San Montano Resort & SPA

The San Montano Resort & SPA, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled on the captivating Island of Ischia, Italy, consistently garners high praise for its breathtaking panoramic views, exceptional thermal spa facilities, and dedicated service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for San Montano Resort & SPA is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "lovely and relaxing," "amazing," and "unforgettable." The resort often receives high ratings, with some platforms indicating "Wonderful" or "Exceptional" based on guest reviews. It's seen as a serene and luxurious retreat, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Location & Views: Perched atop Monte Vico, the resort offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the Gulf of Naples, the Bay of San Montano, Mount Vesuvius, and the islands of Capri and Procida. These views are often highlighted as a major draw, especially from the numerous pools and dining areas.
• Thermal Spa & Pools: Ischia is renowned for its thermal waters, and San Montano fully embraces this with its ancient, spring-fed thermal spa and an impressive array of 8 to 11 thermal seawater pools of varying temperatures. The unique Ocean View Spa offers treatments incorporating therapeutic spring water and mud, with some water sourced from the Nitrodi Spring, considered the oldest spa in the world. A natural grotto sauna is also a highlight.
• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently described as friendly, attentive, extremely nice, and helpful, contributing significantly to a personalized and welcoming experience.
• Design & Ambiance: The resort, with its 1970s postmodern style, is set within seven acres of fragrant flora, creating a serene and sprawling village-like atmosphere. The design incorporates elements of Italian artistry, with tasteful eclectic decor and a stylish blue-and-white Mediterranean energy.
• Amenities: Beyond the pools and spa, the resort offers a private beach club accessible by shuttle, an indoor and outdoor gym, aromatherapy paths, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

3. Room Quality

The 73 to nearly 100 rooms and suites at San Montano Resort & SPA are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury. They are decorated in a traditional, light Mediterranean style, featuring painted ceramic flooring and bright tones. Bougainvillea-lined trellised walls separate some of the more exclusive rooms, some of which boast private infinity pools. Guests can expect comfortable beds, crisp white linens, and luxurious Aqua di Parma bath amenities. Room categories vary in size and orientation, including garden-view, side sea-view, front sea-view, and lavish sea-facing suites, some with private terraces or gardens. While generally praised, one guest noted a "small" room.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at San Montano Resort & SPA is considered a culinary celebration, focusing on exquisite Ischian produce and Italian specialties. The resort offers a multitude of dining options, all with "jaw-dropping views over the sea."

• Restaurants: Options include La Veranda restaurant for breakfast and dinner, Franco's for lunch (offering fresh salads, classic pizza, grilled seafood) and fine dining, and the Akropolis bar for lunch and snacks. Franco's Fine restaurant is highlighted for its modern Italian fine dining. Guests appreciate the flexibility of the restaurant staff to serve dishes not on the menu and the high quality of the food.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is consistently rated as very good, with an amazing view.
• Special Touches: An arrival "Lemontano" drink, made with lemons from the property's 400 lemon trees, sets a welcoming tone. The resort also features an onsite vegetable garden.
• Bar: The Sunset Bar is perfect for an evening aperitivo, offering spectacular sunset views.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at San Montano Resort & SPA is a frequently lauded aspect of the guest experience. The De Siano family, who own and run the resort, are noted for cultivating the "fine art of Italian hospitality." Guests consistently describe the staff as friendly, attentive, helpful, and extremely nice, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Specific examples include Antonio assisting around the pools and Antoinette, Grazia, and Giovanni in the spa providing excellent service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort enjoys a prime hilltop location on Ischia, overlooking the marina at Lacco Ameno and offering expansive views. While secluded, it is easily reachable. Guests can book ferries from Naples to the port of Casamicciola, which is a short 10-minute drive from the hotel. The resort provides an on-demand shuttle service to the town of Lacco Ameno, offering more dining choices, and to the San Montano beach club. Ischia itself is praised as a stunning destination with cultural landmarks and natural attractions, including other thermal parks and trekking routes.

7. Value & Pricing

San Montano Resort & SPA is considered a luxury property, reflected in its pricing. However, many guests feel it offers excellent value for the level of luxury, amenities, and service provided. It is described as feeling like an exclusive luxury hotel. While specific price ranges were not universally available, the overall sentiment indicates that the experience justifies the cost. Virtuoso travelers, for instance, receive benefits like upgrades, daily breakfast, and food & beverage credit.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been mentioned:

• Shower Design: One guest expressed not caring for a "half door shower."
• Dinner Timing: The main restaurant typically opens for dinner at 8 pm, which some guests found to be a bit late.
• Room Size: While most rooms are well-regarded, one review mentioned a room being "small."
• Check-out Policy: A lack of late check-out options, especially for late flights, was a point of dissatisfaction for one guest.

Sources

1. yolojournal.com
2. audleytravel.com
3. booking.com
4. relaischateaux.com
5. sanmontano.com
6. brightontheday.com
7. agoda.com
8. autenticohotels.com
9. virtuoso.com
10. michelin.com