Our opinion
A really comfortable spa hotel on the spectacularly diverse island of Ischia.
Hotel description
The Greeks were the first to discover the hot thermal springs on Ischia and the Romans refined the tradition of thermal baths in Lacco Ameno.
Fascinated by the island’s hot thermal springs, the famous Italian film producer and publisher Angelo Rizzoli decided to construct his own hotel on the site of Roman ruins in Lacco Ameno, in the 1950’s.The hotel soon became well known with many celebrities and was the centre for the ‘jet set’ during the fifties and sixties.
The hotel is, to this day, still renowned for its thermal baths – there are four different swimming pools, offering different thermal therapies and many people come specifically for the spa and its wide range of treatments. The staff at the spa create personalised programmes for each guest, suggesting a selection of treatments and dietary planning and the hotel offers different pre-bookable spa programmes.
The hotel has 128 rooms with either sea views or views of the garden and mountains behind. The rooms are spacious and are simply, but elegantly furnished with individual patterned tiled floors. The suites have balconies offering spectacular views out over the bay and some even have their own Jacuzzi or plunge pool.
There are three restaurants at the hotel, all offering excellent Mediterranean cuisine , from the less formal ‘Sporting’ restaurant at lunchtime, that will also serve dietetic dishes for those guests on a spa programme, to the newly opened ‘Indaco’ restaurant serving superbly executed dishes ‘en plein air’, overlooking the harbour.
Although the emphasis is on rest and relaxation, there are numerous walks in the area and the enchanting gardens of the late Sir William and Lady Walton are a must for any horticultural enthusiasts. The hotel can also organise not only excursions to other islands in the vicinity such as neighbouring Procida, but there are boat tours of the island, exploring its caves and some beaches which are only accessible from the sea.
Annual opening
6 April – 4 November 2012
Room types
Number of rooms 128
Type A Double or twin room, garden view with bath or shower and wc, internet access, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
Type B Standard sea view double or twin room , bath or shower and wc, internet access, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
Type C Superior sea view double or twin room, bath or shower and wc, internet access, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
Type D Junior suite with double room, sitting room, bath and wc, internet access, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
Type E Royal suites with double room, sitting room, balcony with hydromassage pool, bath and wc, internet access, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, hairdryer, 24 hour room service.
Hotel facilities and services
4 swimming pools both indoor and outdoor, 3 restaurants, Gym, Sauna, Spa, Private beach, Beauty salon, Parking, Small boutique.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Mount Epomeo trekking and walks, The Gardens of La Mortella, the residence of Sir William and Lady Walton, Sandy beaches, Boat excursions, Aragonese Castle, Shopping.
Sports nearby
Jogging, Tennis, Golf, Watersports
Minimum stays
2 nights from 1 – 3 June. 3 nights during Easter (2 – 16 April) and 30 April – 2 May 2012.4 nights over New Year (including 31 Decmber). 7 nights from 8 -15 July and 8 – 22 August 2012.