The sauna area at Hotel Gardena
Hotel Gardena
In this column, I’ve already written about my new love for South Tyrol, Italy. It’s the country’s northernmost province and a two-hour drive north Venice. The Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are located here, and it’s a destination rich with history, culinary culture, active pursuits such as hiking and skiing, and dramatic scenery.
Now, let me tell you about the spas: South Tyrol has a rich tradition of spas where the weary can revive themselves with treatments of manners that feature local herbs and ingredients, healing soaks, steams, sauna,and so much more. Many of the spas are affordable for travelers who don’t have deep pockets while others are decidedly luxury spots with prices to match. Either way, they’re true retreats and a must for any spa lover—all of South Tyrol’s other attractions aside, they are worth planning a trip for on their own.
The options of spas are endless in the region, but I’m highlighting my top six picks below.
The spa at Forestis
Forestis
FORESTIS Set amid a mountain forest and bordering a nature park, FORESTIS is a small luxury hotel with a more than 20,000 square foot spa. The bi-level space has killer Dolomite views and offers both indoor and outdoor pools. Other amenities include a brine steam bath, Finnish, bio, textile and outdoor saunas (the latter is in a typical wooden South Tyrol house), and a Silent Room with a fireplace. There are also four treatment rooms where guests can partake in facials, massages and other feel-good services.
VILLA EDEN A must for anyone who is a sucker for high-end hotels that offer the best of service, amenities and style, Villas Eden is in the jewel box city of Murano. Owner Angelika Schmid, a charming woman who is always on hand to interact with guests, has a two-fold approach to her attractive spa: there’s the medical side where guests meet with doctors to achieve specific goals such as lose weight or counteract stress and the aesthetic side with face and body treatments. Fitness programs and healthy but delicious food- fresh vegetables, green juices, leans seafood and meats- round out the offerings.
CASTEL FRAGSBURG Majestically set on top of a mountain ledge overlooking Murano, this Relais & Chateaux property is surrounded by greenery and has scenic gardens with hard-to-beat views. The spa is just as incredible and bases its treatments on herbs and alchemy from South Tyrol. The products are made by hand and use local ingredients, and amenities include Finnish, bio and infrared saunas, a steam room and …….