Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa Ischia

Come and bathe in Mezzatorre’s cove and thermal pools, breathe the air fragrant with jasmine and wild thyme, discover Ischia’s best kept secrets.

Trot down the steps to the sea, swim across our secluded bay and dry off your salty skin in the sunlight, returning through the pine wooded park. We have seven hectares for guests to stroll and loll in, at leisure. Invigorate your spirit and feed your soul in Ischia’s secret nature spot.

A clay tennis court is shaded by green trees, the gym has a delicious view over the Gulf of Naples and our sea water pool is heated to a temperate 30 degrees.

Swim with the coral torre soaring into the sky, blue bay below, and the fragrance of jasmine in the sea air. The cultured and curious have long enjoyed the special Ischian fresh beauty, and something more, Truman Capote called it ‘…a strangely enchanted place’.

Interiors are light, cool and calm with just a hint of retro charm in the detailing, here a brass lamp and mirror, there an illustrated book of matches. Beds are designed with a deep sleep spell, a place to refresh. Bathrooms feature an eclectic display of Italian tiles, otherwise opulent interiors are on view in a heavyweight copy of Mondadori’s Cabana.

Outside the crenellated coral heights of the torre soak up the Mediterranean sun, touches of that delicious pinkish hue appear on parasols and cushions around the piazzettas, each spot an invitation for guests to relax and chat.

The bay-side Ristorante & Bar La Baia is shaded in giant palm fronds, Bar La Torre is a neat quisibeve tented beneath striped tapering pennans, reminiscent of medieval jousts, a mix of Mezzatorre’s soul, sea and history.

THE HISTORY
The structure that houses Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa has a fascinating history. It was, in fact, an ancient watchtower built between the 16th and 17th century by the Aragonese family, which however was never finished (fittingly the name “Mezzatorre” translates as “Half-Tower”). It was enlarged in the 18th century by the dukes of Rancidello.

In the 1930s, the tower was used as a pension until Luigi Patalano, a distinguished scholar, politician and poet, bought it. Founder of political and cultural magazines, he transformed the property into an active cultural cenacle.

In the same park as Mezzatorre, Patalano also built “La Colombaia”, a beautiful villa that was first owned by Baron Fassini, an aristocrat and bon viveur, and then, in the 1950s, by film director Luchino Visconti.

In 2018, the Sciò family came across Mezzatorre, fell in love with it and in 2019, the Pellicano Hotels Group took over its management. Marie-Louise Sciò, CEO & Creative Director of the Group, injected her very own personality into every corner of the property – and transformed it into an exceptional Italian abode that fits right into the Pellicano world.

THE GRAND SUITE
Step one way for a lovely light bedroom with a modern four poster, tiles edge wooden floors in a quietly modern take. Behind the bed is a ‘walk around dressing room’, in front of the bed is the superb sea view and your terrace which overlooks the whole Ischian bay. A canvas awning gives an impression of the prow of your ship.

To one side of the terrace is a small look out post, where you can wave to friends at the beach restaurant, to the other side are steps down to a smaller private terrace, your private “pensatoio”. You have a quietly stylish sitting room, bathroom with double vanity and a tub where you can soak by a picture window overlooking the sea, spectacular.

THE BELLEVUE SUITE
Stretch languorously on the cushty rattan chairs on your terrace, sip a glass of Biancolella and drink in the delicious azure views. Behind you the red façade of the Mezzatorre tower warms in the sunshine. Inside the cool limestone bathroom is flooded with light through tall windows.

It has a small balcony overlooking the comings and goings at the hotel entrance, wave to a friend and invite him to share your views with an aperitivo. There is a good sized walk in wardrobe, portable speakers are tuned into Radio Pellicano, and the bed faces the bay so your mornings begin with nature’s beauty.

THE JUNIOR SUITE
Mezzatorre has a history and it is reflected in the 16th century architectural details found in circular bay walls and arched windows, though views are eternally changing with the ebb and flow of the sea.

Interiors created by Italian tastemaker Marie-Louise Sciò, are utterly stylish and exude freshness, with Italian painted tiles, hand woven bed canopies and throws. Some have baths if you prefer a long soak in this island of bathing. Sofa beds in the sitting room are ideal for family.

THE SUPERIOR ROOM
Stay in the bay that seduced Visconti, the great director who had seen all things beautiful through the eye of his camera. The azure sea sparkles in the sunlight, framed in the window of your tower room, or fringed by cascades of green on your cottage terrace.

The park is peaceful, fresh and vivifying, just the tonic for a spell on this healing isle. Tower rooms give you a hint of the Mezzatorre 16th century history. Interiors are designed with flair by Il Pellicano’s unswervingly stylish Marie-Louise Sciò.

