In the 8th Century BC, the inhabitants of what was a peaceful Greek settlement decided to cut a long and steep flight of steps into a rock face to connect a marina with the highest part of the Isle of Capri. Thus Anacapri (from the Greek word ana, meaning "above") was born, and this new "upper town’ became the acropolis of the island. Even today it remains faithful to its Greek origins, with narrow lanes winding in and around the Mediterranean styled whitewashed houses, accentuated by the beauty of the azure sea. Years later a large gateway and palazzio were constructed to protect the only access point to the territory of Anacapri. Centuries later the emperor Augustus decided to build a residence. Under Tiberus, the Imperial Palace became even more magnificent and stretched from the gateway to the Capodmonte area, where almost two thousand years later, the Imperial Palace Hotel now stands.

The island of Capri, just off the southern coast, is a great place to reconnect with your personal rhythms. The island’s old world ways and laid back pace instantly relax even the most hurried of souls. My immediate response to landing on Capri was to hike. I trotted through vineyards and made my way through several villages. In Capri, the hike is straight up or straight down. During my hike I witnessed a funeral, a wedding and a grandma giving a swift smack to the rump of a misbehaving child. The Mediterranean sun, ocean breeze and lush foliage swallowed me up. The friendly yet cautious natives slowed me down with their generosity and familial ways. My hike was filled with Chianti, antipasto, half-spoken English and a lot of good will. It was impossible to be a stranger here. Capri had captured my heart.

In Anacapri, the most exclusive and unspoiled part of Capri, stands the Hotel Palace. Sitting up on the highest part of the island, the Palace is opulent. The feel is sand washed, white, a simple elegance that must be witnessed to be understood. Fresh orchids of vibrant colors fill each of the waiting areas. Large French doors open to lazy pool area with dining alongside. The rooms are remarkably comfortable. Every possible amenity is offered from freshly cut flowers to extra fluffy pillows. The bathrooms are grand and stocked with all sorts of spritzes, soaps and lotions.

Just adjacent to the hotel is the Capri Palace Beauty Farm where the latest in physiotherapy treatments, Kneipp and slimming services are offered. As with all European wellness centers, there is a licensed physician on hand to prescribe therapies and to ensure the general well being of the hotel’s guests. Everything from Iridium enhanced breast toning to a Riviton ultrasonic touche lifting occurs at the spa. Water treatments utilize the richly fortified waters of natural nearby springs. A huge physical therapy saline pool can be viewed from the entryway of the hotel. The pool is utilized for passive gymnast treatments, reworking the mechanics of individual movement and recovery after physical trauma or injury.

Leg School

The term "Leg School" refers to the treatment of vascular diseases in the lower limbs. The methodology used at the Capri Palace was devised and patented by Professor Francesco Canonaco. The regimen is based around a course of complementary treatments characterized by applications of water and mud rich in active vaso-active substances.

Venous insufficiency is indicated by the presence of varicose veins or capillary-venous ectasias (surface capillaries). While this condition may not be an immediate problem, it could mark the beginning of a pathology that will eventually require medical attention. Poor shoes, insufficient nutrition and posture habits can exaggerate this original health concern. With this said, it is known that venous and lymphatic insufficiency is always in part hereditary.

Typically, localized adipinosity, liposclerosis and cellulite, especially in women, accompany poor circulation in the lower extremities. Stimulating blood circulation in the veins of the legs is highly beneficial in preventing worsening of this condition. Treatments involving biostimulation on a cutaneous and subcutaneous level works to this goal while also increasing the elasticity of the skin. These treatments renew the youthful quality of the skin tone, eliminate stretch marks and reduce cellulite.

Recommended Treatments:

Medicated Mud- Clay containing fresh seaweed rich in active substances, which are invigorating, soothing, and decongestive.

Medicated Bandages- Highly effective in combating water retention, this type of body wrap uses therapeutic bandages soaked in vaso-active substances. The slight pressure mixed with the botanical treatment invigorates the venous walls.

Kneipp Vascular Treatment- Performed in shallow tanks of seawater at differing temperatures (18 degrees C to 38 degrees C). The varying temperatures matched with vegetable and mineral extracts bring vitality back to the legs while improving both venous and lymphatic tone.

"Pressing Therapy" a.k.a. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage- This type of massage stimulates diuresis by improving the elimination of toxins contained in the lymph fluid. Also improves the peripheral oxygenation of tissues and helps to combat cellulite.

My Experience:

In Europe, toning services are referred to as passive gymnast treatments. If I could be a passive gymnast and get away with it, I would. Something tells me that four weeks into my new "passive" routine, my clothing would no longer fit. Accordingly, I attack the weight and muscle tone dilemma the American way: aerobics, biking, running, weights. I suppose to a European, this degree of no pain no gain on a daily basis would seem rather much. Perhaps all of that exercise might even strike an Italian as brutal. After a month of reviewing spas in Europe, I had the same reaction to their idea of therapy…brutal.

I think they caught me off guard. I was given a decadently soft robe, with slippers to keep my footsers warm and dry. I was given an exotic fruit drink and led to a sun drenched room that housed a reflecting saline pool. Relaxing in a lounge chair, I could see the ocean, a vineyard and all of the beauty of an Italian Spring landscape. I was in heaven. Ahhh.

My treatment? Why, but of course, a slimming leg service. The brutal truth: all women have cellulite, and varicose veins run in my family. A pleasant technician began to apply the patented medical mud to my skins, thighs, calves and backside. I was then wrapped burrito style in a plastic sheath. I was just enjoying the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Then, bammm, it hit me. My legs were on fire and freezing all at the same moment. The sensation was intense. The treatment lasted about 30 minutes. As I showered the mud off, the tingling didn’t lessen. My legs were permanently icy and ablaze.

Little did I know what was next. "There’s more?!", I said in obvious shock. We strolled out into a secluded garden. All sorts of perennials and annuals were blooming. The fragrance alone was almost overwhelming. A Kneipp (pronounced ka-nipe) walking pool was in the center of the garden. I was a virgin to such technology. I entered one side of the pool. MMMM…. It was warm, jetted, and wonderful. I was instructed to walk the length of the pool, exit and then enter the other side which was a "slightly cooler temperature". The cooler water was better for my treatment. I was told to slowly walk the distance of the other side and rapidly walk the length of the warming side. I walked the distance of the cocooning warmth of the right side and exited. AHHHHHggh! The other side was ice water. Trying not to appear agitated I softly moaned as I walked the distance. Once the technician left—yep, I was to walk this torture chamber for 12 minutes—I felt that all was clear to verbalize my discomfort with loud oohs and uugghs. For days after my rescue from the Kneipp contraption my legs tingled. In fact they glowed. They appeared firmer. I looked slimmer in my bathing suit. The Leg School had graduated another pupil.