Perched on a private promontory overlooking the sea of ​​Forio d’Ischia, the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is one of the most fascinating 5-star icons of Italian luxury hospitality..

Nestled in seven hectares of Mediterranean scrub and maritime pines, Il Mezzatorre is a place where the island’s volcanic energy meets the grand style of international hospitality, suspended between the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the scent of thyme, pine trees, and broom.

The hotel is one of the most iconic addresses on Ischia, the oldest spa destination in the world, and as such, its spa benefits from the exceptional healing effects of its natural surroundings.

Mezzatorre is not just a hotel, but an experience that fascinates and enchants, as Truman Capote defined it, a “strangely enchanted place”.

History: From Watchtower to Elite Refuge

The structure’s origins date back to the 16th century, when the central tower was built by the Aragonese as a lookout post against Saracen pirate raids. The name “Mezzatorre” (Half-Tower) derives from its distinctive architecture, the upper part of which remained unfinished.

In the 1930s, the tower was used as a guesthouse until Luigi Patalano, a distinguished scholar, politician, and poet, purchased it. Founder of political and cultural magazines, Patalano transformed the property into a vibrant cultural hub.
Its immediate proximity to Villa La Colombaia, the celebrated summer residence of film director Luchino Visconti, who found the ideal tranquility for his artistic inspiration, contributed to its fame among the international jet set.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Ischia became the preferred destination for the chic and discreet dolce vita: the atmosphere of the Mezzatorre and its solariums overlooking the sea was immortalized by renowned American photographer Slim Aarons, a master of portraying “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” His shots of iconic sun loungers, volcanic rocks, and turquoise waters have made the Mezzatorre an enduring symbol of Mediterranean elegance.

The de Lorenzo Era and the Pellicano Hotels Rebirth

In the 1980s, the vision of the de Lorenzo family and entrepreneur Nunzio de Lorenzo transformed the ancient fortification and surrounding estate into a highly prestigious resort, bringing to light the property’s precious volcanic thermal water springs and establishing a one-of-a-kind wellness sanctuary.

In 2018, a new chapter in its history was written when it joined the Pellicano Hotels collection, led by CEO and Creative Director Marie-Louise Sciò, who fell in love with this magical place and took over its management after coordinating an ultra-chic restyling (be sure to shop at the hotel’s Issimo concept store, the beautiful brand created by Marie-Louise).

Rooms and Cottages in the Park

The Mezzatorre welcomes its guests in 48 rooms and suites, divided between the main building of the ancient tower and the elegant annexes and cottages nestled in the centuries-old pine forest.
The Tower Suites: located in the historic heart of the building, they offer a unique period atmosphere with high ceilings, precious fabrics, and private terraces offering 180-degree sea views.
The Cottages and Bungalows in the Park: located in the private park, they offer maximum privacy. Surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, they boast private patios or secret gardens.

The Thermal Spa and Pool

The spa offers a range of facial and body treatments using Ischia’s mineral-rich thermal water, which flows at 45°C from the hotel’s private spring into three hydrotherapy pools.

Outside, nestled on the promontory overlooking the sea, stands the scenic heated saltwater pool, surrounded by an elegant panoramic solarium equipped with characteristic loungers and umbrellas.

The Food & Drink Experience

The Mezzatorre’s culinary offering celebrates the richness of Campania’s and the Mediterranean’s heritage through two restaurants and two scenic bars, coordinated by Chef Giuseppe D’Abundo, a native of Ischia.

La Torre Restaurant: The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, overlooking the bay, where the Executive Chef’s signature cuisine showcases the catch of the day, local vegetables, and traditional Ischian flavors reinterpreted in a contemporary and refined way.
La Baia Restaurant and Bar: Located directly on the sea-level solarium platform, it is the ideal destination for informal al fresco lunches, grilled fresh fish, raw seafood, Mediterranean salads, and fragrant wood-fired pizzas.

Torre Bar: Located within the 16th-century structure, perfect for a sunset aperitif with a signature cocktail, artisanal liqueurs, and a spectacular view of the horizon.
Gazebo Bar: Nestled in the tranquility of the thermal pool and solarium, sip fresh fruit juices, rejuvenating smoothies, and signature cocktails while relaxing in the sun.

The Secret

Hidden within the estate’s park is the private Mezzatorre thermal spring, whose waters bubble at 38°C directly into the sea rock. This is also where the infinity hot tub nestled into the cliffside is located: at sunset, immersed in the warm mineral water, you can watch the sun disappear behind the Tyrrhenian Sea horizon with a direct view of the island of Ventotene.

Useful Info

Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa
Via Mezzatorre 23
80075 Forio d’Ischia, Napoli
Tel. +39 081986111

Rooms: from €850 per night with breakfast
La Torre Restaurant & Bar Torre
Tasting menu: from €160
Appetizers and first courses: €42 and €55
Second courses: €58–€75