Hidden away on the enchanting island of Ischia, the five-star Botania Relais & Spa stands as a serene sanctuary where the art of Mediterranean living is masterfully expressed. Here, nature and luxury coexist in perfect balance, creating a retreat where body and soul can truly recharge.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this exclusive resort harmoniously blends authentic architecture, lush natural surroundings, and a philosophy of holistic well-being.
A Sanctuary of Nature and Sustainability
Spanning three hectares of flat, verdant terrain, Botania Relais & Spa feels like a secret garden unveiled. Surrounded by vibrant meadows, dense vegetation, and the upper reaches of the Mediterranean forest, the property exudes tranquility. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of natural materials, alternative energy sources, and local ingredients — 70% of which come directly from its organic farm.
Guests strolling through the grounds will encounter aromatic paths shaded by ancient olive and fruit trees, natural pools with cascading waterfalls, and secluded corners designed for peaceful reflection.
The resort’s design encourages outdoor living, with terraces and elevated gardens offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. A pool set within the park, an outdoor gym, and serene yoga spots invite both activity and stillness, depending on one’s mood.
Proximity to Ischia’s Finest Beaches and Thermal Parks
Just steps away from the hotel lies the pristine San Montano beach, one of Ischia’s most charming coves. Nestled between golden sands and turquoise seas, this sheltered coastal gem is perfect for relaxed sunbathing. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the Negombo Thermal Park, where natural thermal pools, wellness treatments, and scenic pathways await.
Rooms and Suites: Private Refuges of Mediterranean Charm
Botania Relais & Spa is composed of ten elegant white villas, each hosting five types of rooms and suites. These refined residences, adorned with graceful Mediterranean architecture, blend seamlessly with the surrounding flora of orange, lemon, carob, and olive trees.
Interiors are serene and understated, drawing inspiration from nature with soft tones and organic textures. Modern comforts are thoughtfully provided: satellite television, air conditioning, a minibar with complimentary soft drinks, and a coffee and tea station.
Bathrooms are appointed with plush beach towels, luxury Etro toiletries, and hairdryers. Some suites even feature patios with private hot tubs, offering the ultimate in secluded indulgence.
A Culinary Journey Through Ischia
Dining at Botania Relais & Spa is an immersive culinary experience, celebrating the island’s fertile soil and rich maritime tradition. Breakfast at Il Corbezzolo is a feast for the senses — served on a bright Mediterranean terrace overlooking the gardens and pool.
Guests are greeted with wood-fired breads, homemade pastries, fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, and made-to-order omelets, all enhanced by honey and jams sourced from Ischia itself.
Drinks selection features a juice station with freshly made juices and smoothies, Italian sparkling, white and rose wines, as well as coffees and tees.
Lunch and dinner continue the gastronomic journey with traditional Ischian flavors presented in modern, elegant compositions. Chef Tommaso Luongo emphasizes locally sourced meats and fish, complemented by vegetables grown in the hotel’s own gardens.
Dining options include the charming Nonna Marì, a hillside farmhouse where rustic recipes and cooking classes evoke the warmth of Southern Italian traditions.
Il Mirto: A Michelin Green Star Dining Experience
An evening at Il Mirto is an essential part of the Botania Relais & Spa experience. Nestled within the lush grounds and surrounded by nature, this vegetarian fine-dining restaurant — the first on Ischia to receive a Michelin Green Star (2023) — offers an inspired culinary journey led by Chef Tommaso Luongo. His philosophy celebrates the land, returning seasonal vegetables and herbs to the spotlight with creativity and modern elegance.
The restaurant’s bright, minimalist interiors with panoramic windows and a picturesque terrace harmonize seamlessly with the surrounding garden, from which much of the produce is harvested. Each plate reflects the rhythms of Ischia’s peasant heritage, transformed into contemporary masterpieces that honor the island’s natural abundance.
The six-course Natura Viva tasting menu (€140), paired with an optional wine experience (€85), unfolds as a sensory narrative.
Macedonia!? — A playful, refreshing introduction to awaken the palate.
Bouquet of Flowers — A visual and aromatic celebration of the garden, designed as an edible floral arrangement.
Yesterday’s Pasta — A creative homage to tradition, reimagining classic flavors with modern technique.
To You — A personal, chef-inspired tribute dish that highlights the essence of the seasonal harvest.
Eggplant and Cherry — A surprising interplay of sweet and savory, capturing the heart of Mediterranean summer.
The tasting menu could be elevated by an optional wine pairing, thoughtfully curated by head sommelier Gerardo Montefusco. Each pour is selected to harmonize with the progression of flavors, enhancing the seasonal narrative of the meal.
Our pairing featured:
– Candidaterra, Pandataria Spumante Brut – Lazio, Italy
– Antiche Cantine Migliaccio, Fieno di Ponza Rosato – Lazio, Italy
– 2023 Abbaye de Lérins, Saint Pierre – Méditerranée, France
– 2023 Can Maymo, Tradición Monastrell, Merlot – Ibiza, Spain
– 2020 Viticolturi Isola del Giglio, Calzo della Vignia, Toscana Ansonica – Toscana, Italy
Each selection reflected the sommelier’s deep appreciation for coastal terroirs and Mediterranean elegance, creating a seamless companion to Chef Luongo’s vibrant courses.
The dining experience concludes with two artful desserts:
– Radicchio, Honey, Yogurt, and Poppy – A balance of bitter, sweet, and creamy notes.
– Lemon Spaghetti – A whimsical finale that delights the senses.
From the garden to the plate, every course is a testament to Chef Luongo’s dedication to authenticity, sustainability, and the art of slow, mindful dining — an evening where nature and gastronomy converge in perfect harmony.
Evening indulgence continues at La Grotta Bar, a natural grotto sculpted from tuff rock, where cocktails are infused with aromatic herbs.
Signatures include Spinoso with prickly pear and pomegranate, Salino with Yuzushu and sea fennel, and the house Il Mirto, a refreshing blend of Lillet Rouge, Campari, and homemade lemongrass kombucha. A local tribute to Negroni is Capperoni based on Gin infused with capers, Vermouth Rosso and Italian Bitter.
The Garden Spa and the Art of Wellness
The hotel’s Garden Spa invites guests to embrace the soothing rhythms of nature while rejuvenating body and mind.
Facilities include natural pools with hydromassage jets, a Jacuzzi, sensory showers, and a Turkish bath set within a grotto. Treatments use medicinal plants and essential oils, leaving skin glowing and spirits uplifted.
For those seeking deeper therapeutic benefits, the sister-property Palazzo Manzi Terme & Spa offers a 1,600-square-meter wellness sanctuary built around the legendary Gurgitello spring, treasured for its healing properties since Roman times.
Here, a team of specialists curates personalized wellness programs combining thermal therapies, holistic rituals, and cutting-edge medical approaches — all designed to restore balance and vitality.
A Mediterranean Haven for Every Traveler
Whether you seek a romantic escape, a family retreat, or simply a serene getaway among nature, Botania Relais & Spa is a destination where Italian hospitality, sustainable luxury, and natural beauty converge.
With its enchanting gardens, world-class wellness offerings, and culinary artistry, this Ischian gem promises not just a vacation, but an emotional and sensory journey that lingers long after departure.
Botania Relais & Spa
Address: Via Provinciale Lacco, 284, 80075 Forio NA, Isola d’Ischia, Italy
Instagram: @botaniarelais
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
