Hotel Mare Blu Terme ★★★★★

The tiny square pane on the plane by my head suddenly catches a glint of dazzling white and I look out to so see the sea glittering below me as we slowly cruise down toward Naples. Soon my love and I are standing on the ferry, salty air whipping our hair around gleeful faces as we near our final destination, the volcanic island of Ischia. The largest of the Phlegraean islands, it rises green, rocky and majestic out of the Tyrrhenian sea, home to ancient Roman baths, natural caves and spas that flow with the thermal waters from deep underground. It is a place of healing, rest, astounding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, ancient heritage, delicious wines, fine Italian food and some of the best ice cream in the world. In other words – Paradise.

Thanks to VeryChic, my man and I are staying right on the coast overlooking the historical castle perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop linked by a bridge. Upon arriving all my initial hopes already begin to be granted. Here indeed is that enchanting, classic, antique villa with pink walls and white stucco and the interiors live up to its façade. The main theme, as the name suggests, is the mesmerising blue that surrounds it and this is accented with fresh white walls and splashes of warm yellow in homage to the lemon trees of the island that produce a tantalising Limoncello. We are welcomed with impeccable politeness and an authentic friendliness that leaves no doubt that we are in Italy, country of romance, impossible charm and irresistible smiles.

Our room is a simply beautiful. That gentle blue and white appears on chairs, the large double bed and even the tiles in the bathroom. It creates a fresh, nautical effect and gives us a full sense of where we are whilst never being overbearing. On the contrary, it is light, breezy, clean and chic. I am pleased to note all the modern amenities including a sleek flat screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, Minibar, air-conditioning, and a very pretty bathtub along with sumptuously fluffy towels. The highlight is the view of the sea sparkling away beyond our window and beckoning for us to come out and explore the island. But first we must explore this lovely hotel and make ourselves at home, beginning with lunch on the terrace at the hotel restaurant.

The kitchen is run by hotel owner and Chef Ciro, who painstakingly uses only the best ingredients to offer up authentic flavours of Italy and this region in particular. Sitting out in the sun at our little table adorned with a crisp white table cloth and crystal wine glasses frosting with the cool white wine we have chosen, we await our food with anticipation. We are richly rewarded with an exquisite feast of delicate antipasti and succulent seafood as dish after dish is brought out to us. We spend a good part of the afternoon here doing nothing but eat and drink, but what better thing to do in this delicious part of the world? By the end of the meal we are both sated and sleepy so it's back to our boudoir and into our comfortable bed for a sneaky siesta. This is the life!

I open my eyes blearily as my partner gently tries to coax me out of bed with a bottle of sparkling water. He is dangling my swimsuit in front of my face and telling me to change. I come out of my stupor and realise what he is suggesting – a swim in the thermal pools! This has me up and dressed in a jiffy and we skip back downstairs together ready for some five star pampering. The heat of the sun has not yet burnt off and it is sweet ecstasy to slip into the murky waters of the first pool, enriched with the volcanic mud full of minerals. After that we move to the second, which draws us in with its turquoise allure. This done there is one last place to stake our flag in, and that is the hotel's private beach.

Our feet at last touch the shore, soft waves lap about our ankles and the sunshine tingles on our freshly mineralized skin. What more could one ask for? Everything about our hotel, from its regal yet understated style, its bright, sophisticated elegance; from its glossy grand piano and princely lounge area by the bar, to its therapeutic spa treatments and down to earth affability, everything is just as it should be. Nothing is out of place and we are exactly where we want to be. Now all I need is a melt in your mouth real Italian ice cream and I will be in heaven. Wishes are easily granted here and as if by magic I am tasting the icy sweet tang of lemon sorbet and velvety dark chocolate, my personal favourite. I have a lot of favourites here right now. My favourite flavours, my favourite past time, my favourite sunshine, my favourite man and what is rapidly becoming one of my favourite hotels. I am living my very own dolce vita!