What a view.
DuVine traveler Jill Karp knows that after a Tuscany bike tour, or any DuVine Adventures cycling tour, it feels great to kick back and restore all those tired muscles you used throughout the last week. Amidst the magical scenery of the Siena hills, in the southern-most tip of Tuscany she found the small and elegant Fonteverde Spa, the perfect spot to do just that.
Within these sweet hills filled with olive groves, vineyards, vast nature, and streams is the exclusive resort frequented by the chic of Rome for its privacy. Just 124 miles from Rome and 93 miles from Florence, you can experience the rich thermal spring waters full of therapeutic gifts.
The drive takes you through one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. You will feel as if you are in a Renaissance painting as you roll through the medieval village of San Casciano dei Bagni, Val d’ Orcia. Up on the hill to the left is the exclusive resort Fonteverde, built in the 17th century. It lies amongst precious hot springs whose therapeutic properties have been well known since ancient times. With its 42 rich thermal springs, this is so much more than our vision of an American spa. Its extensive facility offers natural treatments, specialist consultations, diagnostics and checkups, a full medical staff, nutrition, and aesthetic medicine in addition to its natural thermal hot waters, therapeutic pools, and holistic center.
Upon entering the spa, it doesn’t take long to immerse yourself in all this spa has to offer. As you enter the spa you notice several marble stone fountains in the halls, which have water running out of them. Be careful taking a swig of what appears to be fresh, cold water…. The first surprise is that the water is warm! The second is that it tastes terrible! But somehow you drink several cups because, as the woman told my friends and I, it is full of rich and healing minerals. “Its good for you, take more!” So we did – and somehow we instantly felt like we were cleansing ourselves already.
The first step to revitalizing our equilibrium was to bathe in the warm restorative pools. They offer massages with strong water jets that generate both tone and energy. There is also a warm waterfall which you can sit under and take in the benefits of thermal spring waters pouring over your head and body. Its feels sooo good!
Just a little shower.
Then I was off to the Bioaquam circuit pool, which lies in front of one of the most spectacular panoramic views nature can offer. This ancient treatment combines hot water with powerful hydromassage. The heavenly outdoor hydromassages are in underwater marble “armchairs” and outdoor beds overlooking the magnificent Tuscan countryside. The hydromassages activate circulation and provide energy to the legs and the venous lymphatic and arterial systems. They also have a delicate peeling effect on the skin. They take a limited amount of people (8 at a time), for a 50 minute session.
After bathing in the hot, restorative pools we took a thalaquam. We entered an enchanting dark private room with a small pool. The ceiling is navy blue with stars dotted around it. There are chimes and a pot of hot tea by the side of the steps. The atmosphere is full of pure energy as you enjoy 20 minutes of quiet, floating effortlessly and silently on your back in saline water. The ancient theory: to stimulate the five energy factors which regulate your rhythm and align the body, heart, and soul. Then it’s salidarium time: we lay down on a bed of sea salt crystals with a warm heavenly blanket over us. This treatment stimulates circulation of the blood, intensifies breathing, and frees the body of toxins. It’s an INTENSE energetic flow.
Lastly, we took a thermal mud treatment, which they say will help with toning, contouring, and relaxing the body. As if I was not relaxed already! First they lay you on a warm heated bed, then they gently buff your skin with a fine, horsehair brush. From there they spread a thick mud all over your body. You’re then bound tight in what feels like cling wrap from head to toe, as the attendee covers your eyes, plays soft music, and dims the lights, leaving you to rest for a half an hour. When you unwrap into a warm shower you miraculously feel 5 pounds lighter and completely regenerated.
Totally relaxed.
Because I want to try it all, I also took one last treatment of Alma Maris, which is an intense yet pleasant massage with small bags filled with a 102 degree warm salt and soaked in precious aromatic oils. Wrapped in warm perfumes, it gives you immediate relaxation.
One would think you would leave drained and exhausted, but surprisingly all this anti-oxidizing makes you feel cleansed, hydrated, nourished, and energized. My friends felt the same way!
You can visit Fonteverde as a day guest or stay at the wonderful small and elegant Relais Hotel. There are 66 rooms, the premises filled with terraces overlooking fields and majestic hills. The restaurant, Ferinando I, offers wonderful views and serves excellent Tuscan cuisine and wonderful Italian wines.
Fonteverde is a dreamy place to unwind and refresh after a day or a week of biking on a DuVine Tuscany bike tour, while still enjoying the peace of nature.
How to get to Fonteverde
By car: Autostrada del Sole (A1), from the north take the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit; from the south the Fabro exit. Follow the signs for San Casciano dei Bagni.
By train: railway station of Chiusi, 20 minutes from San Casciano dei Bagni.
By plane: nearest airports Rome (124 m), Florence (93 m).
info@fonteverdespa.com
www.fonteverdespa.com
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