The island of well-being has a wealth of treasures buried under the soil. In terms of density of sources, it is the most important in Europe.
The astonishing energy of the “Multi-Active Waters” of the springs comes from the contact with volcanic rocks. The beneficial qualities of the thermal mud, rich in minerals, vitamins and natural proteins are due to the close proximity to the sea. The mud from the Springs of Le Terme Della Regina Isabella is gathered in natural caves on the Island of Ischia. These qualities that they bring to the body are extensive and have been documented by medical studies and clinical trials. The thermal mud combined with the “multi-active waters” stimulates the metabolism and all the vital functions of the body, which in turn improve circulation and oxygenate the tissues. Because of these special properties in the waters, it is possible to treat metabolic ailments, rheumatic and respiratory system illnesses and diseases of the joints and infertility.
The Regina Isabella is embracing a new philosophical approach of well-being. The thermal springs began during the 8th century, when Greek settlers first started using the hot waters gushing from the slopes of Mount Epomeo. It was the Romans who first realized the potential of the springs and placing the waters of Lacco Ameno under the protection of the mythical hero Hercules, turned them into a health and recreation resort, which became one of the most popular in the Roman Empire.
Guests who are interested in body care; “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” offers the opportunity to combine traditional thermal treatment with plastic dermatological treatment which regenerates natural harmony and beauty to the figure. Personalized course of treatments are designed to reactivate forgotten resources with the aid and guidance of expert post-traumatic therapists. This treatment aims to rehabilitate physical natural balance as both prevention and cure. Furthermore, this is one of the most incredible hotels to visit for their many legendary and cutting edge advanced treatments.
Speaking of pampering, the Thermal Baths & Spa offers a sophisticated and complete range of Ischia spa treatments for health and beauty that guests can create a personal journey towards healing and relaxation. For example, there are Ozone-therapy, Tibetan exercises, anti-age, moisturizing, Thermal P Dermatology, sebo balancing and bio-peeling, firming and sculpting, energy through a personalized program body re-balancing, personalized body building and Interferential therapy including: ionoforesis, ultrasound and laser. The spa has developed its own complete line of “Terme della Regina Isabella Bio-cosmetic products from natural resources of the island and they are unique and rare because of the miraculous properties of the multi-active waters of volcanic origin, marine Thermal clays, and healing Mediterranean plants. Thermal clays take advantage of the absorbing properties of thermal mud providing a complete purifying and exfoliating treatment. These include: skin purifying products, moisturizing products, nutritional products, skin protection products, men’s Skin-care products as well as sunscreens and many other rare products.
I enjoyed the once in a life time amazing Ischia mud bath, a brilliant massage by the Marco Torrre and an Ischia mud facial. I will never forget these treatments. Kudos to all involved in this incredible spa. My time here will forever be remembered fondly.
Regina Isabella Restaurants
The hotel’s two sumptuous restaurants have an outstanding reputation which is well deserved. The Sporting Restaurant has a yacht club feel and looks out onto the beautiful sea vista. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The display of foods on the daily breakfast and lunch buffets are extraordinary and boast the grandest level of variety I have ever been honored to enjoy. There is a series of tables that show off endless amazing appetizers, salads, pastas and sweets. The dishes included in the buffet are nothing short of food poetry with out of-this-world presentations. Everything I ate was mouthwatering, cooked and prepared on the premises by master chefs. In addition, each day there are freshly caught fish that are cooked to order.
Regina Isabella restaurant, with its overwhelming beauty is lavishly decorated. It is an elegantly appointed dining room, framed by huge panoramic windows looking out across the bay. The restaurant offers incredibly delicious traditional and original dishes, featuring fish, with a splendid Italian international wine list. Dining here was among the most memorable highlights of my stay.
Regina Isabella Gourmet Dining
Dining at the gourmet restaurant is more than a memory; it is an opulent, exclusive, celebrated food event of the uppermost culinary arts and services. It is kept small with only a few tables to keep the intimate atmosphere and service perfection. The menu is created by the innovative genius, Chef Pasquale Palamaro. Together with his chefs to pay tribute to seafood in the Mediterranean, they deliver imaginative and exquisite dishes that I have never before encountered. His foods are a celebration of taste, texture and creativity put together with stunning presentations. His combinations of flavors were spectacular and inventive. This is a place to experience the most refined dining, from exceptional ingredients combined with the talented, groundbreaking and inventive chefs that eat, sleep and breathe food creations. Chef Pasquale Palamaro, harvests the produce in the restaurant’s private vegetable garden.
This is truly a place that would astound food connoisseurs … I want to thank the more than charming and handsome Luigi Papa for taking care of my every dining need with style and the highest standard of excellence. Bravo to chef Palamaro for his artistic delectable stunning dishes and Luigi for his guidance and service. I ordered the Acorn Flour’s home-made ravioli with scampi with cherry tomatoes and ricotta mousse, Acquerello risotto with lobster and the Islands Turbot with lemon-thyme.
