L Albergo della Regina Isabella

"A hotel with a style and class of its own - on an island that is a celebration of life itself."

Guests at the Hotel Regina 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.

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.

The Hotel Regina Isabella is situated at Lacco Ameno in Ischia, a resort renowned throughout the world for its thermal springs. The complex stands at the edge of the sea, in the middle of a peaceful bay, framed by rocky outcrops and green Mediterranean pinewoods. The hotel's main entrance gives onto the picturesque little square of Santa Restituta, with its famous church of the same name, its archaeological museum and its characterful antiques markets and clothes boutiques.

There are certain places that exude special emotions. Places with their own bewitching appeal like, for example, the bars and restaurants of the Regina Isabella. Not without reason, if you remember that such famous stars as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, William Holden and Maria Callas have made merry at these same tables and bars.