Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort: The Healing Waters of Tuscany
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort is the five star home to an exquisitely developed set of natural springs in the Tuscan countryside, and an Italian nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa Retreats.
Located in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany, the resort was built in the 17th century by the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici (yes, those de' Medicis) to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of the hot springs. Today, one can stay in that same, well-kept residence while enjoying the spoils of mother nature in the seven spa pools and multi-disciplinary areas of the spa.
Fonteverde offers an Oriental area with eastern treatments from massage to reflexology, as well as glass domes for Harmony Therapy, a collection of sonic experiences including the musicalization of your very own brain waves, recorded then given to you on CD. The Mediterranean area regards olive oil as "the element of life," and incorporates it into hydrating, nourishing and beautifying experiences which also utilize the Five Elements of ancient Chinese medicine.
The crowning glories of the spa, of course, are the springs themselves. Thermal waters, when consumed, supply calcium and detoxify the liver and biliary tracts. Thermal bathing gives your body a gentle peel to moisturize and regenerate your skin, and thermal therapy is recommended in "all degenerative, inflammatory and post trauma pathologies." Even the vapors can be inhaled to promote respiratory health. One can take a dip in any of the seven therapeutic swimming pools. The indoor-outdoor Bioaquam circuit offers hydromassages in underwater armchairs, and other circuits offer Etruscan techniques, among others, to promote relaxation and healing. One pool is just for pets.
Those who just want to try the spa can book a surprisingly affordable Day Spa package, which start at just 75 euros and include a whole day's worth of indulgence, and access to the restaurants (with both regular and calorie-controlled fare) as well as six of the seven pools at an additional cost.
If you stay for a few days and wish to get off-property, you'll find yourself well-entertained with wine tastings in nearby Montalcino, cooking lessons, and sightseeing in Siena (whose rolling hills you can gaze across from the resort) and Montepulciano. Visit the website for more information and special offers.
Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.
Those who just want to try the spa can book a surprisingly affordable Day Spa package, which start at just 75 euros and include a whole day's worth of indulgence, and access to the restaurants (with both regular and calorie-controlled fare) as well as six of the seven pools at an additional cost.
If you stay for a few days and wish to get off-property, you'll find yourself well-entertained with wine tastings in nearby Montalcino, cooking lessons, and sightseeing in Siena (whose rolling hills you can gaze across from the resort) and Montepulciano. Visit the website for more information and special offers.
Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.
