[trip style = luxury + spa + food + wine + beach]
Editor's Note: Expedia just launched an exclusive, seal-of-approval program called Expedia Viewfinder Pick {EVP}, and I'm tickled pink to be one of 12 correspondents worldwide. With the common denominator being the fabulous-factor, EVP's goal is to highlight extraordinary travel experiences—think: stay, play, eat—from steals such as the best taco truck in Austin to the most exotic escape in the Maldives. With this, my first EVP awardee and our latest R+B {Trip Styler's own savvy stay stamp of approval} is this serene spa stay just off Italy's Amalfi Coast.
What
When I checked into Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa, it was unclear if I was at an out-of-the-way resort or a covert Relais & Chateaux training facility. My stay was that utopian.
Seventh heaven status was confirmed when I stepped into the 17,000-square-foot spa cocooned in wood and intricate mosaic murals befitting an ancient church. As a hotel guest, I was granted unfettered access to the facility’s Romanesque, spring–fed thermal pool, cold plunge, steam, sauna, light therapy room, and tropical showers, prompting me to turn to Mr. Trip Styler and say, “Ciao. I’ll see you in a week.”
Feeling like I should probably peel myself away from the spa and enjoy the light of day, I moved on up to the blue-tiled rooftop pool where Mr. Trip Styler and I got into the daily habit of ordering flutes of prosecco accompanied by petits fours. In retrospect, we should have just ordered a bottle, but the anticipation of these bite-size delights kept us ordering bubbly by the glass.
Our VIP experience continued as we walked through the ornate-come-comfortable lobby—adorned with Murano-glass chandeliers and an orchestra of orchids—and three front-desk staff simultaneously greeted us by name. It was as if the hotel thought our hat-and-sunglasses getup meant we were A-listers who just arrived by private yacht.
We were only slated to stay for four nights. By night duo, we were so lovestruck by the spiffy stay—not even a napkin was out of place—we reorganized our vacation plans so we could soak in Terme’s hospitality and healing waters a little longer.
Trip Styler approved.
Where
Ischia, an hour from Naples, Capri or the Amalfi Coast by boat or hydrofoil.
When
Terme Manzi is open April to October to capture the hottest and brightest weather.
Who/Why
You're inspired by details: hand-painted tiles, always-buffed Carrera marble, perfectly arranged plates of petits fours, and service so stealth you didn't even know the three-piece suit-clad server came and went.
Cost
Rates hover around USD$285/night and include WiFi, island Mercedes shuttle including arrival and departure port pick-up, beach lounges and umbrella, an elaborate breakfast complete with prosecco, and access to the spa's thermal water circuit.
Photos
