Botania Relais & Spa

When it comes to islands in the Bay of Naples, the mind naturally leaps straight to Capri. But around the other end of the bay is the larger, if less storied, island of Ischia. It may lack some of the drama of Capri, and its hotel scene as a whole might not scale the same opulent heights, but it’s possessed of a wilder sort of beauty — and, as you may have guessed by now, some impressive hotels of its own. Among them is Botania Relais & Spa, a tranquil escape tucked away, in classic Ischian style, within a lush two-acre garden estate.

Sedate also describes the design language. The look tends to the classic end of the spectrum, with just a touch of contemporary color contrast. 40 rooms are divided among nine villas, which results in a pleasingly irregular plan, and gives each unit a unique layout and identity.

Meanwhile at Il Corbezzolo the cuisine is traditional, sourcing its meats and seafoods as locally as possible. Il Mirto, the vegetarian fine dining restaurant, goes even further, or less far, depending on your perspective — it sources its produce from its own organic garden, and has been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its trouble. And for maximum comfort there’s Nonna Marì’s Kitchen, serving home-style Southern Italian fare and sharing knowledge in the form of cooking classes.