24-Hour room service: JK Place Capri, Italy

The Roman Emperor Augustus might have been the first person to make holidaying on Capri fashionable, but when the jet set arrived in the 1950s, the island's status as one of the Mediterranean's most seductive spots was ensured. These days it's not the emperors that reign supreme, but the boatloads of day-trippers who arrive at the island's Marina Grande eager for some Med magic. Despite the droves, Capri's ravishing natural beauty shines through. With the scattered remains of its Roman villas, spectacular hilltop views and rocky bays licked by limpid, emerald-green water, you can see what all the fuss is about. Even the Blue Grotto is worth a peek at the right time, when the crowds have dispersed.

Most Capri regulars wouldn't hang around the Marina Grande any longer than it takes to get on or off a boat, preferring to beat a retreat to the more exclusive surroundings of Capri Town and Anacapri. But the opening of the JK Place this spring must have made them think again. It overlooks the port and occupies a cliff-top spot that has been the site of a hotel since 1885. The panoramic views of the Bay of Naples are reason enough to stay here. But JK Place also has a rather stylish pedigree, being the new seaside sibling of the much-admired JK Place Florence.

Once again, the owners turned to Florentine architect Michele Bönan for his interpretation of contemporary Caprese chic. Consequently, the décor of the dazzling white villa is worthy of inclusion in any of the glossy interiors books scattered around its reception rooms. Lacquered floors are offset by carefully chosen pieces of furniture, graphically printed cushions and walls cluttered with black-and-white photographs. Judging by the number of guests skulking around the hotel, cameras in hand, he's done a successful job.

There is an expansive open-air terrace where you can sit and admire the stunning views and a large pool surrounded by loungers draped with candy-striped towels, as well as an ESPA spa, a restaurant and bar. The stylish surroundings could be intimidating, but staff make guests feel at ease; if you arrive for breakfast in your bathrobe, no one bats an eyelid.

LOCATION

JK Place Capri, Via Provinciale Marina Grande 225, Capri, Italy (00 39 081 838 4001; www.jkcapri.com). The hotel teeters on a cliff above the Marina Grande with views of Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples and the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Time from international airport: Naples airport is around half an hour's drive from Naples' Mergellina and Beverello piers. From there, regular ferries and hydrofoils depart for Capri. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around¿ €16 (£11.40) one-way.

COMFORTABLE?

There are 22 rooms, mostly with sea views. Ours was decorated in breezy white and dark blue with lots of chrome, a small balcony and head-on views of Mount Vesuvius lurking across the Bay of Naples.

The bathrooms, decked out with white and grey marble mosaic tiles, would do any Roman Emperor proud, and have chrome fittings, huge baths and double showers.

Freebies: A free shuttle service, which your lungs and calf muscles will be grateful for, whisks guests up the steep ascent to Capri town. There are own-label JK Place toiletries in the bathrooms and a mini-bar with complimentary soft drinks. Afternoon tea is also served every day.

Keeping in touch: Flatscreen TVs, DVD player, a daily newspaper, direct-dial phones and free Wi-Fi in every room.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Double rooms start at €330 (£236) per night including breakfast.

I'm not paying that: Capri is not known for its budget options, but the Hotel Bristol Capri, via Marina Grande 217 (00 39 081 837 6144; www.hotelbristolcapri. com), has B&B from €160 (£114).