In the last year, I've been told again and again by various people about this amazing place in Italy called Isola d'Ischia (Ischia Island). If you've seen the movie The Talented Mr Ripley, you've visited Ischia - at least in spirit. If you'd like to see it for real, there are some pretty glamorous hotels to choose from. Let's start with the Albergo San Montano.
Ischia was born out of an extinct volcano, and sits elegantly in the Bay of Naples alongside Capri. The San Montano takes advantage of this with a stunning location. These pictures say it all, really. Jawdropping 360-degree views of Naples, Mounts Vesuvius and Epomeo, the Sorrentine peninsula, and the island of Ventotene.
The hotel's interior is decorated with a subtle nautical theme and has been described as 'very Italian' (antiques, brass, mahogany and leather), but it's San Montano's outside space that's more interesting.
Two swimming pools (one with thermal waters, one with sea water), a natural sauna venting through rocks into a man-made grotto, and landscaped gardens with pathways through aromatic shrubs. And those views... RM
Images: Albergo San Montano
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