Discover the Italian Branch of California’s Renowned Wellness Retreat

Italy’s Wellness Culture

Despite a reputation for decadence, Italy has a centuries-old women’s wellness culture, thanks to the hiking traditions of the Dolomites and the profusion of hot springs in Tuscany. Cleanses, intermittent fasting, and kale? Not so much. However, new offerings from some of the country’s best hotels have encouraged even diehard pasta-and-red-wine fanatics to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Experience at Palazzo Fiuggi

The poster child for this shift is Palazzo Fiuggi, an hour south of Rome. The property’s namesake town is renowned for its thermal baths and mineral-rich drinking water; since the Middle Ages, it has been a magnet for health seekers — including, according to legend, Michelangelo. The palazzo itself is a more recent development, originally built in 1910. It opened in its current iteration in 2021 after a renovation added all the amenities of a wellness wonderland: the 64,500-square-foot spa includes thalassotherapy and Turkish baths, whirlpools, saunas, three swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor), and yoga and Pilates studios.

The Ranch Collaboration

Palazzo Fiuggi offers an array of spa programs; however, what caught my eye was a seven-day intensive in partnership with The Ranch, the famed Malibu health center known for its rigorous approach. While most guests arrive for some Tuscan relaxation, my week included four-hour hikes — not to mention calorie restrictions — that pushed me to my physical limits, in a good way. Furthermore, the experience was enhanced by spectacular views of the Apennine Mountains and delightful highlights, such as crossing an ancient Roman bridge and encountering a truffle hunter on the job.

Meals, though light, featured Ranch-ified versions of Italian classics, including vegan parmigiana and brodo (bone broth). We indulged in regular restorative massages and yoga classes, along with consultations with the on-site medical team to monitor our progress. For any indulgence, we had to rely on the guest rooms — think restored frescoed ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, and marble bathrooms.

Nonetheless, my favorite way to unwind was lounging in a fluffy robe by the spa’s Roman-style thermal baths, sipping cups of Fiuggi’s famous salty-sweet mineral water. This picturesque setting served as a reminder that even during a rigorously active schedule, the pleasures of Italy were always within reach.

A version of this story first appeared in the August 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “La Dolce Vita.”