LA TORRE RESTAURANT
Freshest ingredients of the land and sea are treated with deep respect, gastronomic touches add a subtle veil of flavours, all is in perfect balance. Chef Giuseppe D’Abundo’s tasting menu is a showcase of culinary versatility, anticipate local snapper, rockfish and crustaceans presented crudo, tossed and cooked.

Among the most typical and traditional dishes we will taste Pennoni pasta with Neapolitan ragout and the Ischia style rabbit “pasta and main course”.  Let Salvatore, the Maitre, select wine pairings and you will be treated to a virtual tour around Italy’s more interesting producers with some Ischian highlights, perhaps ending with an aromatic Rucolino from Ischia, our most typical liquor.

LA BAIA RESTAURANT
Seated in style, beneath a palapa of giant palm fronds, you see and taste the sea in this open to the elements restaurant by Mezzatorre’s bay. Snatch up that catch of the day, enjoy it carpaccio or cooked to your wishes.

Taste all the mediterranean flavour of “Tubettoni” pasta with mussels, pumpkin flowers and pecorino cheese or a Free range cockerel breast, grilled or Biancolella white wine sauce.

BAR LA TORRE 
Sip a Mezzatorre spritz on the terrace, and toast the gorgeous view of San Montano Bay. This is where the Greeks first landed and brought vines and wine to Ischia.

They also left a treasure of artefacts including ‘Nestor’s Cup’, with the oldest known inscription in the Greek alphabet, quoting the Iliad. If you sip from Nestor’s cup they say you will be seized by irresistible sensual desire.

GIUSEPPE D’ABUNSO – THE CHEF
Chef Giuseppe D’Abundo loves to pay homage to his native Ischia through his cooking. A long-standing member of staff – he’s been at Mezzatorre since 1998, becoming Executive Chef in 2008 – the culinary maven approaches his menus as subtle reinterpretations of traditional flavours, creating dishes that reflect the local gastronomic canon while elevating it in simple yet refined ways.

That approach shines brighter in D’Abundo’s fish-based and pasta dishes, for which the Chef selects only the freshest catch and the most premium of ingredients, with an eye towards sustainability and seasonal produce.

His crowd-pleasers are too many to count, but ask him directly what he’s most proud of and he’ll likely mention his “scialatielli ai quattro pomodori” – an unpretentious primo with a tangy tomato sauce – and elemental “crudi di pesce” – raw fish platters – two creations that, in their humbleness, never fail to deliver an unforgettable meal.

Guests can try D’Abundo’s inventive fare at the laidback Ristorante & Bar La Baia or the more upscale Ristorante La Torre – both special, only-in-Ischia dining experiences that are certainly worth travelling for.

THE WELLNESS
Ischia is the oldest destination spa in the world, and the warm thermal springs bubble up directly into Mezzatorre’s healing pools housed in our XVI century tower. We offer both a delicious refresh and an excellent medical team who can develop the best personalised programme for you.

Prescribed diets can be catered for by our chef including menus for coeliac, gluten intolerance and blood pressure. Our beauty spa uses two product ranges, Santa Maria Novella, the pharmaceutical perfumer workshop, founded by XIII century Florentine Friars, and the biological botanical perfectionists Biologique Recherche.

THE THERMAL SPA
Natural thermal waters bubble straight up into Mezzatorre’s balneotherapy. The source is alkaline, containing sulphur, iodine, chlorine, iron and potassium, which specifically benefits respiration, arthritis and dermatitis. We recommend our guests to follow our team of experts’s suggestions for the ideal Spa routine.

Starting with a 45 minutes experience in the thermal pools at 38°C/100°F with an incredible view on the Gulf of Naples and continuing with seawater thalassotherapy pool, turkish bath and sensory showers.

The perfect ending of this beauty itinerary, ends with the Kneipp pools, that help stimulate the circulation thanks to a cycle that alternates between hot and cold water pools.

BEACH & POOL
Ischia’s ultimate sunbathing spot, Mezzatorre’s Beach Club & Pool is where you’ll want to spend most of your day. A dreamy swimming pool and deck set the scene for some of the island’s most postcard-perfect views; while daybeds, umbrellas, and our iconic white-and-yellow striped towels ensure you’ll get all the comfort you need to unwind, relax, and embrace La Dolce Vita.

Direct sea access and the close proximity of our La Baia restaurant – the perfect thatched beachside hangout to lunch and dine – complete the picture, making this intimate sunny retreat a real haven for the senses. Top tip: don’t miss the golden hour, best enjoyed with a Spritz served by our friendly beach attendants.

