Spotlighting the rare authenticity and essence of wellness at Mezzatorre
By Rosalind Milani Gallieni
Should you take the road less trodden to the Italian island of Ischia, you’ll be richly rewarded with a hidden heritage of history, traditions, and thermal spas – some of which date back thousands of years. While the temptation to try them all is understandable, if you’re pushed for time, I highly recommend a visit to Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa. Situated in a half-built 16th century tower, the property is a renowned boutique hotel, but is equally celebrated for its spa.
As you approach, the hotel’s Aragonese red tower protrudes from the pines that surround the elegant enclave, proudly overlooking the sparkling blue seascape of the Gulf of Naples below. This chic property is part of the Pellicano Hotels Group and exudes the group’s high-end interior design, with truly impeccable customer service delivered by a team of local, friendly staff. All of which makes Mezzatorre an ideal destination hideaway.
The iconic building – formerly a watchtower for pirates back in the day – is now surrounded by private villas set in amongst a forest of Mediterranean pine trees with rocky beaches rolling down into the sea. Today – a world away from its past and in-keeping with traditional Italian elegance – every comfort is assured and every detail has been thought of, from the radio in your room, to the handmade thyme-scented amenities, to the most beautifully starched bed linen.
If you like the interiors, once your vacation ends, should you wish to add a little something of Mezzatorre to your home, most of the memories are available to purchase via ISSIMO, the digital extension of Pellicano Hotels. The best item, if you ask me, is the pine tree wallpaper, which is a replica of the view from the hotel, so your love affair with Italian beauty can continue once you return home.
Within the hotel’s peaceful oasis sits the Mezzatorre wellness centre, which offers different body treatments, all of which make use of Ischia’s thermal waters that flow at 38° from the hotel’s private spring into three hydrotherapy pools. Leave tiresome stresses behind and emerge refreshed from the wellness centre and don’t miss a dip in the hotel’s external heated saltwater pool, with its new bespoke green quartz tiles that hold the water.
For those who fancy something a little more strenuous, head to the hotel’s private pier and try your hand at paddle boarding on the blue of the Med, but be prepared to be unbalanced by the joyful waves!
Mezzatorre also ticks all the boxes when it comes to seizing the senses through culinary experiences. The menus at Ristorante La Torre draw inspiration from the region’s gastronomic traditions, showcasing local cuisine and seasonal ingredients, with simple but incredible flavours. Again, any beauty on the table, such as plates and glasses, can be found online, or in the new Boutique conceived by CEO and creative director Marie-Louise Sciò, where you can also get a little something silky and floating to wear from dawn to dusk.
After dinner, Bar La Torre comes alive come sunset, and there is nowhere better to enjoy a cocktail, with an authentic taste of Ischia’s dolce vita as you sit in that special light between dusk and night. You can see why Mezzatorre’s previous owners, such as the dukes of Rancidello, made this their home. Frankly, if I could live here myself, I would!
