Romantica Resort & Spa

Park Hotel & Terme Romantica is on a hill with views of the sea and the charming village of Sant’Angelo. The guest rooms are in a series of white buildings spread out on a steep hill, and walking from the lower buildings to the spa, the pools, the front desk, or the restaurants can be challenging. The eight main pools are in different areas and have different water temperatures. Buildings are white and contrast beautifully against the blue sea in the distance, giving this otherwise spartan-looking Mediterranean property a bit of local charm. 

The secluded resort is on a hillside, and while it's not directly on the sea, there are gorgeous views of the water in the distance. That said, those looking to be right on the beach or in a lively village should look elsewhere. The closest village is Sant’Angelo, a quaint fishermen’s hamlet in the south of Ischia, and the hotel provides a free shuttle (with a limited schedule) to and from the village. Alternatively, walking to Sant’Angelo takes 10 to 15 minutes, although the return journey takes a bit longer as it's uphill. The ports at Forio, Casamicciola, Ischia -- which offer hydrofoils or ferries to Naples and/or Capri -- are 15, 25, and 30 minutes away by car, respectively. 

Rooms are plain and spartan, with dated decor and furnishings and white walls. Many of the rooms have green furniture and mint ceramic-tile floors. Features include minibars and TVs (some rooms have old tube TVs) and some of the rooms have terraces or balconies with views of the sea in the distance. Bathrooms are also simple but a tad more modern looking, and come with bidets, heated towel racks, and shower/tub combos, some with jetted tubs and showers for in-room thermal massage.

The property's biggest selling point is its on-site thermal park and spa that comprises 13 pools and baths in total, each with different characteristics and water temperatures. Hot thermal baths are not appropriate for children, but some of the cooler pools can get crowded with young ones in peak season. The Concerto Pool is, as the name might suggest, used as a venue for concerts and live music. There's also a spa with a medical ambience that offers health treatments such as mud therapy as well as beauty rituals.  The resort also has a park with sports facilities and a secluded area for nudists (Ischia has long been a popular spot for nudists in Italy).

The hotel has three restaurants. The huge Belvedere on the main floor is bright and has panoramic views. It can host up to 300 people and is often used for weddings, which can get noisy. The Eden Restaurant is located by the Etna Pool and has plain decor but plenty of al fresco dining options. Breakfast is served here buffet style and the restaurant gets generally positive feedback from hotel guests opting for half- or full-board options. The Capricci d’Ischia restaurant serves a la carte meals on its panoramic veranda.