With all the charm but half the crowds of its Amalfi neighbours, this quaint island has long been overlooked as a travel destination in its own right. But in recent years, Ischia has garnered a reputation with in-the-know travellers. Its weaving roads lined with lemon trees, scenic beach clubs (without the eye-watering price tag), and an abundance of seriously good restaurants are enough to see why people have fallen for this Tyrrhenian island.
But Ischia deserves more credit than just being an understated seaside town – I think it might just be the most underrated wellness destination in Italy. When I landed in Naples, I had no expectations beyond the dream of some serious relaxation, and I had hoped I’d find that on this Italian isle. The last few years have shifted how I travel – now, the destinations I choose to visit are places where wild swimming, spas, nature, and relaxation are part of the experience. I happen to think that laying on a beach with a spritz in hand is as much a wellness activity as anything – what is more relaxing than what the Italians call la dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). In Ischia, this is easy to find.
Sitting atop volcanic land, the warm waters running beneath create hundreds of natural geothermal springs across the island. The mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic properties to help aid conditions like arthritis, skin and respiratory disorders. There are also thermal mud baths, golden sands with beach clubs and excellent spas.
This is what I love most about this special island. It may not have the glitz and glamour of its neighbours, but it offers something unique – something for everyone when so often access to wellness can only be afforded to a privileged few. Below, find my favourite wellness finds on Ischia.
Poseidon Therme Park
Spa-themed parks entirely dedicated to wellness are one of the reasons people come back to Ischia time and time again. Poseidon is the largest park on the island. It has a timeless vintage allure, where sundecks sit beneath flowering trees and gardens overlooking the private beach, which all guests have access to. There are over twenty pools and thermal baths of varying temperatures here. Some highlights include hydrotherapy pools, Japanese soaking tubs and Kneipp pools, which are heated to 40 degrees. Some even include pools lined with river pebbles, which you are encouraged to walk on to stimulate blood flow in the limbs. These sit next to colder plunging pools where you can alternate between hot and cold, a form of contrast therapy designed to help improve circulation and induce muscle relaxation. If heat is more your thing, the natural steam sauna built within a grotto will be more up your street. This place is truly an adult wellness playground; you can get lost exploring, follow a guided walking route, or simply lay down and bask in the tranquility of the place. Regardless of how you make your way around, you are guaranteed to leave feeling renewed and refreshed.
Website: giardiniposeidonterme.com
Negombo
Much like Poseidon, Negombo Therme Park is another wellness wonderland with equally excellent thermal pools and a reasonable entrance price. Both parks sit in front of private beaches, but the beach Negombo sits on is a touch more spectacular. Overlooking the bay of San Montano and surrounded by lush greenery, there is a real sense of seclusion here. The waters are stunningly blue, and it's easy to spend an entire day on the beachfront. The design of this therme park feels more modern in its approach, offering photographic spots at every turn. The Buco Nero Cave is an eye-catching and visually unique cave path made from volcanic rock. The Templare pools, made of pillars with cascading waters, massage the entire body with the vigorous power of water. There is also a Turkish Hammam, a Japanese maze bath, and an Olympic-sized sea pool should you want to swim with an outstanding view of the bay.
Website: negombo.it
Mezzatore
Those seeking a spot of luxury should book a stay at Mezzatore. This stylish hotel has outstanding views and a thermal bath experience with more peace and privacy than the island's thermal parks. Aque Sulis, the on-site spa, offers thalassotherapy in a seawater pool, Turkish baths, sensory showers and a sauna. As well as enjoying the relaxing facilities, the wellness spa menu offers facial and body treatments using products from renowned brands like Biologique Recherche and Augustinus Bader. After using the spa, you can indulge in a gorgeous lunch at the poolside restaurant – if you ask me, nothing makes you feel better than a beautiful bowl of freshly made pasta with a Seaview.
Website: pellicanohotels.com
Baia di Sorgeto
Sorgeto Hot Springs is a unique, picturesque cove where the sea waters are naturally hot and bubbling, so hot that people have even cooked foods like eggs in the heat of the water and the sand. It's not just the waters on this Island that offer healing properties; it's also the Mud, which can be found by scratching the stones in the naturally formed bathing pools of this bay. The volcanic Mud can be applied to the body and face, providing soothing properties. It's a bit of a journey to get here. You need to descend many steps to reach this iconic experience, but it's worth it, to soothe your tired legs in a natural and impressive hot spring unlike anything you have ever seen.