An island made for the stars

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhanian Sea, which has seen an eventful past. From the Romans who seized Ischia and Naples in 322 BC, to Augustus who restored the island in AD in exchange for Capri. Ischia suffered from conquests by various nations and monarchs during the Middle Ages and then in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, it was plagued by pirates. In the twentieth century, Ischia emerged as a retreat for writers and artists including Ingeborg Bachmann, Elizabeth Taylor and Luchino Visconti.

Before it was reimagined as a hotel Faro de Imperatore was just one of 370 disused lighthouses sitting empty, but Tim asked to convert it to a hotel because he was stunned by its beauty. It is a class one lighthouse, equivalent to a castle. The first lighthouse was built in 1884 and the current was activated in 1916; it consists of a two-storey masonry white keeper’s house with the tower, 13 metres (43 ft) high, attached to the sea side with balcony and lantern. The lantern, painted in white and the dome in grey metallic, is positioned at 164 metres (538 ft) above sea level. It occupies an important location in terms of navigation. To reach the island you take a flight to Napoli then a ferry boat to the island, passing Vesuvius and the island of Capri.

A luxury retreat

The hotel features a modern design that enhances the historic aspects of the lighthouse. Wonderful beams trace though the ceilings and there’s the old lantern on the terrace. They stay true to its heritage, while embracing a modern design. Furthermore, the lighthouse is completely symmetrical; all four rooms are the same size.

The sunset room on the first floor, faces the sea and is named so because as the day ends the sun bathes the room in a warm glow. Measuring 27 sqm, it has a king-sized bed and opens onto the garden. There is a fireplace lounge, a tv, a sound system and a library. There’s also an espresso and tea bar. Three other categories, on the same first floor, are equally charming, some have access to the rooftop terrace. At the bottom of the island is the Poseidon Therme spa. There is also an exclusive restaurant on the ground floor of the lighthouse where you can enjoy an exquisite meal and couples unwind cradling a glass of vino beside the fireplace or cuddle up on the honeymoon terrace overlooking the ocean.

Guests can still experience the history of this working lighthouse, touching the beams as they walk up the stairs. The light still works and forms a halo over their head as it casts a beam that shines 24 miles out to sea. You can also visit the neighbouring island of Capri. The small harbour of Forio is particularly charming. You can charter a boat trip to San Angelo or Capri and enjoy the many culinary highlights of Ischia or you can explore the island or take a boat ride with the Italian champion of high-sea fishing called Merlin.

Sustainability is important to the hotel. There are solar panels and a well for water. The hotel champions a plastic-free breakfast, and they grow all the herbs and vegetables in the garden. The lighthouse keeper also has a donkey to transport guests’ luggage up to the lighthouse who lives on the terrace.

Tim explains: “Lighthouses are positive buildings that save lives and are the pride of the community. They are beautiful houses in the sea with fantastic views, so why not make them into hotels,” he said.

“To have a lighthouse and share the magic with others makes me happy. Our Ischia property is an important VIP hideaway on the top of the mountain, where you can have complete privacy.”

He added: “The secret to the success of a lighthouse hotel is to have a manager on-site in charge of the hotel organising everything around the stay and our manager in Italy is very motivated to make it famous. We have a eight people including a chef, a manager, and service staff.”