This Dreamy Tuscany Spa Resort is the Ultimate Place to Relax

Forget Disneyland.  I’ve found my happy place.  It’s a lux Tuscany spa resort called ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE.

I don’t think I could have imagined a more inspiring or peaceful wellness retreat in Italy.

Picture your most dreamy idea of Tuscany, and it’s all that.  The ADLER Resort is nestled in the hills of the Val D’Orcia region, where the striking landscapes are dotted by cypress trees and that ephemeral quality of light that words can’t quite describe.

Add to that the curative thermal waters from the village of Bagno Vignoni (a few steps away), and a strong dose of pampering for the mind, body and soul.

That’s the holistic philosophy of the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE.

And it’s just what I came for.  I’m guilty of packing too much into my trips – – falling into the trap of needing a vacation from my vacation. On my visit to Tuscany, I vowed to take things more slowly, at least for a few days, and to take the time to soak in my surroundings (literally!).

After all, it doesn’t get higher on the travel bliss scale when this is the sunrise view from your room at a luxury spa resort in Tuscany.

The healing powers of the Tuscany spa hot springs of Bagno Vignoni

In ancient times, Etruscans, Romans and a Pope or two came from miles away to Bagno Vignoni for its miraculously curative waters. The deep hot springs  flow out at a temperature of around 49°Celsius and are rich in minerals that help to cure muscular and respiratory issues.

Although it’s no longer used for bathing, the main square of the town is not a square, but a thermal pool.  Now the ADLER Spa Resort is the place to go to “take the waters”.

The ADLER Tuscany Spa Resort

The ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE was built 10 years ago by the Sanoner family from South Tyrol in Italy.  In the spa hotel business since 1810, they clearly know a few things about creating a blissful atmosphere.  The name “Adler” comes from the Greek word, “Aetos”, which means eagle, fitting for a place intended to let your spirits soar.

The Tuscany spa resort was designed to represent a typical Tuscan villa, with a thoroughly modern take (fast Wi-Fi included!).  Although the thermal waters are the central feature, it offers a full slate of spa, medical and fitness programs, as well as activities to explore the splendid Tuscan countryside and nearby towns.

It’s where to stay in Tuscany

This was my oasis of a room (with a view) at the ADLER Resort –  a perfect spot if you’re looking for a home base to explore Tuscany. Furnished with natural woods and high-quality materials, it had a light and airy feeling of calm.

The resort has 90 rooms in all, including family suites, all equipped with satellite TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, tea and coffee bar and complimentary fruit.

I don’t normally dream of bathrooms, but if I did, this would be it.  There’s nothing like a rain shower, heated towels and a fluffy robe to soothe the senses.  Even better, the robe and slipper sandals comprise the day-time dress code at the resort – – wear it to breakfast or to the bar.  It’s almost like a comfy, cozy day in your jammies.

ADLER also provides its own line of generously-sized amenities in the room – – luscious lotion, hair and bath products made from organic ingredients from Tuscany, South Tyrol and Sicily.  They’re part of a broader cosmetic line used in the spa, and available in its shop.  For example, there’s anti-aging cream made with stem cells and polyphenols from the surrounding vineyards and grapes.  Because wine really knows how to age gracefully.

A Tuscan wellness resort like no other

ADLER’s world of waters and saunas really is tantamount to a spa theme park, albeit with a calmer and quieter atmosphere.  You can be your own Little Mermaid here, singing softly to yourself with the joy of it.

The thermal waters and saunas, as well as fitness and daily activities are included in the overall package at the resort, while additional costs apply for spa treatments.

Built into a quarry of lustrous travertine stone, the centrepiece is the indoor/outdoor thermal pool.  The bicarbonates and sulphates in the water, and 36° Celsius temperature enhance the healing effects on the bones, skin and joints. The intermittent waterfall and whirlpool action, along with the fabulous view, add to the overall feeling of fun relaxation.

For a little more activity, there is also a 25-metre heated swimming pool with a unique, fast-flowing “wild river” channel.

Complete spa relaxation

There is another ‘playground’ beyond the thermal waters.  There are an imaginative and wide range of regenerating saunas and relaxation rooms, where you can indulge in tantalizing steam and aromas.

In the underground salt cave, I floated in 38° water enriched with salts of the Dead Sea, hearing only the sounds of running water, while all of my racing thoughts melted away.

