It has been many years since I first visited Bagni di Pisa in San Giuliano Terme, yet my short stay renewed the glorious memories that I have.
Bagni di Pisa is a large health resort occupying a grand 17th century historical residence. The resort is steeped in history and once housed not only the Italian nobility during the 18th century, but also a host of prodigies from Verdi to Shelley.
Maintaining historical aspects, rooms are framed with high, original fresco vaulted ceilings and the opulence of the suites is such that can only be found in grand villas. Large marble en suite bathrooms and a small living room area allow for a luxuriously grand stay. Fonteverde products (the spa group) are offered as well as fitted bathrobes and slippers, adding a personal touch. For those who can’t survive without modern technology, an LCD TV is also provided as well as free internet via a cable although it seems superfluous in such an awe-inspiring and beautiful retreat.
The resort prides itself on its heritage and thus has the Shelley Bar, a fabulous lounge area with velvet covered settees and a flood of light from the large windows that overlook the entrance. The salon is effortlessly stylish and the atmosphere relaxing. It is the perfect area for an aperitif, detente, or a more social inclination. Opposite this is a charming terrace which welcomes visitors in the warmer months to admire this small courtyard and the foliage encompassing it. It is a small retreat from the vast halls that line the walls of the building and a lovely way to while away the evening.
Restaurant dei Lorena offers regional Tuscan cuisine. We like the fact that there is the a la carte menu but also a healthier choice for the diet conscious, in addition to which there is a salad buffet. The selection of olive oils and vinegars from Tuscany is super and their quality exceptional. In spite of the stringent measures a healthier choice imposes, the food here is undeniably delicious and also a temptation to dispose of your dieting resolutions. From appetizers such as bresaola, to the apple and cinnamon dessert, the food is wholesome and scrumptious.
The resort offers several health programmes: An array of weekly detox programmes, wellness packages and the Alkalizing PH Diet in conjunction with treatments from the spa as the ultimate cleansing and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul.
The resort has just opened its second spa, the Bagni di Levante. Walking around, it’s almost like an institution. It seems everyone in the vicinity of Bagni di Pisa comes here. The mud treatments have single rooms where a tube releases the viscous liquid which is then applied to the body for 20 minutes, followed by a 20 minute bath and 20 minutes of relaxation. When I say bath, I don’t mean the large ones in the bathrooms. Bagni di Pisa plays host to some of the most incredible thermal baths and state-of-the-art salt baths in Italy. The water is mineral rich and taken from the nearby Mount San Giuliano and inhaling the air, I immediately feel a sense of revitalization.
A comprehensive list of treatments is offered. The Wellness Centre focuses on health and fitness and the thermal centre boasts a range of beauty and slimming treatments, hammam baths, remise en forme, swimming pools and baths. Various massages and scrubs are incredibly tempting and they all utilize the natural salt that the resort has access to, salt being one of the most potent minerals with numerous healing properties. Formal medical examinations are available too so in a sense this is an institution as well as a resort. Yet it offers the freedom that only a vacation – or indulgence – can. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to try any of the treatments although we did immerse ourselves in the warm waters for a few hours, but we look forward to reviewing treatments next time we visit!
The Bagni di Pisa is one of those places where you kick off your shoes and let yourself be seduced by the natural elegance and beauty of the resort. A stay at Bagni di Pisa allows a total divorce from the mania of everyday life and lets you fully rewind and retreat into nature and the old world modo di essere which is enchantingly irresistible.
Bagni di Pisa Palace
Largo Shelley, 18
56017 San Giuliano Terme (PI)
Tuscany, Italy
Tel. +39 050 88501
info@bagnidipisa.com
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