The grand stairs leading from the tiled lobby of the fabulous Abergo della Regina Isabella on Italy’s volcanic spa island of Ischia evoke images of film stars wandering indoors after a leisurely dip in the seaside pool. Two ancient thermal springs beneath the hotel feed a comprehensive medical and leisure spa complex that includes a team of osteopaths, physiologists and other professionals. Natural thermal soaking pools and mineral-rich volcanic mud collected from the island’s caves provides a direct link to the imposing profile of dormant Mount Epomeo crowning the horizon.

Built during the 1950s near ancient Greek and Roman ruins, the hotel was the vision of film producer and publisher Angelo Rizzoli, and maintains a cinematic connection by hosting an annual film festival each July. Long the lodging of choice for Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable, grand suites include two aptly named The Richard Burton and The Elizabeth Taylor. Each floor showcases a different main ceramic tile floor desgin, with a different tile pattern in each guest room — all from the island’s own 500-year-old ceramic factory.

Stay in for dinner and dip into fresh, creatively prepared local fare at Indaco, under the helm of chef Pasquale Palamaro. In the mornings, savor the sea views while enjoying made-to-order hot dishes, plus a staggering selection of fruits and freshly baked breads and pastries. The property is accessible via hydrofoil or ferry from Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast – or make like the glitterati and send for Regina Isabella’s private launch to whisk you across the Bay of Naples to the resort’s private seaside landing.