For this second special 15th Anniversary Collector’s issue of # 59 Magazine, I had planned to visit Ischia and one of its jewels, the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, last autumn but unfortunately because of a storm which raged over Campania and its neighbouring islands it was not possible to take a ferry for some days. However, the weather was kind to me when I arrived recently from the Amalfi Coast and I took a crowded ferry from sunny Sorrento towards Ischia. Happily, after thirty minutes we dropped more than three-quarters of our load of day trippers at Capri harbour and we sailed on comfortably for another half hour to arrive in Ischia. The moment I arrived I fell in love with its authenticity. You see beautiful simple bars, harbours where fishing boats are more likely to dock than mega-yachts and overwhelming nature. The Mezzatorre Hotel is located on the island’s north-western tip, set among the ruins of a 16th-century watchtower, with its own secluded bay. It enjoys magnificent vistas over the Bay of Naples and the beach of San Montano and is surrounded by a 17- acre pine forest. The towns of Lacco Ameno and Forio are a five-minute drive away. From the moment it re-opened under the direction and exquisitely tasteful eye of Marie-Louise Sciò, this jewel has attracted those in the know, eager to experience the newest member of the Pellicano Group, joining Il Pellicano in Tuscany and La Posta Vecchia in Ladispoli. The Mezzatorre exudes la dolce vita at its finest. The 57 rooms and suites are located in the main building (the watchtower) and several bungalows and cottages. It is the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can spend the day dipping in the sea, sunbathing by the salt-water pool or relaxing in one of the thermal pools in the spa, which has been the hotel’s draw since 1981. Before dinner, guests gather and mingle under smart umbrellas for al fresco aperitivi served by waiters in smart white jackets. The service is perfect, friendly and intuitive. Antonio, the restaurant manager, recommended fantastic dishes in both La Torre, with its fine-dining menu, and the more casual La Baia restaurant. Last but not least, Lino my four-legged travelling companion and best friend was treated as a king and told me: I don’t want to leave. We can’t wait to come back and discover more of Ischia’s treasures.