The island of Ischia might be tiny in size, but it has enough glamorous hotels to rival even the biggest sea-dwelling destinations. We're talking thermal pools heated by the island's volcano, tantalising Neapolitan eats and some seriously stunning sea views. No matter where you choose to stay here on your holidays to Italy, you're very rarely more than 20 minutes from a beach.
The Continental Terme Hotel gives off vibes of being an exclusive Italian party-mansion. Gathered around a central pool and composed of short whitewashed buildings, this 4* gem is a spa-hotel combo that features five thermal pools, two outdoor and three indoor. On offer are a continental breakfast buffet and a candlelit a la carte menu for the evenings, featuring cuisine from Italy and beyond. There are also gala dinners held throughout the week, plus a lounge and cocktail bar with nightly live music.
Enjoying sweeping views over the Bay of Naples, the Continental Mare Hotel is tucked up above the bay. The beach is about a 10-minute walk down hill, past the hotel's garden area speckled with colourful flowers and citrus trees. The hotel's decor is simple and refined, with the dining areas and outdoor terraces exuding casual elegance. As for the pool scene, there are two outdoor thermal pools directly overlooking the bay, so you'll never have to sacrifice gorgeous vistas on your Italy holidays.
Lush doesn't even begin to describe the scenery surrounding the Grazia Terme Hotel. Tucked between rolling green mountains, the views here extend all the way out to sea. You'll be treated to an astonishing 10 pools, some of which are heated naturally by the island's thermal springs. There's a buffet breakfast and terrace restaurant to enjoy, plus an elegant lounge bar. As far as activities go, the spa, tennis courts and yoga classes should keep you occupied.
This hotel's decor is mod-meets-Med with white interiors and flower-decked outsides. Days here are about as laid-back as they come, spent at one of the pools or sipping cocktails from the rooftop garden bar. At the buffet restaurant you'll find local dishes and other Mediterranean flavours, plus candlelit dining al fresco. What's more, the hotel also features views of Ischia's Aragonese Castle and is only a short walk away from the beach.
Complete with three thermal pools and subtropical garden surroundings, the 5* Il Moresco Hotel is the height of understated luxury. It's also privy to its very own private section of beach. The hotel feels so exclusive that you may just forget about Ischia's shopping street, located only a five-minute walk away. After all, with the hotel's garden-side restaurant and La Pergola restaurant featuring a piano bar, you won't have much reason to leave.
The Miramare Sea Resort and Spa is almost too good to be true – it's quite literally wedged into a volcanic cliff that overlooks the Bay of Maronti. Walk just down from the cliff and you'll find the Rock of Miramare, where sunloungers await. There's a private beach too, along with thermal spas hidden amid honeysuckle-filled gardens. Then there's the food – the restaurants here dish up Mediterranean favourites made with ingredients from the hotel's garden, served with a side of gorgeous views from the outdoor terraces.
The Terme San Montano Hotel is truly gorgeous, with sweeping views of the water and Mount Vesuvius in the distance wherever you look out from. There's no escaping the sea here, whether you're reclining in the thermal pools or relaxing at the restaurant, serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine. It's the only sea-view spa in Ischia and even though you're high up on a clifftop, you're only a 20-minute walk from town.