The Greeks were among the first people in ancient times to know and appreciate hot springs. To their eyes, hot springs and the vapours that arose out of the earth had a supernatural meaning. It is not by chance that their important sacred buildings, such as the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, were constructed near hot fountains. But it was the Romans who glorified this instrument of treatment and well-being through the building of monumental public Thermae. One only needs to realize that in the 4th Century BC there were already a thousand thermal bath buildings and elevenimperial baths in Rome. Tuscany is rich in hot springs. In many locations it was actually the Romans, who were the first to construct thermal systems like the one at San Casciano dei Bagni or at Bagno Vignoni, where it is still possible today to see the beautiful Roman tub in the middle of the town. Chianciano Terme, already a location for the cult of the god Apollo and Diana, known to the Etruscans for its hot springs, became, during the imperial age, a much sought after destination for the Roman Patricians who spent their vacations there. Ancient ruins dating back to the cult of the waters can be seen today at the Museum of Chianciano. Many of these buildings arise today in beautiful locations that are in contact with nature, like for example those at Saturnia, Bagni di San Filippo, and Rapolano Terme, or in historic buildings like the ones at Montecatini.
Symbols of the Belle Epoque, the thermal baths at Montecatini or those at Bagni di Lucca are examples of the refined liberty style. In all of them it is possible to balance the pleasure of a totally relaxing vacation with the need for a medical cure or cosmetic therapy. A place to rest and take care of yourself, in a word, to find yourself.
San Quirico d'Orcia: The Adler Thermae Spa Resort Hotel
At the Adler Thermae Spa & Relax Resort in Bagno Vignoni, hospitality, history and tradition go hand in hand. Situated in the San Quirico d’Orcia valley, the resort was opened in April 2004 by the Sanoner family, which, for over eight generations and almost two centuries, has been at the helm of the Adler Spa & Sports Resort in the Dolomites. Tuscany was their chosen location for the creation of a resort where an emphasis would be placed on attention to wellbeing, love for nature and allnatural products. This choice, however, was not purely down to chance: while holidaying in Bagno Vignoni in autumn 2001, Klaus Sanoner was so enthralled by the natural beauty of his surroundings that he immediately began dreaming about one day opening a spa centre in this very valley. As Anton Pichler, the director, takes great pains to emphasise, the reigning philosophy at Bagno Vignoni is that “the harmony of opposites generates well-being. As such, we offer a rich and varied menu of activities: sport and plenty of healthy movement; Wellness & SPA and sweet idleness; art, culture and fine cuisine. The choice is yours”. Legend has it that, known for their purifying and revitalising properties, the Etruscans and Romans used to travel to this region to immerse themselves in the waters - an ancient ritual that still exists today. “In order to be even more in harmony with nature” - Pichler continues – “we created the Bio-Spa & Natura range. This line incorporates a number of natural Val d’Orcia products such as olive oil, milk, honey, wine and red grape to offer pure and natural treatments that not only benefit the skin but also bring an immediate sensation of relaxation. Having always been nature enthusiasts and lovers of all things natural and wholesome, it was the Sanoner family’s wish that this line of ecofriendly products be developed. We were also aware of a growing demand amongst our customers to be able to take advantage of the most natural treatments and applications possible, looking to the natural homemade recipes that were adopted in ancient times, when milk, honey, olive oil, herbs and fruit were used for beauty and body wellness. And from this the Poppea Massage, which pampers the skin with cream and honey, was created. Meanwhile, the Rêve d’Amazonie - a massage that incorporates melted butter and plum tree sticks - is a treatment based on macadamia nuts and Amazon rainforest fruit. This treatment is for anyone wishing to enjoy a complete multi-sensory experience, i.e. one that is not devoted solely to the aesthetic result, but to a truly pleasurable experience, designed to obtain the total well-being of body and mind.” “New natural supplements and wellness products - such as the anti-oxidizing, organic grape energy drink, “Energy” - will also soon be available”. A relaxing and regenerative holiday in the spa once loved by the Etruscans and Romans.(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
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