EVENTS
Hold your party in Ischia’s most delicious five star hotel with a private cove, a thermal spa and that jet set caché, all an hour from Naples. Mezzatorre is a secluded stage ready for your vision to fire our imagination into action. Our bay is infused with spirit and sensuality, chosen by the great director Visconti as a place of inspiration.

As for Ischia, creativity and glamour have flocked to this island for millennia, from Pliny and Virgil, to Truman Capote and Elizabeth Taylor. Your event will be individual, beautiful and sparkling by the sea. Private fireworks display can be arranged above the bay.

WEDDINGS IN ISCHIA
Hold your wedding celebrations or your special events at Mezzatorre. Party above our private bay, glittering in the sunlight, shimmering in the moonlight. Wave to guests from any of our grand terraces.

We have a glorious thermal spa for all to float in, and make themselves their most beautiful for the event. On occasion Mezzatorre can be made yours exclusively. Our 51 guestrooms, two restaurants and cascade of terraces and bars, become your private party place.

MEETINGS & INCENTIVE
Our watch tower has wondrous wide views, while offering seclusion and privacy for your business meeting. Mezzatorre is a five star hotel on Ischia with its own thermal spa and Thyrrenian cove.

One hour from Naples you can rendezvous with clients and colleagues in an entirely fresh setting while enjoying five star service and facilities. All 51 rooms, including 13 suites, can be made yours exclusively.

Boats can bring you directly from Naples to our private pontoon. Helicopter transfers are available too. Our Ischian idyll is a delicious reward to incentivise your team, while the spa, pool and sea provide a refreshing revival for body and mind.

THE BOUTIQUE
An eclectic collection curated by Italy’s own tastemaker Marie-Louise Sciò. Come and seek out those effortlessly stylish sports shorts by Frescobal Carioca, sunglasses to put the rest in the shade by L.G.R. and something striking for the day by LaDoubleJ.

There are delicious unctures and ointments from the spa’s two select suppliers for face, body and sun tanning. Choose from Santa Maria Novella, the pharmaceutical perfumer workshop, founded by XIII century Florentine Friars, and the biological botanical perfectionists Biologique Recherce.

ISCHIA
Ischia has always been attractive for its wild beauty, healing thermal springs and excellent vineyard. A 29-squaremile island of parched tufa and bougainvillea, also commonly known as Isola Verde for its extremely fertile soils. Just off the Amalfi coast,

Ischia is Capri’s more mysterious and eclectic sister, one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Proudly dominating the seascape from a rocky promontory, the Mezzatorre Hotel overlooks the sparkling Bay of Naples, the island of Capri and the sea on the horizon.

EXCLUSIVE FOR MEZZATORRE
Exclusively for Mezzatorre clients, FORADAY – the leading specialist in creating unique experiences in Ischia – has crafted ad hoc experiences that tells the story of the territory through the eyes of professional experts.

Indeed, its team is made up of experts, each of them specialized in a different field: Archaeology, Geology, Biology, History and Anthropology. The passion and deep knowledge of its staff will take you to the most exclusive places, time by time led by the most appropriate person for the kind of activity. Take off your tourist clothes and live your holiday as a local. Ready?

SEABED & DOLPHINS
Are you ready to set sail on a typical Mediterranean boat, with an experienced “sea dog” and a wise local guide? You can enjoy the beauty of the land seen from the sea and swim in the most beautiful bays, inaccessible by land.

From the ridge on which the Mezzatorre hotel stands, a submarine canyon begins to descend in which the dolphins implement an impeccable hunting technique, collaborating with each other and coordinating with a series of signals made of clicks and sounds. The Canyon is that of Cuma and in these waters the possibilities of sighting increase particularly; especially just before sunset.

An expert marine biologist will instruct the participants on the characteristics and the life of our “aquatic relatives” with a preparatory lesson in the meeting room of the hotel; as well as the strategic importance of the Canyon, the currents, and the characteristics that attract these animals to the seas of the Gulf of Naples.

WINE TOUR
Vines have been brought to Italy by the Greeks in the 8th century BC and, since Ischia was the first place where Greeks arrived and settled, it is probably the first place of southern Italy where wine was made.

Meeting with a private driver and a local guide to start a complete tour through the 6 municipalities of the island, with tasting stops at 2 wineries and a local shop to taste wines and typical products.

The guide will be careful in describing the history, archaeology, customs and habits of its citizens as well as local traditions. Particular attention will be paid to the rocks and vegetation that characterize Ischia. Your guide will show you that wine is so much more than the celebration of flavours, here in Italy it defines our culture.

LOCAL TOWNS
Visit nearby towns, see the 700 BC treasure of Nestor’s Cup and join jazz nights in a garden cafe. Lacco Ameno is a place to stroll by the sea, enjoy an aperitif, admire the bay’s centrepiece ‘funghi’ rock, eroded by time.

