TRAVEL Regina Isabella Resort
Living La Dolce Vita
Immerse yourself in the luxuries of Ischia, an Italian gem just 40 minutes by ferry from Naples. :: BY BECCA BLOND T
he moment i set foot in Ischia I fell in love. How could you not?
The sweet life surrounds
you on this volcanic isle in the Bay of Naples. From the fragrant perfume of the
brightly hued fl owering plants to the mountains tumbling into the clear aquamarine waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the divine food and wine, not to mention the mineral-rich thermal spas, Ischia epitomizes la dolce vita. Located just 40 minutes by ferry
from Naples yet worlds away, this magical isle has long been a favorite for vacationing Europeans but has yet to see the number of American tourists that its more popular (and ritzy) sister island, Capri, attracts in throngs each summer. More down to earth and
aff ordable than Capri, Ischia is an undiscovered gem that holds its own with a string of charming, quaint
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towns fronted by gold sand and black pebble beaches along with glamorous, old-world hotels and top- notch restaurants. One of our top places to visit
in 2022, plan a visit to Ischia this summer and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
WHERE TO STAY The towns on Ischia’s north coast are its most popular as they have the most amenities. My favorite is the Regina Isabella Resort in Lacco Ameno. Built into cliff s facing the sea, a visit to this fi ve-star hotel feels akin to walking onto a 1950s Hollywood movie set in all the best ways. From the opulent, crystal chandeliers to vases of fresh fl owers, elegant, pastel-colored furnishings, and gold gilding to servers in white jackets, the polished glamour at Regina Isabella is fairytale perfect. The service here is in a league of
its own, with every whim catered to. The staff remembered not only my name but also my drink and dietary preferences. The food is equally delightful.
The main restaurant, DolceVita, does a wonderful, included breakfast buff et each morning and has ocean-facing views. At dinner the ambiance is formal, and the menu focuses on traditional as well as inventive Neapolitan fare with lots of fresh seafood options and an extensive wine list. Ischia is a volcanic island home
to numerous mineral-rich springs that visitors can experience as baths at hotels as well as in a public setting. At the Regina Isabella, the bioactive water gushes out of the ground at a temperature between 133 and 170 degrees before it is cooled somewhat. Guests can book a number of
diff erent therapies, but the most popular is a bioactive thermal mud
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF REGINA ISABELLA RESORT AND THE MEZZATORRE HOTEL AND THERMAL SPA
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