absolute peace to anyone who enters the room.
The Rooms: Refuges of Light Between Sky and Sea
With just 19 rooms, La Minerva is a boutique hotel in the truest sense of the word. Each room is unique, designed to maximize comfort and capture the spirit of the island, with furnishings often crafted by local artisans who have passed down carpentry and weaving techniques for generations.
The true privilege of staying here is waking up to a view that sweeps toward the Certosa di San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus. The private terraces are veritable open-air living rooms, where the boundary between inside and outside dissolves beneath the shade of pergolas of blooming bougainvillea. Here or in the Lobby Bar, you can enjoy excellent cocktails prepared by the hotel’s bartender and made with local specialties such as lemons or Capri fruit.
The Garden and Panoramic Pool
The beating heart of social life (and relaxation) at the Minerva is its splendid pool. Situated on a terrace seemingly suspended over the abyss, it is surrounded by a meticulously tended garden where Capri’s citrus trees waft their unmistakable aroma. Here, the concept of dolce far niente finds its ultimate expression.
It’s not uncommon to see guests lingering poolside until sunset, when the sky turns pink and the nearby Faraglioni rocks change color. The bar service is impeccable, offering botanical cocktails made with herbs grown directly in the hotel’s garden.
Gastronomy between Tradition and Lightness
Breakfast at Minerva is a complete sensory experience. Served on the panoramic terrace, it offers a selection of delicacies that celebrate the local area: from freshly baked torta caprese to homemade lemon marmalade. The philosophy is authentic, focusing on local producers from the island and the coast.
For lunch, a light lunch is served on the poolside terrace, including a choice of the highly sought-after spaghetti with Capri lemons or with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, salads, sandwiches, toast, cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fruit. A pleasant aperitif can also be enjoyed at dusk. Don’t miss the refreshing drinks and fruit-based granitas, especially the lemon one, a true island staple.
In the evening, the rooftop transforms into a charming restaurant, the soft lighting blending with the sea view, and the cuisine is rooted in Mediterranean and Capri traditions, enhanced with a touch of innovation and lightness.
Whether organizing a boat trip or a special table, the true magic of La Minerva is making every guest feel at home, welcomed by the wonderful Esposito family, always ready to share all the island’s secrets.
The Secret
The Esposito family also manages Villa Arabella, a charming villa on the hills of Capri, ten minutes from the hotel and completely independent. It offers the same style and hospitality as the Minerva, but in a solution suited to those seeking the independence, space, and privacy of a private residence.
The Restaurant
Useful Info
Hotel La Minerva
Via Occhio Marino 8
80073 Capri, Napoli
Tel. +39 081 8377067
Rooms: from 750 euro with breakfast
