Nestled in the heart of Southern Tuscany surrounded by the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, you’ll find Adler Thermae Toscana just outside the tiny medieval spa town of Bagno Bignoni. This spa town was the perfect respite along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim way that once led from Canterbury to Rome, for many including Medici Prince Lorenzo and Pope Pius II. Those same waters now feed Adler Thermae.
I arrived at this idyllic oasis after a train from Florence (90 minutes to Chiusi) and a taxi ride (35 minutes) through the bellissimo countryside. It was mid-March with Spring springing… fresh growth green made the rolling Tuscan hills glow! The stunning setting flowed into the spa. The whole spot exudes tranquility! Everywhere you look there are giant windows and sliding doors framing the amazing countryside, from the gym and restaurant to the guest rooms and quiet rooms. As you stroll the beautiful grounds there are big rocks perfect for quiet meditation as you peer out on Pienza in the distance. Or lounge poolside and enjoy the sun shining down between the clouds upon the 11th century Castle Vignoni perched atop Monte Amiata and a back drop of blue skies and birds soaring.
That’s just one of the many reasons Adler Thermae is a MUST GO...
The Water… located on the site of a former travertine quarry, the waters that feed the spa spend ten years collecting valuable minerals and sulphur compounds on their journey through the bowels of the earth before rising from 1,000 meters deep and emerging at 50Ëšcelsius in the resort pools. The waters benefit your entire body, especially your skin, bones and joints. Soak in the 1,000 meters of indoor and outdoor thermal pools with water features and the many therapeutic steam baths, Grotta del Filosifo (steam bath in the travertine grotto), Salino (Etruscan brine steam bath), Argillae (Estruscan clay steam bath) and Grotto Saline (subterranean brine bath). There are even serve yourself water stations around to keep you hydrated.
The Spa Treatments… from Thalasso (water based) to Ayerveda (ancient healing methods) each treatment uses their own Tuscany organic body-care products. I pampered myself with a few ‘new to me’ treatments…
- Mud Wrap: Covered in warm healing mud, you’re wrapped in plastic and a heavy heated ‘blanket’ then lowered into a water chamber… but you don’t get wet! Perfect purification.
- Lymphatic Draining Massage: Gentle strokes massage the glands to remove the toxins. Followed by the Mud Wrap it’s a great detox.
- Red Grape Anti-Aging Body Treatment: First you’re exfoliated with grape seeds then covered in warm grape seed juice warm and wrapped in plastic and warm blankets to detox for twenty minutes. Followed by a bath in THE best tub I’ve ever been in which rinses away the grape layer. Finishing touch…a short back rub.
- Acqua Detox: Basically a foot bath that detoxes the body by removing positive ions. The after effects are compared to a refreshing walk on the beach in the ocean.
- Hatma Balance: A drenching oil and strenuous massage on a crazy table. Very cool experience!
The Restaurant…is simply fabulous!
It’s designed to make you feel like you’re sitting in an Italian courtyard by a giant olive tree. Windows peer out to the rolling hills topped with cyprus trees. The roof is a giant sun/moon roof so you can dine under the stars no matter the season. The amazing staff serves fresh, delicious small portions. And the food is incredible! Dinner favorites included Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad), Pumpkin flowers stuffed with swiss chard, Fussili pasta served al dente with a hint of pecorino cheese and diced mushrooms and peppers, Risotto with chanterelle mushrooms and fresh sprigs of oregano. Save room for dessert… the best tiramisu I’ve ever had or try the yummy semi-sweet chocolate bread cake with butterscotch sauce and chocolate chips. Yum! Retire to the Cocktail Bar after dinner for piano music by the fireplace or a cocktail on the patio under the stars.
The Wine… you’re in Tuscany so you get the best! Dinners are paired with local Montalcino, Montepulciano and Chianti wines. The cozy Entoca offers local wine tastings a few times a week. I had a great tasting of four paired with bread, cheese and salami. As the sign above the entrance says, “In Vino Veritas”, in wine their is truth.
The Fitness Programs…it’s not all relaxing and eating. :) I’d be happy to workout in this gym anytime… well equipped, stunning views and a water fall running through it! ADLERFIT is their weekly fitness program. They also have special weekly programs like Yoga & Orient week which was on during my week. The yoga classes were okay and in Italian but still fun. The Adler Balance programs are also offered tailored to your specific needs around weight, stress, cleansing, beauty, prevention.
One small note about my visit … it was spring break so about 20% of the guests were there with children. Good news for families though is they have a Kids Club!
The rates are extremely affordable for everything you get including the very personalized service from their 120 member staff.
All of this AND you’re in TUSCANY! It was the perfect four day escape to, as their motto says, Let my Soul Fly!
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