Fancy a luxurious trip to Ischia that combines culture, heritage, gastronomy, relaxation, and well-being? Look no further than the San Montano Resort & Spa. Nestled at the top of a hill, surrounded by three hectares of lush parkland, this family-owned, fourth-generation, 5-star hotel is an authentic, Ischian oasis that you’ll fall in love with immediately. Guests are treated to incredible views that look out over the Bay of San Montano and the Gulf of Naples, and of course, there are not only picturesque views here, it’s a gastronomic delight with a food and drinks menu that showcases the very best, locally-sourced, homegrown produce (both food and wine), as well as thermal pools inspired by its volcanic heritage, and all-round excellent service from check-in to check-out, where every need and want is met. The man at the helm is General Manager, Arcangelo De Siano, who tells us more about this beloved Ischian resort.
What is the hotel’s USP?
What sets San Montano Resorts & Spa apart is its unparalleled location, deeply rooted authenticity, a panoramic bird’s-eye view, and the exclusive amenities it offers to its guests. This hilltop haven, perched atop Monte Vico, overlooks an exquisite vista over the Bay of San Montano and the Gulf of Naples. It’s the sole establishment where you can relish both sunrise and sunset, basking in uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day.
San Montano Resort & Spa harmoniously integrates with the island, creating a secluded paradise within its borders. Nestled within three hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens adorned with 300 flourishing lemon trees and 50 centuries-old olive trees, we extract the essence for our extra virgin olive oil and craft our renowned limoncello.
Additionally, don’t miss the chance to savor Lemontano, the signature lemonade of San Montano, a refreshing delight embodying this enchanting retreat’s essence. Moreover, this distinguished resort boasts its thermal garden on Ischia, featuring 11 outdoor pools exclusively reserved for our valued guests, as well as the island’s sole spa offering stunning sea views.
How would you define the guest experience?
Enchanting, relaxing, authentic, and meticulously tailored – these are the promises we extend to our cherished guests. We invite them to discover the island and its natural beauty and landscape, a pristine gem, nestled just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Amalfi Coast that remains an unspoiled sanctuary, brimming with hidden treasures awaiting their discerning exploration.
What are your favorite aspects of this hotel?
Without a doubt, my heart is utterly captivated by the enchanting vistas that unfold before me, the expansive outdoor spaces that beckon serenity, and the architectural marvel that graces the interiors. The impeccable attention to detail in our service, always warm and hospitable, is artfully designed to cradle our guests in an atmosphere of pure tranquility, unveiling the genuine essence and uncharted treasures of this island paradise.
Who do you cater for?
Discerning travelers with a penchant for the finer things in life seek an authentic haven that promises an unparalleled and rejuvenating experience.
What can you recommend doing on Ischia?
Ischia, though modest in size, boasts captivating landscapes, each offering a unique charm that caters to every traveler’s desires. From the enchanting shores kissed by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to the majestic mountains that grace its interior, this island is a treasure trove of diversity that extends to its culinary and experiential offerings.
Gastronomic adventures unfurl effortlessly as you discover the island’s topography. Begin your culinary journey seaside, where coastal restaurants pamper your palate with the freshest catch, sourced daily by local fishermen. Ascend towards the verdant mountains, and you’ll find yourself in authentic trattorias where every dish celebrates the bounty of its homestead. The diversity of flavors mirrors the island’s landscape itself.
But Ischia isn’t just about savoring delectable meals; it’s a realm of experiences as vast as the horizon. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic embrace of thermal gardens, explore the rugged beauty of its mountainous terrain through invigorating hikes, or embark on underwater adventures with snorkeling excursions. Savor the nectar of the island’s vines with visits to quaint vineyards and indulge in wine tastings that transport you through time and terroir.
Yet, Ischia is not just a feast for the senses; it’s a journey through history that traces its roots back to 600 BC. Wander through museums that house the island’s rich heritage and uncover the secrets of bygone eras at historical sites like the formidable Castello Aragonese and the Greek ruins of Pithecusa—the very first Greek settlement in the Mediterranean, dating back to 500 BC.
Ischia offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends sumptuous dining, captivating history, moments of pure relaxation, and the joy of discovering unspoiled nature. It’s an island where every day unfolds as a chapter in a story, you’ll carry with you forever.
Location
Sitting northwest of the quaint town of Lacco Ameno on Ishia is the San Montano Resort & Spa, which offers stunning views, overlooking the sea at the Bay of San Montano and the Gulf of Naples. Just below the hotel is the beach at the Bay of San Montano equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas that guests can make use of, plus The resort offers a free shuttle, ideal if you want to spend a day at the beach. To get to the hotel, fly to Naples International Airport, take a car journey to the Port of Naples, and catch the hydrofoil to Ischia Port. From there, the hotel offers a convenient car collection service—the hotel is less than 7km/17 minutes away. An airport shuttle service is also available for ease.
