Spas in Italy (and one in London!)
While in Italy I visited Centro Benesseres (spas) and Terme’s (healing hot spring waters); the difference – Spas are typically like the day spas in America or similar to simple spa services in hotels. Terme’s on the other hand, are places where the natural hot springs are used for healing, prevention and relaxation. Because of the trend in the spa and beauty industry though, many Terme’s also have a spa; in another words, there are healing water pools to rejuvenate and relax and then there is a spa where traditional spa services like facials, body treatments and massages are offered. Even with these traditional spa services offered, I still noticed that the focus was not on the ultimate pampering services, but rather the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, there was no spa music, no spa lighting or candles, no aromatherapy (there were a few exceptions), but otherwise, it was not viewed as indulging, but rather maintenance and my therapist or esthetician would speak with me throughout the treatment.
In America, spa treatments are centered around relaxation and pampering and the spa trend in America is a fairly new one compared to Italy’s 2000 year history of using healing waters. The terme’s are natural hot springs and are located all over Italy and each terme has a different type of healing water. In Italy however, the spa lifestyle is and always has been more focused on health rather than beauty. The thermal waters can be preventative and healing for various medical issues, but are also simply relaxing, therefore good for your health and beauty.
Regarding medical spa services such as chemical peels, botox, lasers and other similar treatments, I had limited experience with those types of treatments in Italy. Medical spas and treatments are available, but it seemed medical spas were only in the bigger cities; Florence for example has a new medical spa with a plastic surgeon on staff. Otherwise, I think patients see their dermatologists; this scenario is similar to what it is in the U.S. Estheticians in Europe are highly trained with much more education than estheticians in America and I, being a California licensed esthetician, would not be able to work in Europe unless I took additional training for at least 1-2 years.
Quick links:
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse, among the Leading Hotels of the World, is a breathtaking boutique hotel in Positano. I actually drove from Tuscany to Positano (it took me about 5 hours), but as I drove along the Almalfi Coast, I was in awe … and also holding my breath as I drove around each hairpin curve and saw a tourist bus coming from the other direction. The hotel, Le Sirenuse, is the most beautiful hotel I have ever been to and each staff member was beyond kind and courteous. The spa within the hotel, is not a terme, rather it is a simple and elegantly designed spa with a steam room and sauna. The spa is also an Aveda concept spa, which offers aromatherapy with each treatment. I received a one-hour massage by a massage therapist named Stefano; it was the best massage I have ever received. Included was aromatherapy, stretching, massage and scalp massage. Le Sirenuse and Positano were a whimsical dream, almost surreal for me.
San Lorenzo a Linari, Siena, Tuscany
San Lorenzo a Linari Spa is a lovely little boutique spa and residence. Visitors do not have to be guests of the hotel to use the spa. I love the location of this quaint little spa; it’s just about 20 minutes from Siena in the country. The setting is peaceful and quiet; upon arriving I was offered a cappuccino by the owners. The prices are reasonable and comparable to a day spa in the U.S. They offer traditional spa services and also encourage the use of hydratherapy. The category of Linari is private and charming, like a bed and breakfast in the country.
Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany
Terme di Saturnia is about 2 hours from Siena, between Grosseto and Siena. It is tucked away in the rolling hills of Tuscany (and to me seemed to be the most green of all Tuscany.) Terme di Saturnia is one of the most well-known termes and another Leading Hotel of the World and when I saw it, I knew why – the property is ancient and amazing. First I soaked in the warm, sulphur pools and Roman bath; I even drank the water, which was not refreshing, but very good for my digestion. After indulging in the natural healing pools, I visited the Centro Bennessere (spa) and received a facial. The facial focused less on pampering and more on just providing an effective facial, which I appreciated. Nevertheless, I still was so relaxed from the Roman bath that I fell asleep and actually woke myself up snoring! (I have never fallen asleep during a facial, nor am I a person who snores!). Terme di Saturnia actually creates it’s own skin care line by using the healing waters; the product line is extremely nourishing to the skin. The setting is peaceful countryside with the elegance of a resort spa.
A recent addition – a gorgeous golf course surrounded by solitude for a perfect game.
Terme di Chianciano, Tuscany
Terme di Chianciano is located about one hour south of Siena. As I drove into the property for Terme Sensoriali at Terme Di Chianciano, I realized this is not just one building...but it is a large area which covers a couple of blocks. Upon arriving I met the spa director Barbara Rossi who explained the Terme Sensoriali (the pampering spa part of the whole operation) was new and opened October 2006. The spa offers 20 different types of treatments organized by naturopathy experts. I took only a bathing suite, slippers and a robe are provided for each visitor. I followed the guide of directions for "detoxifying.” First I walked through a path barefoot with soft rocks and alternating hot/cold shower water to help increase my circulation. Then, I waded in a warm sulphur pool, which was inside, but then had a motion-censored sliding glass door that led outside. After about 30 minutes, I went into the chromotherapy warm pool, with neon color lights, then into a bagno turco (steam room) . I had a lovely spa treatment scheduled with Esperanza -- a little Spanish woman in her 50's, she gave me a sugar body scrub; the scrub made with ingredients from the waters. Finally, I soaked in a warm-water with honey, bathtub and the treatment was finished with a massage with body butter. Between the healing waters, then the exfoliation and hydration...my skin felt so good after the treatment.