Everything was luscious and succulent with a melt- in-your -mouth tenderness, brilliantly superb combinations of flavor and all around divine creativity … For dessert, I ordered everything, seriously almost… The lemon meringue and almond milk ice cream and all the little pastries were sinful. This whole gourmet service was unforgettable and I can still recall the flavors and see the artistry today.
The hotel has a fully equipped fitness center, Sauna, Steam bath, Tennis, Wind surfing, Child care services, Island excursions by private motorboat, jogging or hiking along the island’s many forests trail, private boat transfer to Castel Volturno, the Volturno Golf Club with 18holes, Gym course, private yacht and three different pools. In addition, there is the Regina Bar, Sporting Bar and Wine Cell. Ischia Island, with its rich history and natural beauty offers enormous opportunities for lovers of the outdoors and sports, like paragliding, windsurfing, horseback trekking in the hills, to sailing, canoeing and diving.
“L’Albergo Della Regina Isabella offers 128 elegant guestrooms with their luxurious décor diverse in antique furniture and modern amenities. There are 27 luxury units, equipped with every possible comfort. The architecture and internal furnishings of these Ischia accommodations reflect a culture dedicated to the pursuit of beauty. The rooms are bright with majestic spaces in a Mediterranean style, floors in genuine Capodimonte ceramic and hand-painted majolica. The furniture is in the style of the patrician villas of Naples, Murano glass lighting fixtures, paintings, pictures, and tapestries of the finest craftsmanship. The characteristically 1950’s decor is complemented by works of contemporary artists and modern design features. The bed and bedding are extremely plush and inviting. I felt so cozy and elegant in my suite. Everything in my room was the finest in luxury, the most chic and exquisitely regal. I felt like a princess and very privileged.
All of the stunning rooms that I saw were enormously spacious, offering the highest levels of comfort and are equipped with air conditioning, satellite, safe deposit box, mini-bar, direct international dialing telephones and Wi-Fi (in public areas) and terraces with magnificent sea views. Rooms also, have television and radio, Bang & Olufsen video systems, in-room ADSL cable connection, robes, adorable slippers, whirlpool or Cascade showers. The amenities in each room come in the most outrageously wonderful basket and are simply divine. I admit that I did take them home with me. Being offered this kind of treat in a hotel is quite rare.
The Imperial Suite has: two or three bedrooms, a sitting room and up to five bathrooms, private swimming pool on the terrace and a private self-service bar and butler service.
Royal Suites have: picturesque balconies, one bedroom, sitting room and two bathrooms with private pool with whirlpool on the terrace.
Double Deluxe Royal are: Spacious rooms elegantly decorated with antique pieces of furniture and hand painted tiles with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. Private pool, whirlpool or cascade shower.
Suite Regina Isabella: This suite is located in the main wing of the hotel. There is a spacious and comfortable living room, two bathrooms and scenic balconies overlooking the hotel’s private bay and Gulf of Naples.
Junior Suites: The junior suites have a separate sitting room, balconies or terraces facing the sea and are decorated in relaxing pastel colors.
Double Superior rooms with sea view: Beautiful sea view, large balconies and modern furnishings.
Double Standard rooms with sea view: Comfortable, elegant and characterized by a combination of different styles.
Double Superior rooms with garden view: Furnished in Classic Mediterranean style, these rooms have a view of the hotel’s lovely park and the town’s square.
Single Superior rooms with sea view: Refined and elegant rooms in a warm atmosphere. Spectacular sea views from their spacious balconies.
Single Standard rooms with sea view: Recently renovated, spacious, elegant and decorated in different styles.
Small pets allowed except for the Spa, restaurants/bars and common areas.
There are four separate swimming pools on the grounds. One with purified sea water, one hypothermal, one for thalassotherapy, and the sensual revival pool for music therapy, color therapy, and aromatherapy.
My visit at the magical “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella felt so glamorous. The hotel is very prestigious and instilled a superior sense of class and style. I was at all times happy due to the cheerful and friendly kindness of the staff.
This cozy, warm, serene yet sophisticated hotel with its strikingly rich architectural setting is the destination to enjoy moments of great pleasure and the best that life has to offer. It is a fabulous place to unwind throughout the year for both pleasure, business, family fun or a romantic hideaway. I just can’t wait to go back to this piece of heavenly bliss…
I rate the “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella an A+ on every level possible of the highest hotel standards.
I would like to thank the ever so chaming and charismatic Annalisa and PierangeloTondina for all their help, guidance and support in writing this article.
Piazza Restituta 1, Lacco Ameno D’Ischia
Ischia Island, Bay of Naples, 80076
00800 7123 1030 Hotel Website
Watch Video Tour – (Italian)