In Capri, I stopped at the Grand Hotel Quisisana. This is an absolutely beautiful hotel with so much to offer. The food is amazing, their spa, which was recently recognized by Leading Spas of the World, is magnificent, and they have an exceptional hair salon in the hotel as well. It was really such a treat to have a hair salon on site! Why haven’t more hotels thought of this? That and the warm welcome from the General Manager, Dr. Gianfranco Morgano, will ensure a return trip to the Hotel Quisisana.

From the Quisisana, I went to the ultra hip Capri Tiberio Palace, which re-opened in April of 2012 after extensive renovations. This stylish boutique hotel is like a breath of fresh air –effortlessly modern, fresh, and fun, but still utterly coastal in feel. Although there is no direct access to the beach, there is, however, a chic and fabulous terrace for entertaining, and the views are amazing. The General manager, Francesca could not have been nicer, despite the fact that I visited as they were preparing for their April opening. As part of the modern design and upbeat décor, the designers and architects take groups of objects, for example eyeglasses, ceramic dogs, or model airplanes, and frame them in clear acrylic boxes. These funky flourishes augment but never clutter up the décor, which remains airy and fresh. On a side note, the hotel also maintains a dedicated Kosher restaurant in addition to its traditional restaurant – an unusual offering for a hotel of this size.

When in Capri, I always make sure to pay a visit to nearby Ana Capri, and especially to the shop of Antonio Viva, a shoemaker who makes sandals by hand. After my first visit there, I returned the following day and bought several pairs. I have been visiting this shop for as long as I can remember -- before Sex and the City, before my first pair of Manolo's, I would stop by Antonio Viva's.  His sandals are so beautifully made and wonderfully delicate. On a more practical note, they are also extremely travel-friendly. I can easily put a few pairs in my suitcase and bring them back home to appreciative friends. My love of beautiful shoes is always apparent to the charming Antonio, who is pictured with me below.