TRAVEL
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
A new tale for Tuscany
For those who have already immersed themselves in the piazzas and museos of Rome, Florence and Venice (and battled through the wince-inducing crowds of camera-laden tourists) it’s time to rethink la dolce vita and discover Italy’s finest spa secrets. Join Chantal Borciani as she explores.
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It’s easy to see why so many of us harbour a love affair with Italy – the wines, the food, the hilltop villages, the ornate cities oozing style and history in equal measure all make for an intoxicatingly wonderful weekend or week away. The nippy, two-hour flight only adds to the appeal of a spring city break.
Many regions in Italy are literally built on natural thermal springs, and it is this mineral-rich water that makes their treatments some of the finest in the world. With its picturesque villages and verdant hillsides, Tuscany is emerging as the new hotspot for pampering, ultimate detoxing, medi treatments and wellness.
If this all sounds a little serious, fear not, two of the region’s iconic spas offer all the white-robed romance, massages and indulgence a visitor could wish for – along with bubbling pools of rejuvenating thermal spring water, of course. We visited two spas of note – Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa – to experience the ultimate spa retreats, Italian style.
Many regions in Italy are literally built on natural thermal springs, and it is this mineral-rich water that makes their treatments some of the finest in the world. With its picturesque villages and verdant hillsides, Tuscany is emerging as the new hotspot for pampering, ultimate detoxing, medi treatments and wellness.
If this all sounds a little serious, fear not, two of the region’s iconic spas offer all the white-robed romance, massages and indulgence a visitor could wish for – along with bubbling pools of rejuvenating thermal spring water, of course. We visited two spas of note – Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa – to experience the ultimate spa retreats, Italian style.
Prices
Nightly rates at Bagni di Pisa start from €208 per room per night in a comfort room on a B&B basis. Rates also include wi-fi and access to spa and fitness facilities. Deluxe room park view is €345 per night/per room HB.Nightly rates at Grotta Giusti start from €200 per night in a comfort room on a B&B basis. Rates also include wi-fi and access to spa and fitness facilities. A suite is €547 per night/per room HB.
A spa Watsu floating treatment costs €100 per person for 50 minutes.
Grotta Giusti the natural thermal grotta
The perfect weekend away
Grotta Giusti is located a short taxi ride from the pretty town of Lucca and the nineteenth century villa is classically styled and elegant, set in rolling pastures and woodland. The hotel is built upon a deep underground ‘grotto’ said to be 130 million years old. The underground spring feeds the hotel’s many attractions, including a huge outdoor thermal pool that boasts 35 different hydro massage jets.
Akin to an alpine retreat complete with hillside backdrop, the glittering open-air mineral pool is a beautiful place to relax. There’s a second, smaller private pool sectioned away for hotel guests and even the bath water comes directly from the hot spring. The thermal waters are rich in bicarbonates, magnesium and sulphates and used in all the treatments, including the enveloping thermal mud wraps. The vibe is somewhere between country house and easy-going spa; robes are the dress code, and relaxation the order of the day. If you fancy getting out and about, there are myriad Tuscan villages to explore nearby and Lucca’s narrow-shuttered houses and pretty piazza is a perfect place for a gelato in the sunshine.
And for those in fear of missing out on their favourite Italian dishes, both Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa feature delectable restaurants – we opted to enjoy Tuscan wild boar penne, fresh tortellini, white and velvety burrata, fennel salamis and wafer thin carpaccio washed down with Chianti classico reservas. Vegans and vegetarians are also very well catered for, and an ‘Equilibrium’ programme can be requested, which serves delicious but balanced meals for spa visitors focussed on weightloss and wellness.
The wonders of Watsu
One of the most unusual treatments at Grotta Giusti is Watsu – a form of shiatsu in water – that takes place in the thermal grotto itself. The subterranean cave leading down to the thermal spring is a wondrous maze of stalactites – guests can lounge on day beds here in the differing levels of the grotto amusingly named Paradise (around 30˚C), Purgatory and Hell (34˚C) – although hell was more like a relaxing sauna and the tinkling of droplets down the grotto walls (silence is observed in the grotto at all times) makes for a soothing atmosphere. There is a sliver of emerald lake open to the elements (although the lake actually runs so deep it is possible to scuba dive in its tunnels) and it is here the Watsu takes place.
With one hand on my back, I’m lightly cradled, swished and moved around the water’s surface by Poalo, my Italian instructor. The water is body temperature so I hardly feel it, and it is this weightlessness – and the serene calmness it evokes – that has been celebrated by spa-goers and Hollywood celebrities alike.
Bagni di Pisa
Built as a summer residence for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Bagni di Pisa is only 40 minutes from Giusti and a perfect twin stop. The luxury retreat is a showstopper with frescoed walls, palatial suites, gargantuan beds and a suntrap-tiered garden. Giant Dr Vranjes bell jars omit delectable scents that waft along the long corridors – so addictive, it is possible to purchase smaller bottles to take home from the spa.
