The fall season feels particularly suited to indulge in a little spa and pampering time. With the temperatures dropping, the idea of being immersed in warm thermal waters at 36-37°C just feels right, no? The Romans knew about the healing properties of the many thermal springs around Lake Garda, and built pools of thermal waters they could enjoy year round. Sirmione is the most famous, and just recently the Terme di Sirmione group has won some chief awards at the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards 2021 through two of its facilities.
With its stunning position right on the shores of Lake Garda, Aquaria Thermal Spa is the perfect destination for those who wish to enjoy a day at the spa. Winner of ‘Best Beauty Spa’ and ‘Best Day Spa’ in Italy, and of ‘Best Mineral and Hot Springs Spa’ globally, Aquaria offers thermal swimming pools, hydromassage, saunas and steam baths, and a spectacular infinity pool, plus a new program devoted to mental wellness, with yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions.
Those wishing to enjoy the benefits of thermal water for more than a day can opt for the five-star Grand Hotel Terme, also part of the Terme di Sirmione group, winner of the ‘Best Health & Wellness Spa’ in Italy, as well as ‘Best Luxury Spa’ and ‘Best Wellness Clinic’ in Europe. Indeed, Grand Hotel Terme, also spectacularly located right on the lake, with a view over the Scaliger Castle, offers integrated health and wellness programs.
Besides these two centers in the beautiful little town of Sirmione, Lake Garda offers more top-notch spa experiences. On the eastern shore of the lake, the thermal park of Villa dei Cedri in Colà di Lazise is a place of great charm: the main building, now a hotel, is a neoclassical residence surrounded by a large park with centuries-old trees where you can soak in the warm waters of a lake while admiring the foliage. The water originates from two strata at almost 200 meters deep and its temperature varies between 37°C and 42°C.
A few kilometers away in the village of Bardolino, the Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort offers spa treatments, and is the first Ayurvedic center in Italy.
This is a particularly good time to go to the spa in Italy as, starting from 8 November, people can request the ‘Bonus terme,’ a discount of up to €200 on spa experiences in participating thermal centers.
Note: to access spa centers in Italy, you will need the Green Pass Covid certificate.
