Thermal spa hotels

Ischia, Capri’s neighbour in the Gulf of Naples, is known for its natural thermal springs (terme) as well as providing the backdrop in The Talented Mr Ripley, among other films. A 2.5 hour ferry ride from Naples, taking a dip in Ischia’s terme is well-worth the detour on your summer holiday in the Med.

1. SAN MONTANO RESORT & SPA

With 11 outdoor terme pools, an indoor pool, and a thermal spa complex with five panoramic tubs and pools which overlooks neighbouring island, Procida, San Montano is like a waterpark for adults (pictured right). The largest thermal pool is Aenaira, named after the underwater Roman city of the same name discovered in this area. If all you do is check-in and check-out, San Montano has done its job. sanmontano.com

2. MEZZATORRE HOTEL & THERMAL SPA

If you’d like your day to start with a dip in the 38-degree thermal pools overlooking the Gulf of Naples before continuing onto thalassotherapy in the seawater pool, followed by a visit to the Turkish bath, sauna, and sensory showers, and wrapping up in the Kneipp pools, a vascular path consisting of a hot thermal water pool and a cold seawater pool, then Mezzatorre, perhaps Ischia’s most Instagrammable hotel and thermal spa is for you. The terme waters flow directly into the spa, so there’s no messing about here, just make sure you look IG-good while doing it. mezzatorre.com

4. BOTANIA RELAIS & SPA

If being set within three hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens doesn’t scream wellness holiday we don’t know what does. Except perhaps a dip in one of the pools, a steam bath in the natural grotto and a sensory shower and a bespoke massage with medicinal plants and oils in the private garden. botaniarelais.com

5. EXCELSIOR BELVEDERE HOTEL & SPA

3. REGINA ISABELLA

The thermal spa at 5-star hotel Regina Isabella is housed in a separate building to the hotel and resembles a 2024 replica of a Roman spa complete with striking white columns—very fitting. And to really drill home you’re in the right spot: the complex was built above the ruins of ancient Greek/Roman baths. Alongside your soak in the 25-degree baths, treatments include massages and thermal/dermatology treatments. There’s also a Walk Experience, a short walk to view the mud tanks where the bentonite clay and thermal water meet and transform into bioactive mud that’s massaged onto you. reginaisabella.com

INSPIRED TO VISIT ITALY? Check out our tours here

Once the grand villa of Lord James Nimmo, the Excelsior Belvedere was transformed into a luxe resort in the 1950s, and today remains a treasured snapshot of the island’s history. Old world charm, priceless artwork and antiques, and home to the first American bar on the island (the coffee machine was replaced with liquor bottles), there are no shortcuts here when it comes to a dose of R&R either. There’s a mineral-rich outdoor pool, a hot indoor pool, a Turkish bath and a sauna, and in true aristocratic fashion, a secret pool and private beach. excelsiorischia.it