There’s also an Etruscan sauna with salt steam, one with Tuscan herbs and the Philosopher’s Cave, a steam bath in a grotto dripping with stalactites and stalagmites.  I also enjoyed the detoxifying effects of the “Panoramica”, a Finnish sauna in the woods (photo below).

Note that some of the saunas require you to shower and remove your bathing suit before entering.  This is no big deal in Italy, but you can always cover up with a spa towel if that’s more comfortable.

After a relaxing sauna circuit, I took some mellow time to hang out in the Panoramic Relaxation Area, with its hanging beds and water mattresses – a comfy place for a daydream.

Spa Treatments

The luxury wellness resort in Tuscany has 21 treatment rooms with a range of specialized treatments for men and women, from Ayurveda to Vinotherapy.  Yes, you can bathe in Brunello, and then drink some with local cheese.

I signed up for the signature ADLER Water Sensation, a unique treatment unlike anything I had ever experienced.  It was a form of Watsu, a name derived from a combination of water and shiatsu.  It takes place in a private area, in chest-deep thermal water.  Essentially, the therapist cradled me in his arms, rocking, moving and stretching my body in the water.  As he swished me through the water, with one arm trailing behind, it almost created a sense of flying, leaving all of my tensions behind.  It was soothing and unforgettable.

I did not get a chance to take advantage of the resort’s fitness classes, personal training or medical treatments.  There’s a laboratory on site and two doctors on staff, one specializing in nutrition and the other practicing esthetic medicine, such as ultrasound treatments, cool sculpting and facial fillers.  I can see why many guests stay for two or three weeks for the full rejuvenation treatment.

Gourmet Tuscan food

Dining at the ADLER Spa Resort is also an experience in happiness.  The romantic restaurant has a retractable roof so that you can dine under the stars on warm evenings (it’s partially open in the photo above).  Breakfast (which features a sumptuous buffet and omelettes on order) and dinner are included in the package.

Ingredients are organic and local, wherever possible.  And the food is homemade.  Especially the bread.  Despite the spa atmosphere, I went a little crazy on the bread.  It’s made twice a day with organic flour grown in surrounding fields, and ground by a local miller.  The breakfast croissants and chocolatines were amazing.  But, even they were topped by the focaccia, made with homegrown olive oil, herbs and tomatoes.  It’s not surprising that guests buy some to take home on the day of their departure.

I also enjoyed home made pasta with pumpkin filling, and an osso buco nicely paired with a Brunello di Montalcino wine.

You’re in no danger of pruning up while lolling in the calming saunas and waters, because at 4 p.m., there’s cake.  A dessert buffet is served daily in the lounge and you can enjoy your treats in your fluffy white robe on the balcony. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more blissful.

So many more things to do at the ADLER Spa Resort in Tuscany

I also visited ADLER’s “Tenuta Sanoner” winery in the hills above the spa resort.  The wine estate has over 30 hectares of organic olive groves and vineyards.  The family produces four wines made from 100 per cent Sangiovese grapes.  I especially enjoyed the Aetos Sparkling Rosé for its fine bubbles and fresh fruity bouquet.  It paired perfectly with the sunny Tuscan view.

The winery hosts tastings and cooking classes for guests.

To help you explore the region, the resort offers guided tours, hikes and cycling excursions to nearby towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano and to local wineries for tastings.

Free hire of e-bikes is offered to all guests.  You can (and should) also go wandering on your own on the extensive network of hiking paths.  The scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

After my visit to the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE, I’m convinced of the merits of taking some “slow time” to relax on my travels.  I left the resort feeling rested and refreshed and more in tune with the Tuscan countryside.  The catch is that I didn’t want to leave at all.

How to get to the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE:

Rome, Florence, and Pisa are the preferred airports for travelers to the resort.  From there, visitors can rent a car and follow directions to Bagno Vignoni.  You can also take the train to the “Chiusi-Chianciano Terme” railway station, which is 39 kilometres from Bagno Vignoni.  You can rent a car at the station or arrange for a pick-up with the hotel.  Then if you want to visit the Val d’Orcia region by car, the resort has a BMW E-Car for rent at a reasonable rate.

Travel Bliss Now was a guest at the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE, but my opinions are entirely my own.

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