Some hotels welcome you; J.K. Place Capri embraces you. Perched on the iconic island of Capri, this boutique property blends Italian elegance with the island’s natural beauty, creating a space where hospitality feels effortless, intimate, and personal. At the heart of this experience is Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri, one of the few female GMs in the luxury hospitality industry. Her leadership, passion, and attention to detail shape every corner of the hotel, ensuring that guests experience the magic of Capri in a way that feels authentic and uniquely memorable.
Vanessa’s journey into hospitality was anything but conventional. Originally working in fashion, she discovered her true calling when invited to join a hotel marketing office—a pivot that would ultimately lead her to the pinnacle of boutique luxury on Capri. Today, she brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and a personal touch that transforms every guest interaction into a moment of genuine care.
A heartfelt thank you to Vanessa for sharing her insights, inspirations, and philosophy behind J.K. Place Capri.
Below, you’ll find the full, unedited conversation—part of In Conversation With, a series from Suite Sojourn spotlighting the hoteliers, innovators, and creative minds redefining the future of luxury travel. Whether you’re dreaming of your next Parisian escape or simply curious about the Italian warmth, neighborhood charm, and thoughtful design that define J.K. Place Paris, I hope Riccardo’s story offers a window into the elegance, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality at the core of this remarkable hotel.
Suite Sojourn: What inspired you to join the hospitality industry, and how did your journey lead you to J.K. Place Capri?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: I’ve always been passionate about creating meaningful experiences for people.
Early in my career, while working in the fashion industry, I was unexpectedly invited to join the marketing office of their hotel company. Little did I know that I realized that hospitality was my perfect fit.
Over the years, I’ve worked in different properties where I learned the importance of attention to detail and genuine care for guests. JK Place Capri represents the pinnacle of those values — elegant, personal, and authentic. Joining the JK Family felt like a natural step in my journey to grow in a place that truly celebrates excellence and individuality.
Suite Sojourn: Capri is known worldwide for its breathtaking beauty and timeless charm. How does J.K. Place Capri capture the island’s unique spirit?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: Capri’s magic lies in its contrasts, glamour and simplicity, energy and peace. At J.K. Place Capri, we embrace this duality by offering understated elegance and authentic warmth. Every corner of the property feels connected to the island’s light, sea and rhythm, allowing guests to experience Capri’s essence in a genuine, effortless way.
Suite Sojourn: J.K. Place Capri combines luxury with a warm, intimate atmosphere. How do you balance these elements in the guest experience?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: For us, luxury is not about excess- it’s about emotional connection. We balance refinement with a sense of familiarity, ensuring every guest feels know and understood. From the scent of fresh flowers to the way we remember a favorite drink, it’s small, thoughtful gestures that create an atmosphere of home.
Suite Sojourn: What is your personal favorite suite or space within J.K. Place Capri, and what makes it special to you?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: By far our terrace- especially early in the morning, when the island is quiet, and the light touches the sea producing pastel shades capturing the serenity that defines J.K. Place Capri. It’s a space that reminds me daily of why this hotel is more than a destination-it’s a feeling.
The Suite Sojourn: How has your previous experience in hospitality influenced your approach to managing J.K. Place Capri?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: Every experience has taught me that genuine hospitality starts with empathy, listening, observing, understanding therefore anticipating each guest’s unspoken need. When I joined the J.K Family I tried to apply my background to create a culture of care within all of our team, partners and guests.
Suite Sojourn: Capri attracts a diverse, international clientele. How have you seen luxury travelers’ expectations evolve in recent years, and how does J.K. Place Capri adapt to those changes?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: Today’s travelers seek authenticity and emotional connection. We focus on crafting moments that reflect the island’s soul, private boats at sunset, simple meals, or quite mornings with a sea view. Luxury is all about meaning.
Suite Sojourn: For guests visiting Capri for the first time, how would you recommend they ideally spend their days on the island? And what’s the minimum number of days one should stay to truly experience its magic?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: I always suggest slowing down. Take time to wander through the narrow streets, pause for a coffee in the Piazzetta, explore Anacapri, and experience the sea by boat. Capri reveals its beauty gradually — the longer you stay, the deeper you fall in love. I would say at least three days are needed to truly feel its rhythm.
Suite Sojourn: As a local expert, can you share your favorite coffee spot and restaurant on the island? What makes these places stand out to you?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: For a drink, nothing compares to our terrace. Watching the sun set over the Gulf of Naples while enjoying a perfectly crafted cocktail is a magical moment — it captures the beauty, serenity, and spirit of the island. It’s a place where time slows down and you truly feel connected to the sea and the landscape.
When it comes to dining, I have a few personal favorites around the island. Da Paolino is simply iconic — dining beneath the lemon trees is an experience that feels timeless and unmistakably Mediterranean. Aurora is vibrant and elegant, loved for its lively atmosphere and its blend of tradition and sophistication. Villa Verde embodies the warmth and authenticity of Capri’s hospitality, offering genuine flavors and a welcoming, familiar spirit.
What makes these places special to me is that each reflects a different facet of Capri.
Suite Sojourn: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in luxury hospitality. How does J.K. Place Capri incorporate sustainable practices while maintaining its high standards?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: For us, sustainability means responsibility toward the island, the sea, and our community. We prioritize local suppliers, reduce waste, and choose environmentally conscious materials wherever possible. Our goal is to preserve Capri’s beauty while delivering the refined experience our guests expect.
Suite Sojourn: How do you cultivate a sense of “home” for guests who visit from all over the world, often returning year after year?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: It’s about genuine connection. We welcome many returning guests like old friends and family members — remembering their preferences, celebrating their milestones, and sharing their stories. This familiarity builds a bond that goes beyond a stay; it creates a true sense of belonging. Many of our guests say they don’t just return to J.K. Place — they come “home.”
Suite Sojourn: Personalized service is a hallmark of luxury hospitality. Can you share how your team at J.K. Place Capri delivers tailored experiences that surprise and delight guests?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: At J.K. Place Capri, personalization begins with truly listening. We make a point of understanding our guests’ preferences — from how they take their morning coffee to the experiences that make them feel most at ease. Our team anticipates needs rather than simply responding to them, adding small, thoughtful touches that reflect each guest’s personality.
Whether it’s arranging a private boat tour to a hidden cove or curating a dinner under the stars, every detail is designed to make guests feel genuinely cared for. The goal is not simply to meet expectations, but to create moments of pleasant surprise — moments that stay in their hearts long after they leave the island.
Suite Sojourn: When guests depart from J.K. Place Capri, what lasting impression or feeling do you hope they carry with them?
Vanessa Giovannelli, General Manager of J.K. Place Capri: More than anything, I hope our guests leave with a deep sense of connection — to the island, to our team, and to themselves. Capri has a special energy, and J.K. Place is designed to allow guests to experience it in a personal and intimate way. We want them to remember the warmth of a familiar smile, the serenity of watching the sea from their terrace, and the feeling of being at home, even when far away. If they depart with a lighter heart, a smile, and the desire to return, then we know we have succeeded.
Images © Vanessa Giovannelli and J.K. Place Capri
The Suite Sojourn is proud to be a member of the Leading Hotels of the World thanks to our host agency.
