Piazza Telesia 1, Telese Terme, Italy | (888) 710-7049
Housed in a restored 19th-century village; attractive stonework throughout
Sophisticated contemporary rooms, some with wood-beamed ceilings
Good restaurant with well-priced wine list
Free breakfast buffet, parking, and Wi-Fi
Chic spa with indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna
Lovely seasonal outdoor pool set by an olive grove
Full range of spa treatments
Small gym on premises
Lack of road signage makes hotel hard to find
Guests 15 and younger not allowed in spa (pro for some)
Small spa can get crowded with outside guests
This charming luxury resort set in the rolling hills just outside the spa town of Telese combines the rustic charm of a 19th-century village with the comforts of a modern spa property. An excellent restaurant is on the premises; the grounds are bucolic; and the bungalow-style rooms are sophisticated, with the luxuries one would expect at this price point, such as Malin + Goetz toiletries and bathrobes. Because children 15 and under are not allowed in the spa, this is a popular destination for romantic getaways in particular.
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Scene
A mid-19th-century village turned luxury resort with a pretty spa
Aquapetra was an abandoned 19th-century village before the architect who now runs the resort updated it, and it now includes 30 bungalow-style rooms joined by cobbled walkways. The stone buildings are set amid olive groves, cypress trees, and untouched countryside, making for a picturesque rustic Italian setting. There are a few modern updates that are artfully contrasted against the historic look, such as the floor-to-ceiling glass wall of the spa and the quirky outdoor chair in the shape of a face.The hotel is definitely geared toward couples, with a serene atmosphere and kids-free spa policy. The front lobby has comfortable leather couches, a fireplace, tile floors, and modern touches such as poster-size vintage photographs. The low-key property is designed for guests who want to kick back and relax, and guests have commented that a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding countryside for stays beyond a couple of days.
Location
Just outside the charming town of Telese in the Campania region of southern Italy
Aquapetra Resort & Spa is one-and-a-half miles from the town of Telese, which itself is accessible by bus from the Naples train station. Whether renting a car or taking a local taxi from the town center, guests should arrive with printed directions, rather than relying on GPS, as the hotel can be a bit difficult to find.
Rooms
Large modern rooms with some historic touches, such as whitewashed exposed beams
All guest rooms continue the resort's theme of updated 19th-century charm, and some have details such as whitewashed exposed beams. Rooms have terracotta tile or wooden floors, and though decor varies, most blend contemporary and antique-style furnishings. Fabric button headboards are present in many rooms. Smaller rooms have a walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads; some larger suites have private whirlpools. Some guests have commented one pillow per person feels sparse and that the free Wi-Fi may not work in all rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, Malin + Goetz toiletries, and bathrobes.
Features
Well-maintained spa with a full array of services, an excellent restaurant, and a small gym
A fully restored barn houses the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room; walls fashioned from area stone are combined with mosaic tile and floor-to-ceiling windows. The spa is open to guests from outside the hotel and can get crowded as a result. Facility access (free for guests) is by reservation of two-hour blocks, and a full range of spa services -- comparable to those found at the nearby, larger Terme di Telese -- are available. The seasonal (unheated) outdoor pool is set next to an olive grove. There is a small gym with a few exercise machines.The excellent restaurant, La Locanda del Borgo, is popular with locals and traveling gastronomes alike. Adjacent to the restaurant, which straddles a combination indoor-outdoor patio, is a modern bar with jewel-colored, contemporary slipper chairs.
