Just 40 keys lie low among the three acres of grounds at Botania Relais & Spa, washed in pale tones from the outside in with splashes of colour and pattern courtesy of the décor carefully chosen as homage to the thriving vegetation they hide in. Few have a sea view, but that’s no problem; the intention here is to bask in bubbles of privacy (complete with terraces and hot tubs), especially after active days spent exploring the local area. Thanks to the hotel’s enviable location, San Montano beach and Lacco Ameno are both close by, somewhat of a surprise given the feeling of soothing isolation that Botania excels at.  

After a settling-in day, passionate staff are ready to help guests make the most out of time here. The sightseers can go even further than the doorstep, taking the shuttle to pretty Forio or exploring the island’s volcanic lushness at La Mortella gardens and Monte Epomeo. Returning to rejuvenate in the natural al fresco thermal pools and indoor steam room cave or unwind with a good book and glass of something cold beneath ancient olive trees – pursuits that the more unhurried have been enjoying all day. All are then brought together by a collective love of food, finding easy-on-the-eye dishes that celebrate local fish and meat in Il Corbezzolo and homegrown Michelin Green Star vegetarian cuisine at Il Mirto. And, if they’re lucky, the authentic morsels at Nonna Marì, a traditional Italian kitchen that also hosts cooking classes to sweeping sea views.