The All-Access Guide to Ischia, Italy

Spend a day at the Poseidon Thermal Gardens: This jaw dropping property charges a small fee for entry for the day (most recently was about 40 euros per person). I recommend heading over around 10am to ensure you get the benefit of access for as many hours as you can! Pro tip: if you want to get a spa treatment, which I recommend (facials, massages, lymphatic drainage, you name it - all at very reasonable prices), head to the spa first thing when you arrive to make an appointment as the appointments book up day of first come first serve.

Then, go enjoy the 20+ thermal pools that boast different healing properties at different temperatures. There are naturally occurring saunas and cold plunges - it is magical. Head up to the wine bar for lunch and have a fresh lunch with beautiful vegetables, cheeses, meats and some wine, then finish your day at the private beach. I can't say enough good things about this experience, you must go.

Enjoy the pool, beaches and spa at your hotel.

Go to a beach club in town - we loved Bagno Franco and Lido Acquamarina.

Walk through Forio, the main town on Ischia. Pop into the local shops and look at the historic churches.

Visit Arogonese Castle - this castle is stunning and boasts a very rich history dating back to 474 BC. You can take a guided tour or just explore yourself. After you're finished, explore Ischia Ponte by foot.

Day trip to Capri - if Capri isn't part of your travel plans but you have an extra day and want to explore it, you can take a ferry to Capri in the morning and return in the evening. Be sure to book a beach club in advance and bring a big of everything you'll need!

Di Meglio Pizzeria: The most incredible pizzeria. Message them on WhatsApp to get a reservation and don't miss it. It was so good we went twice! Try the fried pizza bites to start, and any other pizza on the menu will not disappoint.

La Cantinola di Zio Jack: This mountain top tiny restaurant has killer sunset views. The hill up to the restaurant is so steep that your driver will drop you off at the bottom of it and the restaurant will pick you up in their 4 wheeling jeep to 4 wheel drive you up the hill. The food was incredible home cooked Italian. We sat on the patio under a vine-covered overhang and watched the sun set into the ocean in the distance.

Il Mirto: The Botania Relais Hotel has a famous vegetarian restaurant that is to die for. I am not a vegetarian and usually would avoid a restaurant that was vegetarian, but we were staying at the hotel and decided to try it and I'm so happy we did! I was wowed by the creativity and decadency of the dishes. Note: the Botania Relais Hotel also has a non-vegetarian restaurant as well that is fantastic.