Hôtel Le Querce Terme & Spa ★★★★

After a long day on the road and the ferry, we were so pleased to arrive in Ischia to sample one of Italy’s lesser known islands. We were especially pleased to drive up the hill to the Hotel le Querce Tempe & Spa in its fabulous location with views not only over the town, but the magnificent Aragonese Castle perched in splendid isolation on its rock jutting out of the sea, and across the Bay of Naples. We were ready for rest and relaxation and this hotel, with its natural warm-water pool and spa with the ultimate in relaxing, maybe even rejuvenating, spa treatments, was the very thing.

We had taken the advice of friends and booked a superior room for its sea view, and as soon as we saw it we agreed we couldn’t have made a better choice, or been better advised. The room was not the most modern we have ever seen, but it was comfortable and charming, with smooth cool marble floor tiles, a pretty blue embroidered bedspread and curtains, and huge windows opening on to our own balcony looking straight out over the sea. Purple orchids greeted us on the dressing table. There was an arched wall leading into the bedroom and in the living room area, along with a sofa, table and chairs for relaxing, dining or just chilling, which is what we did. In the evening we sat out on the balcony watching the lights of the town and the distant twinkling lights of the distant islands lighting up as the dusky Italian night descended over the sea.

Dinner that evening in the Pulcinella Restaurant was relaxed and welcoming, and was a great start to our stay. The dining room is all soft and swirling lines with Italian decorated floor tiles and rounded ceiling arches, snuggly soft chairs, and an excellent menu and service to match! Our dinner of swordfish was perfectly done, and nicely presented. A bottle of Italian wine completed the relaxation and we retired to our soft and comfortable bed.

The next day while my husband explored the little town of Ischia, I succumbed to the warm blue embrace of the spa, lounging in a round plunge pool glistening in the reflection of the pretty blue mosaic tiling and exposed stone surroundings. There is a larger pool with a shoulder massage waterfall shower, set amongst tiled arches and a huge mirror reflecting the blue water into a blue infinity. I decided on the treatments I was going to book over the next few days, with the promise of that spa water bringing its therapeutic properties to all manner of travel-related aches and pains. And to complete the self-help treatment, I could always work out in the gym next door!

We really enjoyed the little town with its typically Italian cafes and trattorias, quirky shops and sightseeing opportunities, starting with the famous Aragonese Castle. By the end of our few days in Ischia, we were relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to get back on the road, saying a fond and grateful farewell to the Hotel le Querce Tempe & Spa.