Hotel Highlights! MezzaTorre Resort and Spa in Ischia

Another great hotel our JDB team visited and experienced this past fall was the Mezza Torre Resort and Spa.  This 5 star hotel is located on the island of Ischia just north of Capri.

Ischia is a beautiful island and is noted for its thermal hot springs and relaxing beaches.  It is a popular tourist destination for Germans and Eastern Europeans and for the Italians, who frequent this island as their holiday destination.

We stayed on this island for two nights and had the opportunity to explore it. While staying here we had a special tour of the Botanical Gardens: Giardini La Mortella, the thermal spas and the small seaside town of Sant’Angelo.

The little seaside town of Sant'Angelo

The little seaside town of Sant'Angelo

The Mezza Torre hotel has two personalities.  The main tower houses a lobby, spa and some of the rooms overlook the blue sea.  The other 50 rooms are spread out in a series of buildings on the grounds surrounded by woods.   There is a private beach which is only used by the guests of the hotel. 

I did not take the opportunity to experience the spa but other members of our group did and they were thrilled with the offerings. The spa offers a full range of treatments using the best products.  Within the spa they have their own thermal waters.

Pool area at the hotel.  The beach is next to this area. 

Pool area at the hotel.  The beach is next to this area.

 

There are two restaurants at this lovely resort.  One restaurant/bar is near the beach so you don’t have to go far to satisfy your appetite.   We had the pleasure to experience this delicious food for lunch one afternoon and the chef really displayed his talents.  The other restaurant which offers a full buffet breakfast and dinners is located in another area. The food here was top notch!

                                                                                                                                                                         

Want that after dinner drink?  The little piazza outside of the tower will satisfy your desire for such.  Sit under the stars and let the waiter cater to your whim.

If you are looking for a different island feel go no further and stay at this relaxing hotel with its own beach.  You can fill your days with exploring other parts of this island:  there are thermal spas to experience, shopping, a beautiful botanical garden, cooking classes, wine tastings and more.

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Thermal spas on Ischia.

Thermal spas on Ischia.

Travel Tips for Italy

Italy trip Fall 2008 260

Italy trip Fall 2008 260

Here are some travel tips that I always pass on to my clients.

  • Make 2 copies of your passport - take one with you and leave the other copy home with a family member.
  • I suggest everyone get a visa debit card - if you do not have please apply for one as soon as possible. Alert your bank that you will be using your visa debit card in Italy. Otherwise your account may be frozen and you will not be able to access euros.
  • Use the visa debit card to obtain euors while in Italy.
  • When making purchases use your credit card
  • Make two copies (both front and back) of your credit card and visa card. Bring one copy with you and leave the other copy home with a family member.
  • Expect cool mornings and evenings so be prepared to layer your clothing.
  • Always bring an umbrella. I cannot guarantee sunny weather.
  • Wear or bring comfortable shoes since we will be doing a lot of walking.
  • You may wish to buy ear plugs to use during the flight to Italy.
  • You may wish to go to your bank to obtain a few euros before you leave.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended. Purchase Travel Guard here.
  • Verify your medical insurance coverage before you leave the states.
  • Leave copies of your itinerary and copies of your passport with responsible individuals at home.
  • Access the State Department website for current information concerning your proposed travel locations.

Mamma Agata at the Bernards Inn this November.

 
 
 Join Gourmet Getaways on November 1 at the Bernards Inn for an evening of Italian wine, food and travel.  Chiara, Mamma Agata's daughter from Ravello Italy, will be doing a book signing.  Chiara has published an extraordinary collection of Mamma Agata's recipes that have been in the family for many years. This long awaited cookbook reveals Mamma's culinary secrets. It is a cookbook that will be cherished by all food lovers especially those that have taken her cooking class on the Amalfi Coast.  Don't be left out!  The cost of this wonderful cookbook is only $50.00
 
Gourmet Getaways will be presenting a special travel opportunity to the Amalfi Coast featuring Mamma Agata for September 2011.
 
There will be over 150 wine vendors from Italy and the chef at the Bernards Inn will be presenting some of Mamma's favorite antipasti recipes.
 
It is sure to be a fun filled evening so please make your reservations by calling the Bernards Inn at 908 766 7300 ext. 155 and ask for Traci.  The cost of the event is $60.00 which entitles you to wine and food!
 
Hope to see you there! Mark your calendar for November 1, 2010.  The event begins at 6:30pm and lasts until 8:30pm!
 
See you there !