"A hotel with a style and class of its own - on an island that is a celebration of life itself."
Guests at the" L'Albergo della Regina Isabella" rejoice in a myriad of enchanting emotions and experiences, in an architectural environment richly endowed with historic atmosphere. The island's mild climate, the natural beauty and innate hospitality of Lacco Ameno are invitations to visit us in every season of the year. In summer, the island bursts into life, presenting a kaleidoscope of sounds, lights and scents; in spring and autumn, it is blessed again with the quiet tranquillity ideal for those in search of total relaxation and self-regeneration.
History
The hotel was established by the publisher, Angelo Rizzoli, in the early '50s, becoming a favourite international jet set destination within a few years. The hotel has always maintained the highest reputation for the legendary quality of its service and the absolute privacy guaranteed to guests. A succession of Queens and Princes, actors and distinguished show business celebrities have stayed at the Regina Isabella.
Lacco Ameno, stretching from the Gulf of Naples to the slopes of Mount Epomeo, is a typical small seaside town with its traditional fishing harbour. The place name "Lacco" derives from the Greek "Lakkos", meaning a low basin; the suffix "Ameno", joyful, was added by royal decree in 1863. The little town rises up on a site where, halfway through the Eighth Century BC, Greek settlers disembarked to found a colony, named like the whole island "Pithecoussai".
Lacco Ameno offers a wide variety of nightspots, many with legendary reputations. The traditions of Neapolitan music making are jealously guarded on the island of Ischia where the warm nights are rendered even more magical by the melodious strains floating on the summer air.
Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, offers visitors a variety of attractions ranging from the Aragonese Castle, built by Gerone, tyrant of Syracuse in 474 B.C., to the Archeological Museum of Pithecusae, from Italian film director Luchino Visconti’s summer residence “La Colombaia” which now hosts the International Cultural Centre, to the Maddalena forest and Mount Epomeo, ideal for naturalistic excursions and ultimately “La Mortella” botanical gardens created by English musician William Walton.
Ischia is an enchanting place with a multitude of views from which to enjoy its breathtaking landscape.
Even the lesser-known corners of the island will charm tourists as one place leads to another with its fascinating panorama.
“L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” is located in the northwestern part of the island in the township of Lacco Ameno, an area that extends from the sea to the slopes of Mount Epomeo.
Lacco Ameno is the smallest municipality of the island, famous since ancient times for Queen Isabella's thermal waters.
The thermal baths at Lacco Ameno were known as long ago as the 5th century B.C., when it was a popular resort of Imperial Rome.
In 1588, Calabrian physician and philosopher Giulio Iasolino wrote the first essay on medical hydrology called: “De' rimedi naturali che sono nell'isola Pithaecusa, oggi detta Ischia” (Natural Remedies on the Island of Pitecussai, today known as Ischia) in which he demonstrates how, in ancient times, the thermal baths of Ischia were renowned for their healing powers. He analyzes the chemical and physical properties of the thermal waters and explains their usage in healing the ill.
Thus, after medieval oblivion, the thermal baths regain their original popularity and in the nineteenth century Queen Isabella, Ferdinando of Borbone’s wife, gives her name to the thermal baths of St. Restituta, patron saint of Ischia.
The history of Lacco Ameno is closely related to the beginning of civilization on the island and in southern Italy. For centuries, the Greek village on Mount Vico was the only inhabited part of the island and represented the beacon of Greek culture in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In 82 B.C. Silla razed the village to the ground because the inhabitants had given support to Mario, his rival.
From then on any traces of the town of Pitecussai are lost.
During the Middle Ages, the town and the island go through a period of decline that will end in the 1400’s upon the arrival of the Aragonese dynasty.
It is believed by many scholars that the name Lacco derives from the Greek word “lakkos” meaning stone. On the 18th of November 1862 the town council, headed by Mayor Carmine Mennella, made the request to king Vittorio Emanuele II to add the adjective "Ameno".
The concession was granted on January 4th, 1963 by ministerial ruling.
Lacco Ameno, with its natural amphitheatre facing the sea, can rightfully claim to be the driving force in promoting tourism throughout the island of Ischia.
It is proven that the highest radioactivity coefficient in the thermal waters is found in the springs of St. Restituita.
The island’s year-round mild climate and the renowned hospitality of Lacco Ameno, make it an ideal place to visit any time of the year.
In summer, the island surrenders to the sun and sea in a mosaic of colors, sounds and scents.
In spring and fall the island is embraced by tranquility and serenity making these ideal seasons to regenerate through the healing powers of the thermal waters and mud baths on the island.
“L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” offers its guests the possibility to choose between three restaurants in which to dine with magnificent sea views and numerous delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes accompanied by the finest wines.
The Regina Isabella Restaurant, for dinner, is elegantly decorated and has large panoramic windows overlooking the sea. It offers traditional, creative dishes specializing in fresh seafood.
The Sporting Restaurant, overlooking the sea, offers fresh fish for lunch as well as typical Neapolitan buffet and dietetic dishes.
In the attempt to offer its guests a vaster and more sophisticated choice, “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” has recently opened a new gourmet restaurant named Indaco, after the color that characterizes the Ischian sea as evening approaches. Built in an enchanting setting overlooking the sea, the restaurant can satisfy the most demanding tastes, with traditional Mediterranean dishes wisely revised by Chef Pasquale Palamaro.
The Neapolitan chef, who for years has taken part in the exclusive “Regina Isabella Gourmet” event, working alongside many famed chefs preparing new and original menus, has a modern innovative way which is the result of an endless desire to study, test and revise his techniques.
