When Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony recently escaped for a family vacation, they chose Ischia, a gem of an island just thirty kilometers off the coast of Naples. By-passing Ischia's better known neighbor, Capri, the singing mega-star and her family settled into the Mezzatorre Resort and Spa with its award-winning treatment facility and a breathtaking view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Like all visitors to Ischia, the Lopez/Anthony entourage arrived by sea. They were greeted by the extraordinary sight of Mount Epomeo, the volcanic peak that rises from the Bay of Naples to create this isle of fertility. Nicked-named the "Green Island" for the lush vegetation that flourishes on its volcanic soil, Ischia offers natural beauty, a dab of history and thermo-mineral waters that have been used for medicinal and restorative treatments since the 16th century.

Many guests visit the Artiche Terme or the Nuove Terme, the island's largest and most extensive treatment centers. But luxury hotels, like the Mezzatorre Resort provide onsite services either in their own spa facilities or in the privacy of guest suites. You don't have to be Jennifer Lopez to do as she did -- order a massage and then dinner on the terrace of their Grand Suite! Not surprisingly, fellow guests enjoyed the chance to chat with the famous couple at the Mezzatorre's La Terrazza bar where Limoncello Liquer is a popular favorite.

Even a party as large as the Lopez/Anthony's (17 including children, nanny, staff and body-guards) wouldn't want to miss Ischia's most famous historical attraction, the Aragonese Castle. The castle rests atop its own islet and is connected to the mainland by a 220 meter stone bridge. Its impenetrable walls once protected local inhabitants from the raids of Barbary pirates and a convent of nuns from the outside world. Today it houses a hotel, museum and a castle-monastery garden.

No visit to Ischia is complete without time on the water. Often visitors take a day trip on the ferry to Capri for some shopping and people watching. Ms. Lopez and Mr. Anthony enjoyed their excursion on a friend's yacht (Dolce & Gabbana) and were spotted by celebrity watchers lunching with top model Naomi Campbell and her Russian fiancée, Vladislav Doronin. It appears that word of la dolce vita, the good life is getting around!

Photo top left is Giovanni Sirabella, GM of Mezzatore Resort & Spa with Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony.

When to Go:
• May to October

Getting There:
• Frequent ferries or hydrofoils from Naples or surrounding islands will take you to the only port on the island, Porto Ischia.

Where to Stay:
• Mezzatore Resort & Spa; View Hotel Profile

Where to Eat:
• Chandelier at the Mezzatore Resort & Spa
• Ristorante Neptunus (+39 081 999702; Via delle Rose, Località Sant'Angelo, 11, Ischia; Owner: Peppino)
• Ristorante Coco Gelo (+39 081 981823; Via Aragonese 1, Ischia Ponte, Ischia; Owner: Coco)

What to do:
• Castle Aragonese: A historical highlight of the island, this complex shows the many stages of Ischia's development over the centuries.
• Giardini Poseidon Terme - 22 thermal pools that have contributed to earning Ischia its reputation as the best thermal waters in the Mediterranean..
• Lacco Ameno - On the Northern Coast, Ischia's major archeological excavations can be explored. Villa La Colombaia promotes cultural activities such as music, cinema, theatre, art exhibitions, workshops and cinema. The villa and the park are open to the public.