TRAVEL
Mornings, I loved swimming up to the infinity edge of the huge pool to take in the spectacular vista. Afternoons were spent lolling on lounges that faced the sea with a cooling breeze. Stairs led down to the blue Mediterranean for those wanting a lovely swim, which I took quite often. Adjacent were lounges for guests desiring closest proximity to the water, or you might want to sunbathe on a rock. For pampering the spa offered rejuvenating treatments with local products such as a scrub with volcanic black sand from the islands beaches. Did I mention the outdoor Jacuzzi and nature trails? Many options in paradise. Hotel shuttles take guests to nearby beaches - but who wanted to leave. One of the things I love most about Italy is the food and Therasia did not disappoint. For me, dining alfresco on delectable spaghetti with urchin, linguine with clams, freshly grilled fish and pizza with buffalo mozzarella was la dolce vita. At sunset, the fashionable guests gathered on the veranda to toast the last golden rays with prosecco while a combo played cool
t Resident October 2013
jazz. Also memorable was a private boat ride around the island, arranged by the hotel. Seeing Vulcano from the sea, the inlets and coves and rock formations in shapes that look like animals, seeing nature in all its majesty, was unforgettable. A highlight was a visit to Vulcano’s famed thermal mud bath reputed for therapeutic powers to alleviate skin ailments, digestion, inflammation, circulation and even cellulite. Be forewarned – it smells of sulphurous gasses. I can attest that my skin felt and looked softer and revitalized after just one treatment. Afterwards, I strolled the 3 blocks near the port, the island’s only town, passing shops with Indian and Indonesian artifacts and eclectic jewelry. Looking in the window of the Gecko Café, (that nightly transforms into the swinging hotspot) a scrumptious cannoli called out to me. I sat outside and indulged in the tasty sweet and an espresso, under the glow of the Sicilian sun. Therasia Resort and Spa therasiaresort.it
Panarea, the smallest of the chain, is the chicest with its white washed villas draped in bougainvillea, narrow lanes and one of the best nightclubs in Italy. Georgio Armani has a villa here, as do the Bulgaris, Viscontis and Princess Borghese. Sip an aperitivo at Bar del Porto near the port and glimpse yachts bringing in the fabulous. After dining at Bridge Sushi Bar, the pedigreed and jetsetters head to the dance party on famed Hotel Raya’s terrace. Lipari, the largest and most populous, with a bustling main town is worth a visit for the fortified acropolis and Archaeological Museum. The impressive collection of Neolithic vases, Roman amphorae and extraordinary theatrical masks and statuettes from the cult of Dionysius demonstrate how these remote islands were indeed a cultural and commercial center in ancient times. Salina, the lush, mountainous island, is known for its sweet Malvasia wine, capers and picturesque landscape. Massimo Troisi was so enchanted with this idyllic place that he filmed