Bagni di Petriolo Natural Hot Springs
Bagni di Petriolo is a place in nature; it is located in the woods and hills about 45 minutes outside of Siena where there are natural sulfur hot springs. This rugged relaxation spot is no posh spa, but the simplicity of it is quite refreshing. The sulphur water is extremely healing and very hot. If you are in the Monticiano area (between Siena and Grosseto), I highly recommend visiting, it's definitely not frequented by many tourists which is nice! Unfortunately (or fortunately) a large hotel is being built at the top of the hill from the springs so I think that in about a year, the atmosphere of the springs will change and take a different shape, inviting more tourists and money. I am delighted I was able to experience it before it changes.
Hotel Al Sorriso, Levico Northern Italy
Levico is a charming little town not far from Trento. The scenery is mountainous views with snow tips and serene lakes. The centro benessere (spa) located in this family-owned quaint boutique hotel is right across the street from the lake. The spa is welcoming with a pool, steam and sauna room and even a nap room. Spa treatments, including acupuncture are available as well. The hotel and spa are in the category of cozy.
Urban Retreat, Heathrow Airport – Terminal 1, London
After flying for 10 hours, then sitting in Heathrow London Airport for a 4-hour layover, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered Urban Retreat Spa. I received a simple, but much needed massage. Urban Retreat provides a mini escape from the airport hustle and bustle; nap and relaxation rooms are also available. This sure beats taking a nap on the airport chairs. Urban Retreat uses Dr. Murad and Jurlique products.
Blogging & Journaling
One of my most pleasant, but surprising delights in Italy, was writing about my experiences in a blog – an online casual journal. Initially I expected that using the blog would simply be a more efficient way for my friends and family to know what I was up to in Italy … and it certainly accomplished that! This method of communication was so much better than a mass email to everyone, not to mention, the readers really enjoyed being able to read about my adventures in this format.
Even though I am a writer, I was fairly new at blogging. I considered it casual and “unofficial”, consequently, I had no pressure of editing, grammar, or deadlines for magazines. I learned this was a great cure for writer’s block, (and the amazing adventures I experienced were also good medicine). This no-pressure approach to writing sparked a creative, relaxed and humorous side to my writing which I loved!
And even though I am not a fan of reality tv, blogging is a similar mechanism – relating to ordinary people in everyday life with no editing.
Thinking of a “Title of the Day” for my blog entries became a fun concept for me and caught the attention of the readers of my blog. Just a few of my blog titles included:
Now, I have a record of my travels that I can often refer to and the blog also becomes a reference for others with links and other tid bits of information. I also thoroughly enjoy teaching others how to blog and write candidly about life and travel experiences – these words are rich and often times even better than photos. Finally, this concept of blogging about every day life is compatible with my preferred travel – what many call “slow travel.” This is a philosophy on travel which has few lines to wait in, no maximizing of time and places seen, few tourist spots and guided tours, but rather actually “living” an experience and appreciating the cultural simplicities and treasures.
Photo Slideshow
I have 600 photos from my three months in Italy; for this slideshow I think there are about 300 – despite the beauty of the countryside and the art, after so many photos, they do all tend to look the same. You will see few photos of me in this slideshow; you will especially not see photos of me with the well-known monuments (ie. Me “holding up” the Pisa tower). Instead, you will see beautiful landscape, lifestyle, interesting people and funny situations (ie. I have photos of other people taking photos while they are trying to get situated in just the right way to “hold up” the Pisa tower). Some photos may not make any sense to you or look interesting, but they remind me of something or someone.
The slideshow is simple and basic; it covers the highlights of my trip – Students I studied with, the Contiki Tour, Julia and Nicole, the spas I visited and little things in between. I’ll state the obvious; seeing photos of rolling green hills, hot springs, La Pieta, the David and Colosseum (just to name a few) give only a hint into the spectacular sights. The photos certainly do not show the feelings I had when I saw these things and how my eyes often times just felt like I could not open them wide enough to take it all in. Photos that you see of the people I met – they are only faces in the photos, but there is some crazy, sad or funny story behind each one at the time the photo was taken.
If you wonder about the relevance of music – why I chose these random songs to play with my slide show? Well, it’s simple … there were a handful of songs that Julia, Nicole and myself heard over and over on the radio – Italian and English and still when we hear them, they remind us of Italy. Another song was one that was played every morning as we started our Contiki Tour. I hope you enjoy the photos and fun music from my trip to Italy!