Words by Christopher Roser
The magical Italian island of Ischia has long been an idyllic and discreet hideaway for the rich and famous. The lush, volcanic isle sits in the Gulf of Naples and is a short hop from its glitzier neighbour Capri. The pace of life is quieter on Ischia and its numerous boutique hotels, bubbling thermal pools, gorgeous gardens, verdant vineyards and dramatic hills and serene bays have enticed discerning travellers for centuries. The island’s most vaunted destination is the legendary L’Albergo della Regina Isabella.
Hotel
An icon since opening in 1956 by film producer Angelo Rizzoli, Regina Isabella soon drew the Hollywood elite: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Charlie Chaplin, Maria Callas, Truman Capote, among a plethora of others, have all stayed here. Tucked away on its own private bay on the island, Regina Isabella has retained its Dolce Vita spirit.
Discreet, elegant and glamorous, the resort has an avid following of clientele who return again and again to enjoy the extensive facilities that include a spa, four swimming pools, two private beaches, a gym and two tennis courts. The hotel even has its own Magnum 53 yacht that can whisk you by sea straight to the property. However we were met at Ischia’s harbour by the hotel’s kindly chauffeur who drove us the 20-minute journey.
Regina lsabella oozes character from the moment you arrive into the 1950s era lobby. The gleaming Capodimonte floor tiles, chandeliers and antique clocks evoke a heady sense of nostalgia. Service is impeccable but with a sense of playful fun. We were made to feel at home throughout our stay.
Room
The 128 bedrooms are spread across three buildings: Regina Isabella, Sporting and Royal. Our large room in the Royal wing is named after the legendary Italian actor Claudia Cardinale. Designed in a classic Mediterranean style with hand-painted majolica tiles, original vintage furnishings and modern touches including a 50-inch screen television and bar area.
The balcony area, shaded by a pine tree, has stunning views over the Bay of Lacco Ameno and overlooks the private beach and marina. The bathroom was gargantuan with a shower, whirlpool bath with deluxe toiletries.
Food and drink
The three gourmet restaurants draw heavily on local island produce. The seafood restaurant Indaco showcases Michelin-starred chef Pasquale Lamar’s artfully presented seven-course tasting menu. Standout dishes included delectable razor clams with acqarello rice and citrus fruit and amberjack tuna cooked in a clay pot that you had to break open with a small hammer.
The resort’s main restaurant, Dolce Vita at Regina Isabella has an extensive menu and wine list. The classic Italian fayre includes main courses such as island speciality coniglio all’Ischitana, rabbit cooked in a wine sauce with tomatoes, and dozens of desserts from zuppa Inglese to moreish profiteroles and home made gelato.
Breakfast is served in the main dining room that opens out onto a terrace that is covered by white shades in the sun-soaked summer mornings. The breakfast itself is magnificent with hot dishes, cold cuts, cheeses and fruits and cakes.
Spa and wellness
Since Roman times Ischia’s hot springs and mud have been used for medicinal purposes. Regina Isabella’s renowned Thermae and Spa has myriad treatments in the extensive spa and medical facilities on the lower level.
We opted for an Immune Stimulation treatment that included a full body Bioactive thermal mud treatment followed by a hot water bath. As well as being an effective treatment for skin conditions, the thermal water and mud act on the immune system through the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. We left feeling fresh, calm and rejuvenated.
In a nutshell
Regina Isabella is an icon of five-star old school Italian hospitality that is playfully invigorated by the exceptional service and wonderful staff. A stay here is an absolutely unique experience.
Factbox
Rooms start from £300pn and are bookable via Regina Isabella’s website.
Address: Piazza Santa Restituta, Lacco Ameno, Ischia, Italy
Phone: 0039 081 994322
Email: info@reginaisabella.it
Website: reginaisabella.com
Photography courtesy of Regina Isabella.
