Obviously there’s no danger of a communal bath with colleagues supplanting Microsoft Teams in the modern age, but Italians are still big on reaping the benefits of thermal water in their leisure time. I discovered this for myself during a recent trip to Tuscany, home to the hilltop spa town of Saturnia, which overlooks ancient hot springs that have been frequented by soldiers, popes and peasants over the centuries – and remain a magnet for Romans seeking a rejuvenating escape less than two hours’ drive from the city.
The five star Terme di Saturnia spa resort has been built around the thermal spring and offers stressed-out urbanites all manner of ways in which to unwind and restore balance, from day passes that allow you to bob around in the pool all afternoon, to bespoke detox programmes. A strict Swiss medi-spa this is not: many of the robe-clad guests I spy in the gardens have a smartphone clamped to their ear, a cigarette in hand, and their pet dog in tow. Order a drink to your lounger at Terme (where, a word of warning, the algae in the water gives off a sulphuric aroma that’s more drain than Diptyque), and there’s every chance a plate of cheese and charcuterie will appear alongside it.
So, the meal plans and Endermologie treatments are there if you want them, but the vibe here isn’t rigid, it’s relaxed. Terme di Saturnia happily leans into the wellbeing-boosting benefits of la dolce vita – case in point: La Stellata, its hilltop restaurant, where you can linger over rustic Tuscan fare (and a wine list overseen by the sommelier at the famous Ristorante Caino in nearby Montemerano) while absorbing some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
According to the team, a dip in Saturnia’s thermal water – which is naturally 37.5C; basically body temperature – “stimulates the production of neurohormones, in particular endorphins” – otherwise known as one of the body’s four “feel-good” hormones. So an afternoon spent flitting from lounger to pool and back again really is all that’s required to build up some self-care brownie points. Here, medical director Manela Scaramuzzino shares some of the ways in which the spa harnesses thermal water as a potent source of stress-relief.
It’s an all-round wellbeing booster
According to Scaramuzzino, Saturnia’s 37.5C waters – which are “sulphurous and carbonic” – help to stimulate the resting metabolic rate, reduce water retention and boost blood flow. In addition, according to Scaramuzzino: “When drunk on an empty stomach and in small amounts, it facilitates digestion and has a positive effect on gastrointestinal disorders.”
It’s hydrotherapy with benefits
Hydrotherapy may fall under the heading of alternative medicine, but it has been used as a means of providing relief from all manner of ailments for centuries. Terme offers balneotherapy, which specifically utilises mineral-rich water, and designs treatments around thermal mud and its natural exfoliating properties.
Bonus: it’s great for the skin…
The water performs a “natural peeling action”. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of thermal water are beneficial in cosmetic treatments that focus on rejuvenation and exfoliation, Scaramuzzino says, but can also help to ease the effects of psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or acne.
… And an opportunity to pause and reflect in a hectic and hyper-connected world
“Immersion in water is one of the main means of getting back into [your centre],” Scaramuzzino says, “and recharging energy and wellbeing.” Guests tend to report an immediate sense of relief from muscle tension, and within a few days, they note improved sleep patterns, she adds.
