The Botania Relais & Spa is a sprawling botanical wonderland in which flowering plants, thermal pools, produce gardens, and artfully placed villas welcome guests to a Mediterranean island getaway.
The Location: Ischia, Italy
The Botania Relais & Spa is located on the sunny island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples. Ischia is a roughly 18 square mile volcanic island, with six towns and a rolling landscape that culminates in the central Mount Epomeo. Accessible from the mainland by ferry, Ischia is an ideal weekend trip from Naples.
The island is known for its sandy beaches, castles, hilly neighborhoods, and for being home to the Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi, the world’s oldest spa. The Botania is situated in the town of Forio and is a fifteen minute drive from Ischia Porto, a small port lined with seaside restaurants and tiny shops.
Amenities & Services
Guests will not have to lift a finger during their stay at the Botania. No sooner had a member of my group spilled sauce on her shirt during dinner than a staff member was by her side with a laundry brush and miracle stain remover. From a basket of free sunblock by the pool to flip flops provided in-room for the spa, I couldn’t think of a single thing I’d want that wasn’t already provided for.
The standout amenity is unquestionably the thermal baths. There are many thermal spas on Ischia, typically charging a 40-50 euro (about $43-$54 USD) entry fee. The two indoor and two outdoor thermal baths at the Botania, however, are free for guests to use. The indoor baths are part of the onsite spa and don’t require a reservation, although one is suggested if trying to use the baths at peak times.
Other amenities include:
- Air conditioning
- Luggage transport between reception and room
- Shuttle service (upon request) to nearby beach
- Room service
- Turndown service
- Outdoor Pool
- Indoor gym
- Outdoor gym
- Outdoor yoga classes
- Cooking classes at Nonna Marì
- Indoor hot springs
- Outdoor hot springs
- Botanical garden
- Spa
The Property
The Botania Relais & Spa is unique in the world of luxury hotels, earning a One Michelin Key rating. The 48 rooms are distributed among 10 villas that are built into an extensive botanical garden. Guests are welcome to explore the garden, which includes outdoor hot springs, hidden picnic areas, an outdoor gym, an amphitheater, and more. The entire property spans 3 hectares, nearly impossible to see all it has to offer in just one visit.
Among the flowering plants and fruit trees there are also produce and herb gardens that supply the resort’s onsite restaurants.
The Rooms
Each room and suite at the Botania Relais & Spa has an Italian marble bathroom, queen to king sized beds, and outdoor spaces. The rooms are distributed across ten villas, each of which is central to hotel amenities like the restaurant, pool, and spa. Walking paths connect the villas to the main check in area and the rest of the botanical garden.
| Room Types | Room Size |
| Suites | 55-65 square meters (592-699.6 square feet) |
| Open Plan Suites with Jacuzzi | 45 square meters (484.4 square feet) |
| Junior Suites with Jacuzzi | 40 square meters (430.6 square feet) |
| Master Suites | 36 square meters (387.5 square feet) |
| Deluxe Suites | 34-39 square meters (366-419.8 square feet) |
| Premium Rooms | 28-30 square meters (301.4-322.9 square feet) |
| Superior Rooms | 26-28 square meters (279.9-301.4 square feet) |
I stayed in a Superior Room with a garden patio, tucked away behind the path to the pool and bar. The outdoor space was shared with adjoining rooms, but the surrounding walls of vegetation gave plenty of privacy. The interior was spacious, with a small table and seating area, large wardrobe, desk, flat screen television, and king-sized bed. The bathroom was luxurious but still maintained the character of the resort, with a gorgeous blue tiled shower, heated towel rack, and large vanity.
A feature I particularly enjoyed was the ability to control most of the lights from the bedside switch letting me skip the awkward bedtime shuffle across the room to dim the lights. Each side of the bed also offered a small reading light on a maneuverable arm.
The wifi password is not immediately obvious in the room, so make sure to get it from the front desk at check in before settling in for the night.
Dining
The local flavors of Ischia are reflected in the three dining options at Botania, rich in fresh seafood, local produce, and—of course—top-tier pasta.
Il Corbezzolo
Il Corbezzolo is an upscale Michelin Star dining experience serving southern Italian fare crafted from local ingredients and the resort’s own gardens. Fish here is always fresh, sourced from the catch of the day brought in by local fisherman. Finish off your meal with a sip of rucolino, an arugula aperitif with a savory kick that is distilled right on the island.
The resort’s breakfast buffet is served daily from 7:30am to 10:30 am terrace outside Il Corbezzolo and includes your choice of eggs, side salad, fresh baked pastries and breads, fruit, juice, and coffee.
Il Mirto
Everything on the Il Mirto menu is vegetarian or vegan, earning it the island’s first Michelin Green Star for sustainability. In addition to its meat-free menu, the restaurant also works to eliminate single-use plastics, work with sustainable suppliers, and tailors the menu to center seasonally available ingredients.
Nonna Marì
Nonna Marì is the most casual dining option, built around the concept of ‘your grandmother’s kitchen.’ There’s no set menu—guests are invited to join for whatever is on offer that evening, much like dropping by your grandma’s house for dinner and a visit. Nonna Marì also offers cooking classes where you can try your hand at crafting authentic Italian cuisine.
La Grotta Bar
La Grotta Bar is built into a cave, serving craft cocktails and light bites in a cool intimate atmosphere illuminated by ambient lighting and decorated with cozy jewel-toned furniture.
Iris Bar
Iris Bar is the resort’s outdoor bar option. Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the resort’s heated pool and surrounded by the plant life of the gardens,
Price and How to Book
Room rates start around $330 per night and can be booked on Expedia.
Editor’s Note: Botania Relais & Spa hosted the author of this story.
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