THE 17-square-mile volcanic island of Ischia in Italy had long been a place I could describe with such familiarity that I often had to remind myself I had yet to visit it. My affinity for it was entirely inspired by my favourite book, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, the first in the renowned Neapolitan Novels quartet, where the protagonist, Elena, paints such a vivid and evocative portrait of the island that one is transported there within a single sentence.
San Montano Resort & Spa
Panorama path
Ischia’s reputation has flourished in no small part due to the success of Ferrante’s novels, which have since been adapted for television, film and theatre. For Elena, the island represents an escape and, upon visiting, I found it served much the same purpose for me.
With its turquoise waters, verdant slopes and rugged coastline, Ischia is a sanctuary of natural beauty and adventure. Famed for its thermal spas, sun-drenched beaches and rustic cuisine, the island offers pockets of refined luxury, among which the San Montano Resort & Spa stands as one of the most distinguished.
Lobby
Perched majestically atop a hill, 108m above sea level to be exact, this exquisite five-star hotel commands breathtaking views over the serene Bay of San Montano and the expansive Gulf of Naples. Nestled within a lush Mediterranean garden, it enjoys an unrivalled position on the promontory of Monte Vico, setting it apart from the grandeur often associated with large resorts.
Sea Water Pool
Rather than imposing itself upon the landscape, the hotel reveals itself gradually, a secret to be uncovered. You meander down flower-lined steps, pass beneath graceful arches nestled among fragrant lemon groves, or gaze down from the hotel’s highest vantage point, where breakfast is served against a panorama of endless blue. This enchanting setting cultivates an atmosphere of seclusion and exclusivity that few resorts of its calibre can match.
Thermal Water Main Pool
The resort is a sanctuary of wellness and indulgence, featuring a natural sauna, 11 outdoor thermal pools, an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, fully equipped gyms, manicured gardens and four restaurants. Accommodation ranges from seven luxurious suites to a selection of elegant villas and 65 rooms.
The interiors pay homage to the surrounding landscape – reflected in a palette of gleaming white, framed by vibrant blue, yellow and green tiling. Subtle maritime accents nod to the island’s seafaring heritage, seamlessly blending elegance with a deep sense of place.
Franco’s Restaurant
The resort’s culinary philosophy, “from land to hand”, is exemplified by its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, particularly in its exceptional wine selection. The attentive staff can point to the very vineyard from which your wine originated, visible from your dining table. Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining: for lunch, the poolside Acropoli Bar and Franco’s Restaurant serve freshly caught seafood, crisp salads and pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
As evening falls, La Veranda offers a refined taste of Ischian and southern Italian cuisine. For those wishing to explore beyond the resort, a short walk or complimentary shuttle ride leads to the charming, cobbled streets of Lacco Ameno, where acclaimed restaurants such as O’Pignattello serve exquisite tasting menus celebrating the island’s rich gastronomic heritage.
La Veranda
From the rejuvenating hydrotherapy and thermal pools overlooking Negombo Bay to the Ocean Blu Spa – the first and only spa on the island with an uninterrupted view of the Ischian Sea –San Montano Resort & Spa is a masterclass in harmonising architecture with nature’s splendour.
This is a place that transcends the pages of Elena Ferrante’s novels, a haven where luxury meets literature, and where every moment feels like an escape into a timeless Mediterranean dream.
by Lily Rimmer
Double rooms from €300 in low season; and from €600 in high. Breakfast included.