Oetker Collection has announced the addition of Hotel La Palma in Capri, Italy, to the group’s portfolio of Masterpiece Hotels.

Due to open in April 2022, the property will be a complete transformation of the original Hotel La Palma that dates back to 1822 – the first and oldest hotel on the island that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers and musicians from all over the world.

Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter, Capri is an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples off the Sorrento Peninsula, famed for its rugged landscape, iconic restaurants, excellent shopping and glamorous visitors from the literati, dignitaries, royalty and A-list celebrities.

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

Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta in vibrant Capri Village, the hotel will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques.

Under the culinary direction of Michelin-star chef Chef Gennaro Esposito, Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace will focus on unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine.

A short drive to Capri’s southern coast, guests will discover Hotel La Palma’s elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola, home to the island’s most famous beaches and restaurants.

Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection, commented: “I simply cannot think of anything more exciting than the outlook of opening a true masterpiece hotel in one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations in the world, the island of Capri.

“It will be an homage to La Dolce Vita and the legacy of this legendary location – the first hotel in Capri – while reinventing Hotel La Palma to once again be at the epicentre of the island’s vibrant social scene. And as with all our masterpiece hotels, we are truly committed to creating a sense of timeless hospitality, deeply rooted in family spirit and genuine kindness.”

Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers, which owns the property, added: “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.

“When we acquired the property we saw its potential to become a truly world-class hotel, a vision shared by Oetker Collection. We have no doubt that Hotel La Palma will be right at home next to some of the world’s most legendary hotels and part of this glittering hotel brand, and similarly that Oetker Collection will breathe new life into this history-steeped Italian icon.”

The new follows Oetker Collection’s recent announcement that The Woodward on Lake Geneva will join its portfolio this Spring.