The Greeks first landed here bringing vines and wine, they left behind a trove of pottery, which can be seen in the museum beneath the Church of Santa Restituta. The greatest treasure is the 700BC Nestor’s Cup, on view at Villa Arbusto museum, former home of the 1950’s film magnate, Angelo Rizzoli.

The cup bears a three-line inscription which is one of the oldest known example of writing in the Greek alphabet, it promises “…the one who drinks form this cup will suddenly fall in love with Aphrodite and her beautiful crown”.

Forio is a charming town by the sea, home to the pretty Chiesa del Soccorso and lined with shops and eateries, with a lively evening atmosphere. It is also home to the renowned botanical garden La Mortella.

St Angelo is traditionally a fishing town, on the south side of the island. It has a typical Mediterranean feel, with white washed facades, and many restaurants and cafes by the port.

Ischia town is an energetic evening scene, drop into the Americano café for live jazz in the gardens. If it’s morning try their speciality diminutive cappuccino. Via Roma has all the boutiques, great ice cream is at Cicco, pick up a cone and make an evening passeggiata towards the majestic Aragonese Castle

In the 5th century the castle was a safe haven for more than 2000 Ischian families fleeing pirates, it became a residence for 12th century Norman noblemen, reaching its greatest splendour in 15th century under Alfonso of Aragon. He began a renaissance, attracting brilliant minds to share art and ideas, even Michelangelo came.

By this time there were 13 churches and a convent for the Poor Clare Nuns, which they built with their own hands as it was forbidden for men to assist them. Today you can visit a grim crypt with empty stone seats where deceased nuns were placed to decompose. Living nuns prayed around them, contemplating the temporal nature of life, and collecting their dissolved remains and bones.

THE GREEN ISLAND
In the company of a volcanologist, hike up to the peak of Mount Epomeo and down into a volcanic crater. For anyone interested in natural phenomena, flora and hiking we have expert guides who will lead you.

Take a five hour, six km trek to the top of Mount Epomeo, emerged as a result of the intense volcanic activity of Ischia. Enjoy a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Naples at the peak.

Walk to the lip of a volcanic crater then make your descent to the centre, past vents, pausing to analyse volcanic rocks and magnifying crystals to admire nature’s astonishing beauty. A fascinating 3 hours, 3 km trek.

An easier 1km trek is equally fascinating where you learn how to cook with natural volcanic heat. Collect herbs en route, bury and bake lunch, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea while it is cooking.

While Sir William Walton composed, his wife Lady Susana Walton, landscaped an enchanted garden.  La Mortella is an acclaimed botanical gardens, magically springing out from a volcanic rock face. It was originally landscaped by Russell Page in 1956 on Lady Walton’s brief, and so the form of two levels was conceived, ‘The Valley’ and ‘The Hill’.

All is connected by a series of paths leading to a final breathtaking view across Forio bay. The gardens are filled with rare orchids, and a cascade of fountains and pools to cultivate exquisite lotus and lilies. In summer evenings La Mortella stages concerts in the open air, against the glorious backdrop of the glittering bay.

DISCOVERING THE SEA
Zip over to neighbouring Procida and Capri, join the dawn fishermen, sail around Ischia or search out the dolphins. Sail for the day around Ischia, jumping into the sea, exploring blue water caves. Take a speed boat for a visit to Ischia’s nearest neighbours, rugged and fashionable Capri, and Procida, the smallest island in the Campanian Archipelago.

Leave at sunrise with the Ischian fishing fleet, your fisherman guide will share his knowledge of currents, bait and technique. Anything you catch can be cooked on an island bay or back at Mezzatorre.

Dolphin watching with an informative biologist who uses ultra sounds to spot the activity. This is an all day expedition with a 90% chance of seeing the dolphins’ extraordinary fishing strategy as half the team herd fish into a canyon, and the other half wait at the end to eat them. The team at back never eat the fish, as it spoils the hunt.

Snorkelling and diving off the Ischian coast is a richly fascinating experience, especially for the volcanic thermals and Roman ruins beneath the sea. Diving off shore, around the thermals, you will discover a distinctive underwater landscape and a rich diversity of fish.

Just in the bay by Ischia’s castle you can explore the ruins of this city that is named for Aenum, which means metal, and a centre of manufacturing lead up to 130 AD. Discover magical bioluminescence produced by sea algae.

Make a night dive, or snorkel expedition, or even enjoy this phenomena from a glass bottomed boat. On all underwater expeditions our biologist/geologist, will share their knowledge to make these truly revelatory experiences.

Rooms: 52

Price: from 403 EUR per night

Source: www.mezzatorre.com