ITALY in summer always seems like a good idea. But while many holiday goers flock to the well-trodden paths of the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany, Calabria remains blissfully under the radar.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Lamezia Terme airport lies Capo Vaticano. Tucked away on Italy’s coastline and surrounded by historical sites of interest, vibrant wildlife, and white sandy beaches, Capo Vaticano is one of Calabria’s most attractive destinations.
Capovaticano Resort
For those seeking a base from which to experience this beautiful area, Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA delivers in both location and style. Shining a light on the region’s idyllic landscape, Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA boasts uninterrupted vistas of azure seas and distant Aeolian islands. Set a few minutes away from the city centre of Tropea, the hotel features 123 rooms, a Thalassotherapy centre and spa, two restaurants, two tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a private beach, a five-a-side football pitch, and a sun terrace.
In terms of dining destinations, the hotel’s two restaurants are distinct, yet both exude an undeniable elegance and Italian charm. Firstly, Il Mantineo is where guests flock for an expansive breakfast buffet or, later in the day, a refined dinner. The menu utilises locally sourced ingredients to create sustainable, authentic Calabrian culinary delights.
Capovaticano Resort
Meanwhile, Lo Stromboli is the hotel’s sun-drenched lunch spot, situated right next to the sea. Here, guests can enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine with “one foot in the water”. On a clear day, one can wine and dine whilst enjoying views of the Stromboli volcano in the distance.
The scenery at Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA is more than just a pretty backdrop – it’s shaped by strong geological forces. Geography enthusiasts may be interested to know that the region is home to two other significant volcanoes – Mount Etna and Marsili Seamount.
Together, these three peaks contribute to the region’s lush flora and fauna, creating a delicate volcanic microclimate. As such, Calabria’s natural wildlife is hard to ignore. Think: house martins fluttering from tree to tree, bougainvillea flowers adorning every sidewalk, and bergamot orchards scattered across endless hills. Surrounded by such natural beauty, it’s hard not to breathe a little deeper. The nature here forces you to slow down and detox from stress.
If the landscape doesn’t encourage relaxation enough, the hotel’s spa is certain to purge the excess stress. Featuring three pools, a tub with hot/cold Kneipp path, a steam room, a sauna, and much more, the spa utilises seawater to encourage holistic wellbeing. A highlight from the spa menu is Capovaticano’s Silk Ritual – an 80-minute massage that harnesses the soothing power of Calabrian silk gloves and cocoons.
Capovaticano Resort
The treatment draws upon the region’s rich history, highlighting the significance of Calabrian silk. Once considered a European capital of silk production, Calabria continues to showcase the powerful properties of the natural fibre through garments, fabric production, and now wellness. Silk possesses powerful anti-ageing and regenerating properties due to sericin, a natural polymer, resulting in soft, dewy skin.
Capovaticano Resort
If a spa treatment doesn’t quite alleviate any aches and pains, the hotel also offers yoga classes. Weather-permitting, all classes are conducted outdoors in the hotel’s beautiful garden space, allowing one to practise shavasana in style while enjoying the sea air.
For energising activities outside of the hotel’s walls, a trip to Tropea is a must. There are few areas in Calabria more beautiful than Tropea. Having been voted the most beautiful village in Italy in 2021, Tropea is a great place to dive into independent cafés and gelaterias.
While there, it’s worth trying to get your hands on anything featuring Cipolla Rossa di Tropea – the region’s reputable sweet onion. The idea of a sweet onion may cause you some concern. But fear not. This root vegetable is subtle in its sweetness, appearing in all forms of cuisine from traditional hot meals to ice creams, salads, and more.
For those eager to explore more of Calabria, Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA isn’t the only hotel managed by Mediterranean Hospitality. Also in Tropea is Villa Paola – a 16th-century family-owned hotel. As an adults-only retreat, this property serves as a wonderful hideaway for couples and those desiring a more tranquil escape. Villa Paola is also home to De’Minimi – a sophisticated restaurant featuring dishes inspired by aromatic herbs, locally grown tomatoes, and Tropea sweet onions.
For families with young children, another hotel option, Baia del Sole Resort, may be a preferred destination. This hotel lies on the Tyrrhenian coast between Tropea and Capo Vaticano and sets the stage for children to uncover the joys of the Italian countryside. The Kids Club welcomes those aged from 3 to 15 years old and offers playful activities such as tennis, water sports, dance, and photography lessons, meaning little ones will be happily engaged whilst parents can enjoy their pastries in peace.
Capovaticano Resort
In summary, Capo Vaticano and the wider Calabrian coast offer an Italian escape unlike any other. So, the next time Italy calls, perhaps skip the crowds and head south to where the volcanoes sleep, the sea sparkles, and the bergamot blooms.
by Sophie Richardson
Capovaticano Resort Thalasso SPA offers the Double Sea View Room starting from €230 (£194), based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. For more information, please visit capovaticanoresort.it. Villa Paola offers rooms from £285 per night, based on two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis. For more information, please visit villapaolatropea.it . Baia del Sole Resort offers rooms starting from £110 per night on B&B basis. For more information, please visit baiadelsole.com.