In the previous article we discussed the importance of kicking back and relaxing on holidays. No matter how many museums you want to see, shops you want to visit or dishes you want to try, it's best to take it easy for at least a little bit of your holiday.
Tuscany, though the pace of life is calmer than most of us are used to, can encourage running around like a headless chicken as there is just so much to see and do and you're sure to want to do it all.
Luckily, however, it is also the perfect region in which to balance it out with some days of pure and utter relaxation as there are many wonderful and historic spa towns with natural hot springs and top-notch facilities dotted all over.
Tuscany, though the pace of life is calmer than most of us are used to, can encourage running around like a headless chicken as there is just so much to see and do and you're sure to want to do it all.
Luckily, however, it is also the perfect region in which to balance it out with some days of pure and utter relaxation as there are many wonderful and historic spa towns with natural hot springs and top-notch facilities dotted all over.
One of these spa towns is Casciana Terme, located in the Pisan Hills and typically charming with a skyline characterised by terra-cotta roofs, undulating green hills and a medieval bell-tower. The town has over a thousand years worth of history and has managed to preserve its culture and heritage beautifully but is best known for the thermal plant which receives a constant flow of lime-sulfur water at 37°C.
The waters are said to have been discovered by the Countess Matilda of Canossa when a sickly blackbird lead her to them and became much healthier looking after a dip. Visitors to the town's spas today can also enjoy those same invigorating, slightly fizzy, mineral-filled waters, which caress the skin and help de-stress. You can also try other treatments such as facials, saunas, Turkish baths, mud treatments, various massage techniques and Roman baths once you find a luxury villa in Casciana Terme.
The waters are said to have been discovered by the Countess Matilda of Canossa when a sickly blackbird lead her to them and became much healthier looking after a dip. Visitors to the town's spas today can also enjoy those same invigorating, slightly fizzy, mineral-filled waters, which caress the skin and help de-stress. You can also try other treatments such as facials, saunas, Turkish baths, mud treatments, various massage techniques and Roman baths once you find a luxury villa in Casciana Terme.
Bagno Vignoni, meanwhile, is quite possibly the most beautiful spa town in Tuscany. Located in the stunning Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany, it is characterised by its town square that features a large pool, from the bottom of which a number of hot springs known for their therapeutic quality since antiquity bubble up. The town is one of Tuscany's oldest tourist destinations and is a historic spa town which has always attracted visitors to its picturesque setting and hot springs. Sadly, it isn't possible to swim in the town square's medieval pool but there are alternatives nearby. There are several baths in the Parco dei Mulini nearby that are operated by the Township of San Quirico d'Orcia and the facility also offers a wide range of other treatments, including mud baths, reflexology, Shiatsu and a great many different types of massage. Find a luxury villa in the Val D'Orcia and spend a day letting your worries float away in this charming little town.
These are just two of the amazing spa towns and spas that you can find in Tuscany. If you are looking to aid medical conditions, relax, get some aesthetic treatments, or all of the above, any of these destinations would be perfect choices.
These are just two of the amazing spa towns and spas that you can find in Tuscany. If you are looking to aid medical conditions, relax, get some aesthetic treatments, or all of the above, any of these destinations would be perfect choices.
Photo credits
Picture 2: LigaDue / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Vignaccia76
Picture 2: LigaDue / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Vignaccia76