For those who want to experience the Amalfi coast too, why not let the hotel organize a trip to their sister property, Borgo Santandrea by boat? It’s for mid-century enthusiasts, where a prominent 1960s architecture displays a largely private collection of Mid-Century furniture.
Accommodation
There is a range of room types: comfort, side sea view, and superior front sea view. These are large double rooms, and superior double rooms, with their balcony or terrace to take in the picturesque views. For an extra-special stay, there are luxurious and spacious suites and villas that come in various categories: Prestige Vesuvio, the recently refurbished Infinity Pool, Ischia Sunset, Amalfi Sunrise, Olea Gran Suite, Zagara Suite, and Villas – some with the deluxe addition of pools, and all with their sea or garden views. All the rooms, suites, and villas feature contemporary and comfortable Italian-inspired décor that complements the atmosphere and the sense of ultimate relaxation and well-being, with an en-suite bathroom, TV, minibar, and complimentary wifi.
F&B
Franco’s Restaurant: Open for lunch and private events, Franco’s Restaurant offers a gorgeous terrace, complete with a panoramic sea view. Here, seafood takes center stage combining local catches with homegrown produce for a taste of the Mediterranean — think Octopus salad, tuna tartare, along with Parma ham and buffalo mozzarella, spaghetti with clams, linguine pasta with sea urchins, fried calamari, and plenty of delicious pizzas.
La Veranda Restaurant: An elegant restaurant, expect indoor dining rooms that feature a floor-to-ceiling veranda that overlooks the Bay of San Montano that’s open for breakfast (with a plentiful choice of sweets and savories), and dinner. You’ll find a delicious a la carte menu, as well as land and sea tasting menus that are heavily influenced by Ischian and Italian culinary culture, taking a contemporary approach to traditional dishes. Enjoy dishes such as scampi, red shrimp, Girardeau oyster, amberjack tartare, eggplant parmigiana, lobster, branzino, and the conventional Neapolitan candele pasta. The restaurant’s wine cellar also has a dedicated space for tasting, with a rich selection of Italian and international wines; there is a particular focus on labels from the famed Campania region.
Acropoli Pizza & Bar: At the top of the San Montano hill is the Acropolis which offers incredible views, along with a light Mediterranean lunch menu. Head here for sandwiches and salads, and the must-eat pizza; the mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil all come from the island and their kitchen garden. The resort’s signature pizza with its unique flavor and the aroma of Lemontano lemons, gives an authentic experience, perfect post-swim!
The Sunset & Piano Bar: The place for aperitivo, take in the Ischian sunset with a crafted cocktail by head bartender, Ambrogio – try an Ischian spritz, such as the signature San Montano lemon-infused spritz, and a host of delicious small plates — the chef whips up accompanying treats such as filled zucchini flower fritti, anchovy and burrata on bread, and mini pasta frittatas that complement the cocktail and wine list. There’s music too that adds to the atmosphere, with live performances from their pianist, harpist, or a DJ set that comes together beautifully.
The Ocean Blue Spa
The hotel is home to a gorgeous spa, After all, Pithecusa (the original name of Ischia) has an ancient history of over 2,500 years, known for its uncontaminated waters and bountiful thermal springs. The water from their spring flows at 75° clear with a salty taste (like that of the sea) and is rich in carbonates, and trace elements. and mineral salts that are full of anti-inflammatory properties. “Another miraculous water is that contained in the products of the Fonte Ninfe Di Nitrodi with which we carry out treatments dedicated especially to subjects with reactive and very delicate skin, rebalancing the natural and physiological protection of the skin.” What’s more, the indoor pool, steam room, and sauna are on ground level, so offer floor-to-ceiling views over the bay, or indulge in an outdoor massage amongst the citrus trees for a multi-sensory experience.
The spa takes an ancient-meets-modern approach, cue plants and spices (that are rich in vegetable complexes), and the collaboration with the scientific, creative laboratory Effegilab which combines the San Montano philosophy with cosmetological research. The resort harnesses Ancient Philosophy and Western Herbal Traditions with the Tradition of Ancient Natural Oriental Medicines to offer guests time-out rituals that encompass beauty, well-being, and physical and energetic rebalancing, employing products used in Ayurvedic, Thai, Tibetan, and Chinese Medicine.
The hotel is set within three hectares of parkland, so guests can explore and pick their favorite well-being spot, with a choice of the Aenaria thermal pool, the whirlpool tub, the saltwater pool, or one of the five panoramic swimming pools in the H2O complex, with waterfalls and water features – to top it off they all offer perfect seascape views including the harbor in Lacco Ameno, with the island of Procida and the Bay of Naples. Be sure to check out the sauna in its natural grotto too! Wherever you turn, there’s a beautiful scene to take in.
San Montano Resort & Spa
Via Nuova Montevico, 26
80076 Lacco Ameno
Isola d’Ischia-NA
Italy
Telephone: +39 081 99 40 33
Email: info@sanmontano.com
www.sanmontano.com
This story originally appeared on Upscalelivingmag