Chef Palamaro suggests light but tasty dishes of fresh fish and produce harvested in the restaurant’s private vegetable garden. His creations, made with healthy genuine ingredients, offer a top quality gastronomic experience able to satisfy tastebuds while maintaining the figure. “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” takes special care in satisfying the different needs and tastes of its guests. Thus, guests following wellness or independent programs can enjoy special dietetic menus, wine lovers can taste some of the best national and international labels and tobacco connoisseurs can benefit from a collection of accurately selected cigars preserved in a damp air-conditioned room.
The Regina Isabella Bar, known for having hosted celebrities such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, William Holden, Maria Callas, Alberto Sordi as well as famed royalty, is a cosy sophisticated place to enjoy moments of great pleasure and relaxation.
And last of all, Bar Sporting offers a charming meeting point on the rocks with cafè service and snacks or even a romantic cocktail at sunset.
“L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” knows how to make its guests' stay enjoyable according to personal habits and lifestyles.
L’Albergo della Regina Isabella, has private docking facilities and direct access to the sea, from which guests who wish to explore the wonders of the island can either, on board their private yacht or on the hotel’s comfortable and elegant Magnum 53, go for an excursion at Punta Imperatore or go diving in the fascinating depths of San Pancrazio. For those guests who choose to dock at the hotel’s wharf we suggest the “Day Pass” to enter the “Wellness” Spa for a boost of energy before setting out to sea once again.
For guests interested in body care, “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” offers the opportunity to combine traditional thermal treatment with plastic dermatological treatment which regenerates natural harmony and beauty to the figure. Beautiful objects may also be found in the collection on sale in the hotel’s boutique that include elegant silk scarves and fabulous leather and canvas handbags or in the island’s shops which offer top designer brands as well as beautiful handcrafted objects.
For sport loving guests who aim to combine thermal treatments and sports activities “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” offers a fully equipped gym, tennis courts and three different pools. There is also the possibility to go trekking on Mount Epomeo and jogging or hiking along the island’s many forests trails. Private boat transfer to Castel Volturno can be arranged for those who wish to golf at the“Volturno Golf Club”, an 18hole course (Par 71) with driving range. The hotel recommends the “Gym course” for this category of guests.
For those who enjoy the pleasures of fine dining without having to give up their physical fitness, the Chef at “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” offers light but tasty typical Mediterranean dishes. A good meal is a pleasure to be shared and this is why “l’Albergo della Regina” invites guests to socialize at the piano bar or at important social enogastronomical events that make guests' stay memorable. For guests looking forward to this type of stay the hotel recommends the “Relaxation course”.
For those wishing to share physical wellbeing and cultural interests with a loved one, “L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” is the ideal starting point to discover the history and wonders of Ischia. The veranda of Regina Isabella’s coffee bar is the perfect spot to enjoy simple pleasures such as reading or simply relaxing in the shade of a magnificent wisteria tree while gazing at the surrounding landscape. These same panoramas are depicted in the colorful hand painted tiles of Ischia.
Among the most significant cultural events of the island are theatrical and musical performances at Villa Arbusto, concerts in the botanical gardens “La Mortella” and Lacco Ameno’s “Libri da A...mare” Festival (Books to Love). To relieve the overstressed tourist and partner the hotel recommends an in-room massage for two or a swim in the “Awakening of the Senses” pool.
“L’Albergo della Regina Isabella” has 128 rooms, including 27 luxury accommodations.
All rooms offer the highest levels of comfort, following its centennial tradition of hospitality and are equipped with air conditioning, satellite television and radio, Bang & Olufsen video systems, safe deposit box, mini-bar, direct international dialing telephones, in-room ADSL cable connection and Wi-Fi in public areas (terraces and lounges).
Imperial Suite
This large and luxurious suite is located in the Royal wing of the hotel, with magnificent sea-views and two or three bedrooms, a sitting room and up to five bathrooms. It has either a whirlpool or a swimming pool on the terrace, which may be filled with freshwater, saltwater or thermal water. In addition, it has a private self-service bar and butler service.
Royal Suites
Located in the Royal wing of the hotel, with picturesque balconies overlooking Lacco Ameno’s bay, these suites have one bedroom, sitting room and two bathrooms with cascade showers of either freshwater or saltwater or a wonderful private pool with whirlpool on the terrace.
Double Deluxe Royal
Spacious rooms elegantly decorated with antique pieces of furniture and hand painted tiles, complimented with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea.
Private pool, whirlpool or cascade shower with saltwater are among the characteristics of many of these Double Deluxe rooms.
Suite Regina Isabella
This suite is located in the main wing of the hotel. Spacious and comfortable, it has one bedroom, living room, two bathrooms and picturesque balconies overlooking the hotel’s private bay and Gulf of Naples.
Junior Suites
The junior suites have a separate sitting room, balconies or terraces facing the sea and are decorated in relaxing pastel colors.
Double Superior rooms with sea view
Enchanting sea view, large balconies that brighten the room and modern furnishings are the main characteristics of these rooms.
Double Standard rooms with sea view
These rooms are comfortable, elegant and characterized by a combination of different styles.
Double Superior rooms with garden view
Furnished in Classic Mediterranean style, these rooms have a view of the hotel’s enchanting park and the town’s square.
Single Superior rooms with sea view
Refined and elegant rooms in a warm atmosphere allow guests to relax and enjoy spectacular sea views from their spacious balconies.
Single Standard rooms with sea view
Recently renovated, spacious, elegant and comfortable rooms with windows overlooking the sea, decorated in different styles depending on the wing.
