SL Gold Hotel Review: Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy
@TYSON SADLO
The Lowdown
Within easy reach of the capital via a 75-minute drive, Fiuggi is a rustic Italian village lined with medieval architecture, cobbled streets, pretty terracotta buildings spread over hills and beautiful views. Split into two sections (Fiuggi City which comprises the old settlement and Fiuggi Fonte in the middle of the thermal area), the village is probably best known for its natural springs (Acqua di Fiuggi) that are said to have healing powers – people have taken pilgrims to the region for hundreds of years. As you drive through the gates and up the winding roads towards the Palazzo, guests are met with an impressive 100-year-old building which was once occupied by Italy’s last king, Vittorio Emanuele III. Today, it’s set on a large estate with restored features inside like Corinthian columns and Renaissance statues, while modern furnishings give the property a fresh feel. From the grand reception to the beautiful dining room, the carefully curated interiors ooze glamour, without feeling too OTT.
The Wellness Offering
Alongside a team of professionals and doctors, Fiuggi-born Professor David Della Morte Canosci has created several programmes for every type of guest – think weight-loss detoxes, immunity-boosting treatments and even Covid-19 rehabilitation plans. Once you’ve chosen the right one for you, you’ll fill out a questionnaire to ensure you get the most out of your stay and treat any ailments, from aching muscles to diabetes and osteoporosis. Here, it’s all about fusing together science and holistic practices, whether you’re treating a condition, recovering post-surgery, or simply need to switch off from the outside world.
The ‘Longevity’ programme aims to combat the ageing process through medical treatments and examinations. Like most of the treatment plans, you’ll undergo an extensive series of tests including blood tests, an ECG, a body scan and cutting-edge tech that determines your biological age. You can even opt for tests like abominable ultrasounds or genetic testing. If you’d rather detox, there are weight management programmes to help you achieve – and maintain once you leave – sustainable weight loss, as well as deep detoxing programmes to reduce toxins from the body. You can also opt for juice cleanses, Ayurvedic plans and a brand new seven-night fitness experience created by Californian retreat The Ranch.
The Spa & Fitness Centre
Aside from the range of treatments on offer, you could easily spend your days luxuriating at Palazzo Fiuggi’s impressive spa which uses Fiuggi waters to full effect. Spread across 6,000 square metres, guests can swim in the main indoor pool which dates back to 1936 and has a newer connecting panoramic tunnel that leads to an outdoor pool with beautiful village views. There’s also a Thalasso pool with salt-rich waters to aid detoxification, modern changing rooms with steam rooms and saunas, ice plunge baths, as well as relaxation areas where you can take a nap or use the mindfulness colouring books. Guests can book treatments in the Spa Suite – complete with a Turkish steam room, jacuzzi and chronotherapy shower – and swim in the second outdoor Olympic-sized pool surrounded by comfy sun loungers.
@TYSON SADLO
When it comes to treatments, you’re spoilt for choice. The staff will recommend what to have based on your plan, but you can also enjoy traditional spa offerings like facials using Dr Barbara Sturm products and full body massages. Highlights from the spa menu include a three-step hydrotherapy cure which includes a powerful hydrotherapy bath, a mud wrap on a floating table and a powerful Scottish shower to increase blood flow; the ‘Spa Wave’ which mimics soft waves through vibrations and audio frequencies to help you relax and unwind; and ‘Psammo therapy’ – a cocooning massage using quartz. Later in the year, guests will also be able to choose from beauty programmes for a 360° makeover.
Daily classes take place in the Pilates and yoga studios, and you can also work out in the state-of-the-art gym situated in the Palazzo’s former ballroom. Here, you’ll find all the equipment you’d expect (treadmills, exercise bikes and weights), plus neuromuscular tech and an Icaros machine for virtual reality training. Once you’ve worked out or booked a personal training session, there’s also the option to book manicures, pedicures and hair appointments, or see the aestheticians for cellulite treatments and minor cosmetic procedures like Botox, bio-stimulation and chemical peels. Don’t forget to visit ‘The Source’ fountain next to the indoor pool where you can try local Fiuggi water straight from the spring.
@TYSON SADLO
@TYSON SADLO
Eating & Drinking
This is a wellness retreat where you are allowed to eat – and eat well. Forget bland dishes lacking in flavour and nutrients – food is at the heart of Palazzo Fiuggi where Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck has created hundreds of dishes that showcase the best Italian produce. Ingredients are chosen based on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so expect dishes that follow a Mediterranean diet. All menus are personalised to your plan and there’s a wealth of variety on offer – whether you’re staying for a week or longer, no two dishes are the same. An example of a light and healthy meal includes roasted cauliflower with puree, pomegranate, orange and hazelnut to start; followed by pumpkin gnocchi with creamed spinach, goji berries and amaretti biscuits; and milk sorbet with lime meringue. Further down the line, guests can book lessons at the Heinz Beck Cookery School to learn how to create healthy dishes at home.
The Rooms
Palazzo Fiuggi has 102 rooms and suites, all of which are spacious with modern furnishings and beautiful views of the private estate or Fiuggi’s old town. Guests can relax in rooms which have all the amenities you’d expect at a top hotel – think modern tech throughout, fluffy robes and slippers, and luxury toiletries. You’ll also be given a white tracksuit you can wear in all areas, from the spa to the dining room. Junior Suites have separate living areas with soft parquet floors and plush textiles, while Prestige Rooms are slightly smaller but come with a balcony. If you want to go all out, the Imperial Suite is lavish, and the Royal Suite has a beautiful four-poster bed and stunning marble bathroom. Elsewhere, guests can relax in the library with tea, play pool in the billiards room and watch films in the cinema.
Out & About
In and around the gardens, guests will find a tennis and paddle court, routes for bike rides and a bowling green. A little further afield, the hotel can organise guided tours of the region’s famous abbeys – including Subiaco, Trisulti and Casamari – as well as tours of the ancient medieval villages of Fumone, Anagni, Collepardo, Veroli, Ferentino, Subiaco and Piglio, to name a few. Adventurous types will enjoy rafting in the nearby Aniene River or hiking the surrounding hills, while those after a bit of culture can make the easy journey to Rome to experience everything the capital has to offer.
The Details
Healing Holidays offers 4-night programmes from £2,599pp, which includes transfers, accommodation and full board. You can also book packages directly from PalazzoFiuggi.com.
Visit PalazzoFiuggi.com
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