Terme di Saturnia
Manciano, Tuscany, Italy
Serious health spa with millennia-old healing waters in the Tuscan hills
Set in 120 acres of rolling Tuscan countryside, this five-star retreat dates back to 1919. Now stylishly and thoughtfully renovated, it still offers the healing waters that bubble up from a crater deep within Tuscany’s Monte Amiata. Choose a set-date weight loss, detoxification, anti-ageing or naturopathy programme, or curate your own stay with visits to the hot springs, treatments from an extensive menu, and access to the magnificent spa. If you’re feeling burnt-out, want a health overhaul or feel jaded with life, you’ll leave rejuvenated.
our Reviewer catherine fairweather says:
‘Cocooning is a big thing here, and I found no sense of the self-denial or deprivation of traditional cures. Rather, when people are not resting and decompressing in the relaxation rooms, there’s a pervasive festive atmosphere which feels life-affirming’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Despite its vast facilities and choice of treatments, this is a serious health retreat. The main challenge is understanding the choices if you have limited Italian, so seek out the English-speaking guest relations manager Monia Ruggeri, who can talk you through options and act as interpreter when needed. Be aware there will be smokers, but smoking is allowed only outdoors and in the gardens. If you’re detoxing, you may well be surrounded by people tucking in and enjoying their food’
Experiences
Programmes include 3, 5 and 7-night breaks specialising in weight loss, detoxification, anti-ageing and naturopathy, and combine the thermal cure with nutrition, movement, energy-rebalancing therapies, yoga, meditation and qigong. You have an incredible roster of treatments to choose from, and access to a spacious spa.
Bathing is the ultimate pastime - healing waters filter up through decades and layers of clay, at a steady, steaming 37.5 degrees. The sulphur, potassium and magnesium-dense, silky waters act as a relaxant and skin exfoliant and alleviate health conditions, such as respiratory disease, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.
A packed schedule of activities includes yoga classes, tennis and power walks. Enjoy a round of golf or add on wine-tasting, guided village tours, e-bike hire, horse-riding and even a hot air balloon tour.
Spaces
The retreat is in the spa town of Saturnia in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma coastal region. Its pièces de resistance are the hot springs and the 20,000 sq m spa, which is home to hydromassage tubs and jets, a Kneipp path, a cryotherapy cabin, thermal pools, a Roman bath with sauna and a Turkish bath, along with relaxation rooms.
The 124 rooms and suites are neutral and a little anonymous, but all have small wardrobes, complimentary robes and slippers and nespresso machines.
Relax in lounges and sitting areas, enjoy the 18-hole golf course and visit the tennis courts. There’s even a hair salon.
Sustenance
If you’re on a special programme, you’ll have your own healthy eating suggestions and guidelines for each meal.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the 1911 fine dining restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes like braised artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke and hazelnuts, and beef ravioli with parmesan and mushroom fondue.
The more informal La Stellata is a traditional Tuscan trattoria on the golf course and ideal for lunches and dinners. Expect eggs with roast mushrooms, smoked potato and flambeed bacon. You can also order food between 12pm and 10pm at Il Bar Drink and Food Library, which serves healthy salads, avocado toasts, hearty soups and burgers.
