Therasia Resort Sea & Spa

You know the scene in the James Bond film: Bond checks into an opulent hotel somewhere exotic (presumably at the UK tax payers’ expense) and it all looks too good to be true. Arriving at the Therasia Resort on the Island of Vulcano is like joining this film on location. The hotel and the views all around are truly stunning. Yes, the photographs on the hotel website give you a good idea what to expect, but the reality is even more breathtaking - are we really staying here? We arrived by car (from the ferry) and were intercepted by one of the reception staff as we made our way from the hotel parking. While all the check-in formalities were being taken care of, we were led to the outdoor bar which overlooks the coastline, islands and far beyond, for a welcome drink. It was already apparent that the hotel staff were extremely welcoming, friendly and professional, but over the course of the next few days we came to the realisation that Therasia’s staff (all of them) are among the best we have ever encountered. Anywhere! From reception to bars and restaurants, the pool staff, housekeeping, management - everyone was a real pleasure to deal with. Everyone exuded pride at working at Therasia. The bedroom had a very nice balcony with a wonderful sea view. Even the shower room had a window looking out to sea, forming a beautifully framed picture. The common parts of the hotel are tastefully done, immaculate and so impressive. The pool area with huge infinity pool is perched high at the very edge of the island, looking out over the sea to other Aeolian Islands. The sunsets from here are out of this world. I think the only slight downside during our stay was that the bathing platform which allows you to climb into the sea was closed. Staff explained that there was, unfortunately, a problem with a fluther of jellyfish caused by the current tide. However, even without jellyfish, during our stay the water was too rough around the rocks to enter the sea safely. This was a real shame because we love swimming in the sea, but clearly this was outside even this hotel’s control. All the restaurants at Therasia are excellent with a range of food to suit everyone’s tastes and a high level of service. Special mention must go to Michelin-starred il Cappero, which is right there at the apex of one or even two-star restaurants that we have tried anywhere. Service is supreme and the food is extremely imaginative (as well as being suitably tasty).And where else would you have such a view during dinner? At the end of the evening, our elegant hosts proudly introduced us to the chef. He is surprisingly young but surely has a fantastic future. If you are looking for rest and relaxation in a corner of paradise, this is the solution!

Where to start with this fantastic property..... We booked through our agent, and apart from some pics, we knew vey little about the Therasia. We are avid travelers, and have stayed in some magnificent places over the years, The Oberoi and Raffles hotel groups to name a couple. Apon arrival at the small port of Volcano, we where greeted by the very friendly hotel staff of the shuttle service, which runs 4-5 times a day down to the port area and into town. After a short journey, we arrived throught the white gates, into the hotel and where taken to the beautiful pool area with bar and restaurant for our welcome drink. From the very start, the staff were attentive, friendly and happy to help with all sorts of requests. Dietary reqierments are handled with ease, and changing/ordering food 'off ' menu is not a problem. We are foodies, so we will always pay special attention to where we stay and to the types and level of cusine on offer. The Therasia does not disappoint! The food in all three restaurants is wonderful, and very generous. The freash salads and pizzas of the pool restaurant, to the exquisite 6 to 10 course tasting menu of Il Cappero, Therasia's Michelin star Restaurant. If you love fine dining, Il Cappero is a must! The breakfast buffet is large, with more than one can cover in a sitting. The only slight issue I had was the way they do their scrambled eggs, a little runny for me. The staff are wonderful. The perfect mix of professional and attentive, whilst keeping that relaxed friendly charm that the Italians do so well. Being an Island, Wifi is not the fastest, so if you need superfast broadband speed connection, I suggest you stay on the mainland or Sicily. Mobile signal varies from 3 to 4G. We love this place, and plan to go back next summer. The Therasia will become our 'GoTo' Island location for european sun&sea breaks.

Well, there is NOTHING that the staff couldn't do for you at this hotel. They were all friendly & assisted where they could. Massimo & Alberto in the restaurant were both great & their English wonderful! Lorenza on reception desk was also brilliant with her English & Olga in the Michelin star also had amazing English. They knowledge of the hotel, their jobs & the area = 10/10! For those suffering with food allergies... there's a gluten & dairy free menu in the evening, just ask for it as well as the vegetarian menu. One thing... the portions for the evening menu are big for the 2nd & 3rd courses. The starter portions are just right! The food was as authentic as you can get & not one dish I could complain about. For breakfast, you can ask for a poached or sunny side up egg, there are also many options from milk to choose from & a typical Italian breakfast - great to try traditional food :-) The telly does have some English channels, but it's really only news which is disappointing as they have some great SKY channels, but not in English!!! The drinks in the mini bar are free, which you really don't get anywhere else and the toiletries are all gluten free - AMAZING!!! Only downside is that there is no coffee making facilities in the room which is a shame as I'd love to have been having a coffee when I wake up on the balcony as we had a lovely sea view room.

Our five nights at Therasia have just ended and the details are fresh in our minds. The staff are extraordinary and there is nothing that is too much trouble for them. The breakfast spread is so extensive that besides being seriously impressed I can't help thinking about the inevitable waste that must result from such a huge display. The day spa is excellent with great aqua-therapy freely accessed as often as you wish. We also booked deep tissue massages (I think the therapist was Walter) and it was excellent and good value. The all-day dining venues are great and again good value. Every meal at these two eateries was excellent and the service was equally good. We took the experience of booking a meal in the Michelin starred restaurant as well. It was an artistic triumph but I, personally, have never really enjoyed such sophisticated food so the experience was exactly what I expected. The food feels like it has been too over-worked. I would have loved some fresh greens interspersed through the seven course marathon. I really appreciate the talent and they absolutely deserve their star but it is not for me. And that's just personal. Housekeeping was great, interiors are wonderful, service very personal and friendly. The shuttle bus very useful and we ate in the port once which was good and went on a day trip to Stromboli which was a wonderful day.

If I could give this hotel more than a 5 star then I would. When we drove into the hotel we were just taken aback with the amazing views of the other islands and the complete serenity of the place. The transfer service to the hotel was seamless. I could go into the qualities of all the staff but I could write a book . Without exception every member of staff were professional personable and could not do enough for you. The food was amazing and some very exotic dishes and it was lovely to try new things all the time. Prosecco for breakfast was a lovely treat. Shuttles to and from the beaches ran regularly every day. Drinks were very expensive but as we are not big drinkers it became quality over quantity. Having dinner and watching Strombolis smoking and watching shooting stars was amazing. This was a genuine 5 star hotel.