Ischia, hidden away near Naples, Italy is a unique volcanic island with many different thermal springs and is an island with a newly burgeoning boutique wine industry producing excellent wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we visited Ischia Island, and spent time touring with our local Ship Agent who showed us the special highlights tucked away on this island that could be experienced on a crewed yacht charter itinerary that includes a stop at the Italian Island of Ischia.
A volcanic island, deep underneath Ischia, the volcano is still active; sending to the island’s surface, hot thermal waters in springs and geysers saturated with various minerals. A mineral laden volcanic mud is also found on Ischia. Considerable scientific research has been done in Ischia over the years to isolate the mineral qualities of the various thermal springs and volcanic muds for the possible health benefits and a variety of spa treatments are available today, incorporating both the hot mineral waters and the volcanic mineral muds.
The historic Regina Isabella Hotel and extensive Thermal Spa is probably the top luxury location in which to enjoy volcanic thermal water and mud spa treatments on the island. Once the hideaway for famous movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, La Terme della Regina Isabella continues to offer high level medicinal and relaxation spa services and Thermal Plastic Dermatology Treatments for an afternoon of rejuvenation. And of course, beyond the treatments, there are pools of thermal waters for bathing, and baths of volcanic mud filled with minerals in which to soak. While on a crewed yacht charter, visiting Ischia, your Captain can provide you a list of spa treatments available in advance and help make spa appointments.
Unique to Ischia are “Spa Gardens”, where thermal pools of various temperatures and mineral content are spread throughout a park like setting. We toured Nogombo Spa Garden, with beautiful sculptures interspersed among mini thermal pools and springs, with the park setting cascading down a hillside, providing beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea from every thermal pool. At the bottom of the hillside, is the park beach available for a refreshing salt water dip in the Mediterranean Sea after experiencing the various thermal pools. Portions of the park can be reserved for your group only, for an afternoon of private bathing and relaxation in the various thermal pools. Relax beside a steaming thermal pool and enjoy fresh shucked oysters and champagne, while taking in the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Towards cocktail time, head to a local boutique winery, with wines steadily gaining worldwide recognition for the quality of wine being produced. Perhaps have a tour of the winery operation, usually of ancient origin, still in use after many centuries. Sample the wines with a selection of tidbits, designed to accompany each vintage. With a call in advance from your Captain, several boutique wineries offer dinner in order to enjoy local fresh foods, and the boutique wines on the winery piazza under the stars. Although fresh fish is always on an island menu, an island delicacy also often on any island menu is beautifully prepared rabbit.
Out on a promontory connected with a manmade causeway lined on either side by lovely beaches, sits the Castle Aragonese, once perched at the top of a rocky island. For centuries, this castle offered protection for islanders, with at the height of use, over 2000 families living inside the castle walls. Today the castle is open for touring and is well worth seeing.
A unique and varied island, Ischia offers a wide range of hot mineral springs and mud bath therapies, including a hot spring geyser popping right out of a beach, boutique wines and wineries, beaches, and history to enjoy, while on a crewed yacht charter through the Naples Bay Islands of Italy.
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