During our week in Ischia, we stayed at Villa Ravino. The property is located on the mountainside above the beach town of Forio, and it has around 20 vacation apartments. Some apartments have up to 3 bedrooms. Ours was a studio with a small balcony, and it was just the right size for us.

The property also has a swimming pool and a thermal pool, both of which are filled with natural spring water from the property. The swimming pool has cooler water which you would expect, but the thermal pool has lukewarm water which is good for a relaxing soak without being too hot.

The water is advertised as “soft and sweet” which doesn’t make a lot of sense when translated directly into English. However, if you’ve ever taken a shower in a house that uses a water softener, you will understand what this water is like. Much like a water softener, the minerals in the underground rock dissolve into the spring water and make it soft. The water is more “basic” and less “acidic.” More olive oil and less vinegar. Now it sounds like I’m describing a salad. Just believe when I say that the water was amazing and good for your skin.

The best part about Villa Ravino, though, is the gardens (i giardini). The patriarch of this property, Peppino, has spent years and years cultivating this garden. The focus is on cacti and other succulents, but you will also find lots of flowers and many varieties of trees. The gardens are open several days a week to the public for a fee, but if you’re staying on the property, you have full run of the place at all hours.

In addition to all of the interesting plants, there are a dozen peacocks, a couple of rabbits, and all manner of little lizards that live in the gardens.

A cafe/lounge is located in the middle of the gardens, and breakfast is served here. During lunch and dinner, light meals are available. It’s also a great place to sit and sip a glass of wine and watch the tourists and the peacocks wander around.

Villa Ravino and Giardini Ravino are owned and run by Peppino, his wife Edith, and their son Luca. They were wonderful hosts, recommending things to do and places to eat, calling taxis, making dinner reservations, and just providing good conversation. I would love to go back and spend a month at Villa Ravino and would highly recommend this place to anyone who visits Ischia.