L'Albergo Regina Isabella, Charming Hotel & Spa in Ischia, Italy

Driving through Lacco Ameno to the entrance of L'Albergo Regina Isabella, you are hit with classic Hollywood glamour meets old-world health spa. Once a favorite haunt in the 1950s of Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Clark Gable, & Charlie Chaplin—all of whom came to enjoy the volcanic thermal waters and healing mud. I'd heard great things about the Regina Isabella for years and my experience lived up to the hype.

Although the old-fashioned style of L'Albergo Regina Isabella (this place has not been updated stylistically since being built in the 1950s), made me unsure about my stay—I found it utterly charming in both the feel and impeccable service. The layout couldn't be nicer for a town-adjacent property with its stunning saltwater decked pool practically floating in the sea and dining room surrounded by windows pouring in light at all times of day. The property consists of mammoth public areas, immaculate guest rooms, pool & front garden area, tennis court, fitness center and two distinctly different dining areas with top notch local/Neapolitan specialties. Dr Paolo Magrassi, a cardiologist-trained multi specialist, has headed the spa/health center (focusing on thermal medicine), since 2001. My cranial sacral and watsu treatments and my mother's restorative massage were among the best we've ever experienced. Some guests come to detox, which Dr. Magrassi points out is, "perceivable but not medical," while others to holiday. I smiled when I returned to my pool chaise after lunch which had been turned around to face the sun … nice touch.

Room rates from €310.