On Ischia, there’s a place of the heart where the warmth of sincere hospitality blends with the power of nature. It’s the Botania Relais & Spa, affiliated with the Leading Hotels of the World and known as an oasis of tranquillity.
Botania Relais & Spa, the Five Star Hotel Immersed in Ischia’s Nature
Here, under the discerning management of Rita and Luigi Polito, the art of Neapolitan hospitality transforms visitors’ stay into an emotional journey. Amid the small villas and pools surrounded by the park’s Mediterranean scrub, taste at Botania means beauty for the eyes and pleasure for the palate. Alongside the restaurants Il Corbezzolo, La Cucina di Nonna Marì and the Michelin Green-starred Il Mirto – a trio of aces in the hands of chef Tommaso Luongo – there’s the cocktail bar La Grotta, named after the natural cavity in green tuff next to the bar, once used as a wine cellar.
La Grotta, the Cocktail Bar
From behind the counter, resident bartender Onofrio La Monica displays his innate flair for excellence in mixology. “I worked for a year in a vegan bar in Melbourne, and I’ve brought everything I learned back here to Ischia, such as the choice of only using plant products for our sours, tinctures, sherbets, bitters and cordials. At Botania we’re inspired by botanicals and spices from the herb and vegetable gardens”, explains the mixologist. “Our cocktails follow the seasons, with each element representing and respecting the land and nature” – ensuring a genuine quality experience that is never improvised.
The drink list of Botania Relais & Spa
This attention is reflected in an original and ever- evolving drinks list, ranging from classics to a selection of gin and tonics that exalt Mediterranean botanicals, along with signature creations inspired by the island. These include Mr. Miyagi with gin, sake, cucumber cordial, mint, lime juice and home- made bay leaf kombucha; Cereal-Sour with vodka, citrus and oat cordial, Botania bitters and aquafaba; and Pomelo made with pisco, kumquat tincture, pink grapefruit and lemongrass sherbet and lime juice.
“We create our drinks with thought and passion, but above all love – crucial ingredients to make our guests feel at home”. This approach translates into a warm and informal reception, where the pleasure of conversation combines with the joy of a finely made cocktail.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Serena Pepe
