Hotel Eros ★★★★

It's a fair wind that blows through these parts. My husband and I love travelling by sea, and were on an adventure guided by Aeolus, exploring his islands. Volcano is, as it name might suggest, home to a smoking volcano, and the black beaches, fumaroles and therapeutic warm mud baths that go along with being a geological phenomenon. The island is quieter than some of its neighbours, a haven for nature lovers and those wanting a truly relaxing beach holiday in true Italian style. Hotel Eros **** is poised between two of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches, perfectly positioned to watch the sun sink into the azure sea and to catch the warm salty breeze. Designed by someone with an eye for creating serene spaces and run by friendly staff, it's a haven of a hotel.

Though attributed to Aeolus by the Greeks, the Romans saw Volcano as the chimney to the God of Fire Vulcan's workshop. The hotel grounds have plenty of sun-trap spots where you can get a good dose of vitamin D. If in need of shade, take a table under one of the elegant white umbrellas or the benches under layers of rambling rose and vine. You can cool off in the pool or make the short walk to the sandy beaches for a swim in the sparkling cerulean sea. The island’s famous mud baths and hot springs are just a few minutes walk away: nature’s very own spa on your doorstep!
Hotel Eros maintains a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere for its guests; from the time the buffet breakfast is laid out in the dining room, with the option of enjoying it al fresco, to the efficient management throughout the day, to when fairy lights and candles come out to greet the dusk, it's a pleasure of a place to be. With the ever-present views of the crater and the sea, it must be one of the best spots on the island.

Our ground floor e-suite room had a spacious patio, with tables and chairs where we could watch the boats criss-crossing the sea. The room had some striking features, a headboard adorned with frescos, and beautiful blue upholstery. Blue was the colour of choice throughout the hotel, in homage to the surrounding sea, also present in our bathroom, with its deep cobalt blue tiles.We may have approached Volcano with some nerves, but we left with a fresh nonchalance. Whether we have Aeolus, Vulcan or Eros to thank we're not sure, but we know the Hotel Eros had its part to play!