Faro Punta Imperatore

Style

Light-bulb moments

Setting

Sunset-facing Forio cliffside

Maybe it’s all that swooning over the sea or soul-soothing solitude, but there’s something irresistibly romantic about a lighthouse. And, radiant stay Faro Punta Imperatore, set hundreds of metres above the Gulf of Naples on a soaring Ischia cliffside, amps up this feeling by beaming out its love of la bella vita. It’s an alluring speck of white secluded away on view-blessed terraces (some couple-sized), with almost-all-round views of blue and showstopper sunsets, till-late tasting feasts served by the light of the main lamp, and just four artfully weathered rooms. A beacon of joy, indeed.

Facilities

Rooms

Four suites.

Checkout

11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm.

More Details

Rates include a breakfast basket curated by the chef; eggs any-way can be ordered to your taste and you also get a free welcome drink.

Also

Unfortunately, due to the historic building’s layout, the stepped path leading down to it, and spiral staircase to the rooms, this stay is unsuitable for guests with mobility issues.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Rooftop and expansive terrace, secluded garden spaces, lounge with fireplace, library, donkey stable, washing and ironing service (on request), and free WiFi. In rooms: smart TV, sound-system, minibar with free bottled water, coffee- and tea-making kit, and bath products made in Ischia.

Our Favourite Rooms

Each of the four rooms are all the same in size and style (laid out symmetrically), with a smattering of mid-century modern furnishings and white walls and wood shutters for a maritime feel. Scirocco stands out for being the former lighthouse keeper’s bedroom, but really, it all comes down to the view, and Maestrale‘s is probably the most spectacular, with both windows facing the sea in prime position for sunset (you might even spot the rare ‘green flash’ phenomenon before the sun dips below the horizon).

Spa

This may surprise you, but the saltier dogs who used to man the lighthouse didn’t build a spa here; but if you need some pummelling and pampering, staff can call therapists in, and yoga classes can be arranged on request.

Packing Tips

You’re unlikely to need a hardy sack coat, clay pipe and haunted look in your eyes – this is Italy, not the moody sodden shores of Maine. This lighthouse feels better suited to breezy sundresses, open-toed flats (sturdy ones) and heart eyes.

Also

With just four rooms and eager-to-please staff, guests pretty much rule the roost around here, so if there’s anything you’re hankering after (a private dinner, wine-tasting, custom itinerary), just ask.

Children

Winding staircases cut into the cliffside, steep drops into the Gulf: what could possibly go wrong if you bring the kids? The property is mostly adults only, but older children can stay on request, and babysitting is available from €15 an hour.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

When you’re gazing out over the Gulf of Naples, 172 metres above the Tyrrhenian, every perch is a love seat. But the verdant ‘honeymoon terrace’, secluded away on its own ledge, brings romance crashing in like the waves below.

Dress Code

Nautical but nuanced, tipping towards breezy riviera chic rather than Popeye or Captain Haddock. Due to the 156 steps to the restaurant, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests wishing to wear heels may bring a change of shoes.

Hotel Restaurant

The Secret Lighthouse Restaurant Luci (named after the lighthouse keeper’s wife Lucia) is set in the former staff dining quarters, given a smart mid-century-style makeover; but you’ll only want to sit in there if it gets very blustery, because otherwise, dinner is served on the lower terrace, with spectacular sea views every which way. Or you could head there after an apéritif on the roof terrace, at tables illuminated by the saving glow of the lighthouse lamp itself, which will steer you in like a ship that’s lost its bearings. Weekly-changing dinners are long and fantastical – befitting their setting – edible poems of the likes of cod with kombucha, rosehip and fermented-lemon curd; spaghetti with chamomile and vermouth (from chef Antonio Monti’s mother’s recipe); and aubergine steak ‘with the memory of parmigiana’. At the more experimental end, ‘There is always hope’ is a black-lettuce- and seaweed-based dish referencing climate change. Or there’s a simpler menu just for guests with pomodoro-y pastas and rabbit stew. Each morning you’ll be thrilled to uncover your breakfast basket, filled with chef’s picks, such as homemade marmalade, comb honey, cheese and cold cuts, fresh tomatoes and bufala mozzarella, muesli, OJ, Italian coffee and maybe some surprises.

Hotel Bar

Less shanties and rum, more spritzes, champagnes and fine Italian wines flow from the hotel’s rooftop bar, an extraordinary spot for aperitivi. Or spill out onto the lower terrace’s day-beds and the inner lounges on cooler days.

Last Orders

The rooftop bar opens till just after sunset, otherwise the lower terrace closes when the restaurant shuts at around midnight.

Room Service

You can dine in your quarters from breakfast until the restaurant closes.

Planes

You’ll need to first fly into Naples before making the journey to the island.

Trains

Napoli Centrale on the mainland has direct links with Italy’s major cities. Then you’ll need to hop in a taxi to the Molo Beverello port, which has hourly departures to Ischia. For €120 one-way, the hotel will arrange the main legs of the journey for you.

Automobiles

Ischia is large enough that you’d need a car to circumnavigate it – but we’re sure you’ll be happy flopping and dropping on your clifftop perch or wandering around Forio. If arriving by car, please note that the access road is narrow and vehicles must be no wider than 1.85 metres. Use Via Citronia in your GPS, as alternative routes may be too narrow. Car and scooter hire can be arranged, with delivery to the port on arrival.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

You might just want to play lighthouse-keeper at Faro Punta Imperatore throughout your whole stay (after all, how often will you get the chance? And the 155 stairs leading down to it are a lot of exercise for a holiday). But Ischia is one of the lesser-known yet still beguiling Italian islands that begs exploring. So leave your eyrie to wallow in thermal pools and indulge in holistic spa healing at the Poseidon Gardens; wander picturesque Forio town, stopping into Soccorso Church, the Ravino Gardens to marvel at their many succulents, and the private Mortella Gardens, for their follies, fountains and waterfall; or head inland for leafy hiking trails (musical guided hikes can be arranged if you live your life mezza voce). Chitara Beach is a sandy spool running out from the cliff the lighthouse sits on (far below), or you could launch off into the Gulf for boating day trips to Procida, San Angelo or Capri islands. Hotel staff can help to arrange a dinky Piaggio Ape for you to zip about in.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .