The Sunday Times

ANTI-AGEING FONTEVERDE TERME & HOTEL, SIENA

When you hit 50, you stare age in the face, in the mirror, every day. The time had come to address the problem.
Fonteverde is a spa in the classic Italian mould, centred on bathing in thermal water rich in sulphates, calcium, fluoride and magnesium. So no frills, no flounces, just a luxurious hydrotherapy spa. The Romans used the springs in the nearby village of San Casciano (now an archetypal Tuscan hill town), and the Medici family built a summer home here in the 17th century. Two years ago, their derelict palazzo was redeveloped as the core of a five-star hotel and spa. There are six therapeutic thermal pools, both indoor and outdoor (plus one for dogs), some of them offering views over the rolling countryside of Monte Amiata, the source of the hot water. And, of course, an array of treatment rooms, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
So far, so luxury spa. The difference is that my threeday anti-ageing programme (the full programme lasts seven days) included a thorough consultation with a medical doctor who, apart from carrying out basic tests - blood pressura, body-fat content and so on - tested my blood far antioxidants and free radicals. I then got a stern (ecture on the importance oF Following a Mediterranean diet, including drinkíng two glasses of red wine a day (my kind of diet). Only after the consultation do you proceed with your treatments. In my case, these comprised an antioxidant phytomassage (a massage followed by 15 minutes of hydromassage in a thermal bath enriched with essenfial oils); a session of fitobalnea (again, hydromassage in water enriched with plant extracts); a Dermavital Facial, to prevent and reduce signs of ageing; and a vigorous hour-long ayurvedic massage. In between times, you can make full use of the thermal pools and the excellent restaurant.
Without the medical consultation, Fonteverde would be a revitalisíng indulgence - fantastic setting, fabulous facilities, attentive but discreet service - but the diet plan is a long-term strategy for better health, not to mention happiness, given those glasses of red wine. So, more of a lifechanging experience than I expected. Denise Boutall Did you achieve your aim? Yes, it set me on the road to improved diet and lifestyle. Is it worth the money? Definitely. Mark out of 10 8

Getting there Exclusive Italy (0870 901 4020, www.exclusiveitaly.com) has three nights, B&B, from £675pp, based on two sharing a privilege room and including return flights with British Airways from Heathrow or Gatwick to Rome, and car hire

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