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HARPERS SPAS - SPA GUIDE 2005
 FONTEVERDE SPA & HOTEL SAN CASCIANO DEI BAGNI, ITALY
In the green hills of Tuscany, Fonteverde looks out over the Val d'Orcia and
Mont Amiata, the extinct volcano responsible for the thermal waters that gush
out ofthe area's 42 springs. This newly built hotel has 80 plush rooms, and is
connected by an underground passage with the spa, where guests can do much more
than just bathe in the waters. At Fonteverde, stress is viewed as a sickness.
Everyday issues such as insomnia and smoking are taken into account, and the importance
of taking care of yourself is emphasised. There is also a huge range of beauty
treatments, which use thermal mud to improve skin tone and draw out toxins, leaving
you with glowing, baby-soft skin.
The Oriental Watsu - shiatsu in thermal spring water - is a unique experience
that releases tension in your body, giving you more freedom of movement; and Liquid
Sound is a relaxing treatment combining natural hot springs with colour therapy.
Under the guidance of the spa director, Dr Bruno, doctors can plan personalised
prograinmes to tackle specific problems and complaints.
Perfect for... Chic couples, groups offriends from Rome, the odd American.
Feast or famine? This is Italy, so all the food, including the calorie-controlled
menus in the grand restaurant, is delicious.
Need to know The spa waters are a warm and inviting 42°C, rich in sulphates (not
smelly sulphur), calcium, fluoride and magnesium, which combine for an antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and diuretic effect. The water also promotes digestion
and is good for osteoporosis, muscle tone and respiratory complaints.
If you do one thing... Wallow in the steaming thermal infinity pool (reserved
for hotel guests), which has glorious views of the rolling Tuscan hills by day,
romantic sunsets over Mont Amiata by dusk and twinkling stars in a black sky by
night.
FonteverdeSpa & Hotel (+39 0578 57241; www.fonteverdeterme.com), from £699 a person for three nights B&B, including British Airways flights
and Europcar car hire, with Italian Journeys (020 7370 6002; www.italianjourneys.com). ELEANOR SOUTHALL |