Perched high on Mount Vico with cinematic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, San Montano Resort & Spa has reopened this August following the first phase of an ambitious renovation. A cornerstone of Ischia’s upscale hospitality scene, the 65-room resort introduces refined interiors, panoramic suites, expanded wellness offerings, and a commitment to craftsmanship that blends past and present seamlessly.
Led by Italy’s storied De Siano family, whose legacy in Ischia spans three generations, the renovation marks a continuation of San Montano’s evolution since it was restored by the family in 2008. Designed by Rino Gambardella and Claudio Pulicati, the update is guided by a distinct sense of place, drawing on Ischia’s natural materials, artisanal legacy, and the visual language of mid-century Italian design.
With interiors inspired by post-war Italian visionaries like Gio Ponti and Ico Parisi, the resort’s new look leans into a Mediterranean palette of terracotta, deep blues, and reclaimed majolica tilework sourced from antique villas. The use of Canaletto walnut, handcrafted textiles, and drought-resistant landscaping reinforces the hotel’s environmental ethos, while also celebrating local artistry.
Each of the 15 redesigned suites channels the spirit of southern Italy through custom furnishings, marble finishes, and natural fibers. The Amalfi Sunrise suite features an infinity pool with commanding views of the Gulf of Naples, while the Ischia Sunset suite offers a jacuzzi terrace ideal for romantic escapes. All accommodations offer either sea or garden vistas, with a balance of modern elegance and timeless tranquility.
The most anticipated debut of 2025 is the Lighthouse Suite—a two-bedroom villa housed in a converted military lighthouse, positioned at the summit of the property. This architectural and historical gem is built atop the ancient Akropolis of Pithecusae, once the site of the first Greek colony in the Western Mediterranean.
With 360-degree sea views, a glass-enclosed “Winter Garden” living space, and interiors adorned with commissioned pieces from Tosconova and Paolo Erba, the Lighthouse Suite is both a private sanctuary and a design statement. Notable features include a restored 1940s naval warehouse transformed into a guest room with circular sea-view portholes, a plunge pool shaded by olive trees, and terracotta floors by Fornace De Martino. At €5,000 per night, the suite includes return speedboat transfers to Naples and a curated wine tasting experience.
Built over the island’s famed geothermal springs, San Montano’s wellness program is more than a spa—it’s a destination in its own right. The Ocean Blue Spa integrates Ischia’s natural elements with techniques rooted in local traditions, offering everything from volcanic mud wraps to kinesiotherapy, in both indoor and outdoor treatment spaces.
Guests can alternate between five temperature-regulated thermal pools, relax in a natural grotto sauna carved from rock, or unwind in a Kneipp circuit, all while surrounded by panoramic island views. New experiences include guided hikes to Monte Epomeo, yoga sessions in the gardens, and stargazing with an astronomer from the ancient turret observatory.
Under the direction of Chef Francesco Scotto di Minico, San Montano’s culinary offerings focus on hyper-seasonal, zero-kilometer cuisine, much of it sourced from the property’s own gardens.
At La Veranda, refined dishes like lobster panzanella and rabbit-stuffed ravioli take center stage, while Franco’s—set above the hills—serves seafood, vegetables, and standout pizzas, including the signature Lemontano with mortadella, pistachios, and lemon zest. Acropoli Bar offers poolside light bites, and the Sunset Bar presents nightly aperitivo rituals accompanied by live piano and harp. For oenophiles, the resort’s extensive wine cellar offers private tastings of Campania’s most celebrated vintages.
More than a property upgrade, this renovation reaffirms San Montano’s position as Ischia’s premier destination for holistic luxury. With a renewed design language, immersive programming, and historically anchored experiences like the Lighthouse Suite, the resort continues its evolution under the leadership of a family that has helped shape Ischia’s hospitality narrative for decades.
Guests can explore Ischia’s volcanic trails, ancient vineyards, and hidden coves by private boat, or simply linger poolside with a glass of Biancolella and watch the Tyrrhenian light shift across the bay.
For those seeking a place where natural beauty, refined design, and local heritage converge, San Montano Resort & Spa now offers a reimagined island retreat—rooted in place, elevated in every detail.
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