Palazzo Fiuggi: The Ultimate Wellness Retreat
Vittorio Emanuele III was effectively Italy’s last king, given the country became a republic within days of his abdication. As a troubled prince, he found solace in travel. Although ascension to the throne at the turn of the 20th century may have clipped his wings, he yearned for a safe haven to lick his political wounds. In 1914, as war loomed, the monarch nicknamed ‘the Soldier King’ discovered the perfect spot: Palazzo della Fonte.
The palace opened in 1910, quickly establishing itself as one of Europe’s finest places to stay – a magnet for high society and the first hotel on the continent with a swimming pool. Designed in peachy Carrara marble in an Art Nouveau style, it dominates a misty hilltop overlooking the medieval spa town of Fiuggi, just an hour from Rome. The breathtaking views and elegant architecture still exert a magical seduction today. Now, it has been rechristened Palazzo Fiuggi in one of the year’s grandest wellness openings. The brainchild of Italian hospitality giant Lorenzo Giannuzzi, it takes pride in its medical ethos, all within a sumptuous setting that feels inviting rather than clinical. While memories of past guests – such as Picasso or Roberto Rossellini – linger, the experience today is firmly anchored in a scientific approach to well-being.
Giannuzzi made his name with Forte Village in Sardinia, where celebrities seek detox and revitalization. However, Fiuggi’s £26 million renovation seems to push the boundaries even further. It is a place adorned with Corinthian columns and Renaissance statues, with vintage chess tables hinting at a sense of whimsical hedonism. Below, in the spa, an investment in technology and talent shows the commitment to health and wellness.
Cutting-Edge Medical Team
First among the wellness experts is Fiuggi-born Professor David Della Morte Canosci, a vibrant researcher in neurology and internal medicine with affiliations in Miami and Rome. His team of eight specialist doctors has crafted programs centered on longevity, optimal weight, and immune health. Much of their work is based on the professor’s insights into the metabolic and cognitive diseases linked to aging.
Gourmet Dining with a Wellness Twist
In the grandly designed dining room, where handblown Murano chandeliers illuminate original frescoes, the culinary offerings are thoughtful and health-oriented. German-born chef Heinz Beck, a recipient of three Michelin stars, has collaborated with Professor Della Morte Canosci to create a menu of 1,600 customizable recipes. Guests can choose from options like a delectable 1,200-calorie Detox menu or a more substantial Intro line, totaling about 1,800 calories daily.
Modern Amenities and Historic Charm
The 102 bedrooms offer a serene escape with their uncluttered, calming designs. Guests often comment on waking to the sound of church bells and the serene mist that envelops the woods. The new spa structure is modern but pays homage to Fiuggi’s historical legacy known for its healing springs since the Middle Ages. Notably, the spa features three thalassotherapy baths, all filled with therapeutic water renowned for its health benefits.
Innovative Spa Treatments and Fitness
Palazzo Fiuggi features an impressive indoor pool with a swim-through access to an expansive outdoor pool, providing a unique lounging experience year-round. The fitness offerings include a variety of activities, from tennis to yoga, set against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes. The spa menu comprises both traditional treatments and advanced therapies, ensuring a comprehensive wellness experience.
A Unique Wellness Experience
The merging of nostalgia and innovation is evident everywhere at Fiuggi. As my limbs sink into warmed quartz sand and Tibetan singing bowls create a serene atmosphere, I drift into a state of relaxation reminiscent of the Soldier King’s esteemed comfort.
