Taking the waters and soaking up the sun on Poseidon's private beach is following a great tradition that stretches back over thousands of years of pleasure seekers. The park is a perfect set-up for bliss: twenty thermal spring-fed pools cover a terraced hillside, accented with gorgeous landscaped gardens, restaurants, and a spa, offering a range of treatments. INSIDER TIP Invigorating Matrix Rhythm massages are Poseidon's unique specialty treatments. PHOTO: Adam Eastland Art + Architecture / Alamy Stock Photo 2 OF 10 Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae This former villa turned museum offers eight rooms of astounding archaeological finds from Ischia's Greco-Roman history. It's called Pithecusae, inspired by Ischia's ancient Greek name, meaning "Isle of Monkeys", from the legend that Zeus turned cercopes, (mischievous forest creatures) into monkeys and banished them to this island. Among the many ancient clay vessels, the star of the collection is Nestor's Cup, (eighth century BC), that Homer wrote about in The Iliad.
What you will find is a team of therapists as sweet and gentle as the Éminence Organic Skin Care products they use and, depending where you lie, nature's soundtrack of crashing waves. Is it relaxing? Let's get real. Is it possible to be stressed in a place called Mollymook? 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook Beach Di Webster Best for… a serene escape Bells at Killcare Is it conceivable to feel the soothing effects of a retreat before you even get there? Yes, if the hideaway in question is Bells at Killcare. The drive to the property, through serene coastal towns and lush Bouddi National Park, is enough to calm your senses. The boutique hotel's 25 Hamptons-esque rooms and cottages and its refined restaurant are reasons enough to visit but the day spa is the biggest drawcard. All massages and treatments are inspired by Indigenous traditions and start with the burning of wild-harvested native flora, enveloping you in the fragrant smoke of gumleaves and paperbark. Follow up with the Kodo rhythmic body massage, which combines long, gliding, continuous movements and native aromatic oils to relieve muscle tension and stress.