Perched atop Mount Vico on Italy’s island of Ischia, San Montano Resort & Spa, a 65-room luxury retreat offering sweeping views of the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius, completed an extensive renovation this summer, featuring newly refreshed suites and public spaces, immersive new guest offerings, and a renewed commitment to the natural beauty and heritage of the island.

San Montano’s renovation features newly designed suites, refreshed interiors throughout the main building and pool deck, as well as the introduction of immersive guest experiences and a holistic wellness program.

Lighthouse Suite © Serena Eller

A key pillar of the refreshed design is the balance between indoor and outdoor living, making Ischia’s natural landscape a central part of the property. The island, known for its therapeutic thermal waters, volcanic landscapes and lush Mediterranean gardens, is a haven for relaxation and exploration, reflected in the property with the use of natural materials, locally made décor pieces, spruced walkways through the proprietary lemon grove and 11 pools across the property.

Among the most notable additions is the Lighthouse Suite, a stunning two-bedroom villa housed in a former military lighthouse. This reimagined space features original architectural details from the former lighthouse, alongside new artisanal crafted elements made with materials native to the region, including a standalone, glass-enclosed living area; 11,000 square feet of private outdoor area; and a plunge pool with panoramic views of the island and Tyrrhenian Sea.

© Serena Eller

“Our family has been rooted in celebrating the culture and people of Ischia for generations, bringing a sense of Ischian hospitality to all our endeavors,” said Francesco De Siano, co-owner and sales director, San Montano Resort & Spa. “Our newest chapter at San Montano is a way for us to honor the island’s beauty with a fresh design, incorporating our incredible local craftsmen, designers, and gardeners, while we continue to evolve what hospitality means here in Ischia. San Montano holds our history, and this new era reflects both where we have come from and where we are going.”

With four different room types and 15 luxuriously appointed suites, San Montano welcomes every kind of traveler. Newly updated guest accommodations embrace the deep blue color palette of the Mediterranean, paired with modern, clean finishings crafted from marble and terracotta, alongside custom-made furnishings using natural fabrics and fibers. All suites feature a private pool or Jacuzzi, offering a secluded retreat with sea or garden views. Standout options include the Amalfi Sunrise suite, with its spacious infinity pool overlooking Gulf of Naples, and the Ischia Sunset suite, a romantic escape with an intimate Jacuzzi and panoramic terrace.

San Montano’s Ocean Blue Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, from traditional mineral-rich mud therapies to physiotherapy, osteopathy and kinesiotherapy. The tranquil indoor area features five treatment rooms, a sauna, hammam, Kneipp pool and experience showers, while the discreet outdoor treatment area on the Lemontano terrace allows guests to connect with the natural beauty of the island.

© Serena Eller

San Montano celebrates southern Italy’s rich culinary traditions with a focus on fresh, hyper-seasonal ingredients, many sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. Executive Chef Francesco Scotto di Minico has curated a “zero-kilometer” menu highlighting the flavors of Ischia, using handpicked produce, locally caught seafood and artisanal ingredients from top regional purveyors.

La Veranda, is the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant serving contemporary Italian dishes, from lobster panzanella to ravioli with Ischian rabbit sauce. Franco’s, meanwhile, is suspended on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Ischian hills, serving fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and standout Neapolitan pizzas. For poolside bites and cocktails, Acropoli Bar offers light poolside snacks, from pizzas to paninis, while Sunset Bar is the island’s go-to for aperitivo, with live piano and harp music, a gorgeous selection of spritzes and craft cocktails, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.

Guests can hike to the summit of Monte Epomeo for sweeping island vistas, visit centuries-old vineyards to taste Indigenous Biancolella and Forastera wines, tour legendary sights from the novel and TV show My Brilliant Friend, and take a private boat along the coast to uncover hidden coves and secluded beaches. With its rich history, a vibrant culinary scene and deep connection to nature, Ischia offers an immersive Italian escape just a short ferry ride from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.