The brand will open Hotel La Palma, Capri in April 2022 as an elegant 50-key property with a rooftop restaurant and bar, private beach club, newly built pool deck, spa and a selection of boutiques.

Originally built as Locanda Pagano, the hotel dates back to 1822 and has welcomed the creative world for decades, with a reputation as the “artists’ hotel”.

It has been purchased by Reubens Brothers, whose acquisition also includes the legendary La Taverna Anema e Core nightclub, a famous nightspot on the same site frequented by celebrities over the years.

The renovation is being led by Rome-based Francesco Delogu of Delogu Architects with interior design by Francis Sultana.

During the renovation, the room count of the hotel will be decreased, from 80 to 50 rooms – including 18 suites – each with its own private balcony or terrace.

The hotel is just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I, or “Piazzetta”, and is well positioned for visiting notable sites such as I Giardini di Augusto, Via Krupp, La Certosa and the iconic Faraglioni.

Dining options will include Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace, under the direction of chef Gennaro Esposito and Bianca, a newly created rooftop restaurant and a bar open until late.

The hotel’s La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola is a short drive away and also open to non-hotel guests.

The spa will have three treatment rooms, including one double treatment suite, a sauna, steam bath and ice shower, relaxation space and fitness centre.

“I simply cannot think of anything more exciting than opening a true masterpiece hotel in one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations in the world, the island of Capri,” said Timo Gruenert, chief executive of Oetker Collection. “It will be an homage to La Dolce Vita and the legacy of this legendary location.”

“We are thrilled that Hotel La Palma will be joining the prestigious Oetker Collection portfolio of hotels; a group that has, for so long, upheld the very highest standards in refined hospitality,” added Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers. “When we acquired the property we saw its potential to become a truly world-class hotel, a vision shared by Oetker Collection.”