Botania Relais and Spa sets the standard for quiet luxury on the Italian island.
An idyllic paradise of sandy beaches and breathtaking views, the island of Ischia, an hour from Naples, has been well known for its health-boosting thermal waters for over a millennium. Because of its unique geology, Ischia is brimming with thermal spas and resorts made for unwinding, and Italians have been flocking here for rest and relaxation for centuries.
To fully embrace the island’s restorative nature, book a stay at Botania Relais and Spa. A quaint resort in the town of Lacco Ameno, Botania’s devotion to health and peace of mind is apparent in every detail. Rather than one main hotel building, rooms and amenities are spread out over 10 white stone villas that are connected by pools, pergolas, gardens, and grassy terraces. Many of the rooms have an outdoor space with breathtaking views of Mount Epomeo and the sea.
It is impossible not to feel a deep connection to nature at Botania. The 7-acre property is filled with peaceful gardens of Mediterranean flowers and herbs, olive trees, and hot spring pools connected by wooded paths. Botania encourages guests to embrace tranquility amid the greenery, placing lounge chairs and swings in the gardens, offering private picnics in nature, and hosting yoga on the terrace each morning. Even when the hotel is fully booked, the sprawling nature of the property allows for tranquility and peaceful seclusion.
The serene garden atmosphere is directly tied to the rich history of Botania’s owners, the Polito family. As a child, Luigi Polito helped his mother, Maria, host summer tourists in their home, aptly named Casa Maria. Over time, Casa Maria grew to become Parco Maria with the addition of a beautiful garden that Luigi and his brother would tend to grow fresh produce for their guests. It was there that Luigi fell in love with providing an unforgettable experience for visitors, ultimately inspiring him to open Botania, as well as Therasia Resort and Sea Spa in Sicily. Today, he is joined by his wife, Rita, daughter, Francesca, and son, Pierluigi, to manage both of these incredible properties.
The farm-to-table tradition started by Luigi’s mother continues at Botania today, as a variety of vegetable gardens dot the property and grow the majority of the produce used in the resort's three restaurants. At Il Corbezzolo, Il Mirto, and Nonna Marì—a lunch spot modeled on Luigi’s grandmother’s kitchen—guests enjoy tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and lemons grown mere feet from where they sit. Il Mirto, particularly, takes advantage of the gardens’ bounty, with an exclusively vegetarian menu devoted to seasonality and sustainability that has earned a Michelin Green Star.
While Botania is a much larger property, a stay here feels as warm and welcoming as coming home to Casa Maria. The hotel’s staff, all Ischia locals, are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their love of the island. Concierge Titti and her team, especially, are always ready to suggest local restaurants and one-of-a-kind excursions tailored to each guest’s unique needs. They make all necessary reservations (including taxis), so guests can put their minds at ease. There’s no better place to experience the beauty of Ischia and surrender to pure relaxation the way visitors to this enchanting island have done for thousands of years.
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