At its core, the spa is modelled on a ‘health through water’ philosophy. There are small inviting lagoon pools of mineral waters, the day pool sits under a blue vaulted ceiling while the open-air rooftop pool is perfect for a sunset swim. There are steam rooms and saunas to enjoy – including one on the roof – and a peaceful relaxation room filled with twinkling lights.
Treatments are wide ranging to say the least; while many well-heeled Florentine guests visit to simply relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools, others partake in indulgent massages, full wellness programmes, detoxes and medi-spa therapies.
Spa for two
The Hammam dei Granduchi is the piece de résistance – a candle lit walkway leads to a private cave with romantic plunge pool and waterfall. After an hour under the twinkling lights with a special someone, chill out in the capacious neo classical bedrooms complete with four poster beds, writing tables and Carrara marble bathrooms.
If Italy has your heart already, then a stay at Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa will only feed the infatuation. For those planning a city break to Florence (or Modena, Bologna, Parma or Pisa), then take a breather and experience the unique thermal spas distinguished Italian patrons are praying we won’t discover!
Grotta Giusti is located a short taxi ride from the pretty town of Lucca and the nineteenth century villa is classically styled and elegant, set in rolling pastures and woodland. The hotel is built upon a deep underground ‘grotto’ said to be 130 million years old. The underground spring feeds the hotel’s many attractions, including a huge outdoor thermal pool that boasts 35 different hydro massage jets.
Akin to an alpine retreat complete with hillside backdrop, the glittering open-air mineral pool is a beautiful place to relax. There’s a second, smaller private pool sectioned away for hotel guests and even the bath water comes directly from the hot spring. The thermal waters are rich in bicarbonates, magnesium and sulphates and used in all the treatments, including the enveloping thermal mud wraps. The vibe is somewhere between country house and easy-going spa; robes are the dress code, and relaxation the order of the day. If you fancy getting out and about, there are myriad Tuscan villages to explore nearby and Lucca’s narrow-shuttered houses and pretty piazza is a perfect place for a gelato in the sunshine.
And for those in fear of missing out on their favourite Italian dishes, both Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa feature delectable restaurants – we opted to enjoy Tuscan wild boar penne, fresh tortellini, white and velvety burrata, fennel salamis and wafer thin carpaccio washed down with Chianti classico reservas. Vegans and vegetarians are also very well catered for, and an ‘Equilibrium’ programme can be requested, which serves delicious but balanced meals for spa visitors focussed on weightloss and wellness.
The wonders of Watsu
One of the most unusual treatments at Grotta Giusti is Watsu – a form of shiatsu in water – that takes place in the thermal grotto itself. The subterranean cave leading down to the thermal spring is a wondrous maze of stalactites – guests can lounge on day beds here in the differing levels of the grotto amusingly named Paradise (around 30˚C), Purgatory and Hell (34˚C) – although hell was more like a relaxing sauna and the tinkling of droplets down the grotto walls (silence is observed in the grotto at all times) makes for a soothing atmosphere. There is a sliver of emerald lake open to the elements (although the lake actually runs so deep it is possible to scuba dive in its tunnels) and it is here the Watsu takes place.
With one hand on my back, I’m lightly cradled, swished and moved around the water’s surface by Poalo, my Italian instructor. The water is body temperature so I hardly feel it, and it is this weightlessness – and the serene calmness it evokes – that has been celebrated by spa-goers and Hollywood celebrities alike.
Bagni di Pisa
Built as a summer residence for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Bagni di Pisa is only 40 minutes from Giusti and a perfect twin stop. The luxury retreat is a showstopper with frescoed walls, palatial suites, gargantuan beds and a suntrap-tiered garden. Giant Dr Vranjes bell jars omit delectable scents that waft along the long corridors – so addictive, it is possible to purchase smaller bottles to take home from the spa.
At its core, the spa is modelled on a ‘health through water’ philosophy. There are small inviting lagoon pools of mineral waters, the day pool sits under a blue vaulted ceiling while the open-air rooftop pool is perfect for a sunset swim. There are steam rooms and saunas to enjoy – including one on the roof – and a peaceful relaxation room filled with twinkling lights.
Treatments are wide ranging to say the least; while many well-heeled Florentine guests visit to simply relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools, others partake in indulgent massages, full wellness programmes, detoxes and medi-spa therapies.
Spa for two
The Hammam dei Granduchi is the piece de résistance – a candle lit walkway leads to a private cave with romantic plunge pool and waterfall. After an hour under the twinkling lights with a special someone, chill out in the capacious neo classical bedrooms complete with four poster beds, writing tables and Carrara marble bathrooms.
If Italy has your heart already, then a stay at Grotta Giusti and Bagni di Pisa will only feed the infatuation. For those planning a city break to Florence (or Modena, Bologna, Parma or Pisa), then take a breather and experience the unique thermal spas distinguished Italian patrons are praying we won’t discover!
Many regions in Italy are literally built on natural thermal springs, and it is this mineral-rich water that makes their treatments some of the finest in the world