Italy – Spa in Pisa
Luxury !
Luxury must be a word invented by the Italians. They provide this so naturally, especially at their medical spas such as Bagni di Pisa, that it makes rehabilitation for treatment, or after an operation, a delightful rest and holiday.
The British have been coming to Bagni di Pisa, at San Guiliano just outside Pisa, since the Grand Duke of Tuscany hosted the Prince Regent (George IV) on his massive souvenir hunting sprees, when he bought up pictures and antiques galore for the Royal Collections. In the 18th century, the Duke, Francesco Stefano di Lorena, built himself a summer home by the thermal waters of San Guilano, and visitors flocked to stay, including Percy and Mary Shelley, and the Cardinal Duke of York, one-time claimant the Stuart throne. Today, the hotel has a ‘Shelley’ event once a week, where guests are invited to have a drink.
This summer palace has been turned into a relaxed resort hotel offering medical treatments, and guests stay in the same bedrooms as the Duke’s former guests. Shown into my bedroom at the Bagni di Pisa Spa Resort, I flopped onto the bed, and looking up, there was the most fantastic frescoed ceiling; something you would only normally see in
a museum (well worth requesting an upgrade). Another luxury is the most gorgeous marble bathooms, with
lots of goodies, and when you check in you don’t get given just any old bathrobe – the Receptionist asks your
size, and by the time you arrive in your room, bathrobe and slippers are waiting in the correct size.
Hotel and pool
Incidentally, showing attention to detail, as we arrived fairly late into the attractive but low-key reception area, I noticed the Concierge had the crossed golden keys on his lapel. These show that holders are members of an elite organisation, at the top of their profession, and only the best hotels employ them – so if you see the keys
you know you will be in good hands.
Often in Italy rooms are arranged ‘upside down’. In old houses the ground floor was used for stores and servants, and the owners lived as high up as possible, to catch cool breezes. Here you take a lift up to the third floor for the restaurant, and walk along a cool loggie overlooking the gardens to reach the Chef, Umberto Toscano’s kingdom. He works with Mirko Micholotti, the Restaurant Manager, who previously worked for Madonna and Buckingham Palace – an ‘unusual’ combination!
Upstairs Loggia
I liked the menu, which made a feature of Organic food, cooked very lightly so it was delicious, but not too fattening. Grilled Salmon Filet with an Aubergine timbale was superb (and light on the calories) as were Yoghurt and strawberry tartlets. Next night we had Beef filet with black summer truffle sauce – yummy – and tried out the Rabbit loin another.
Some rooms have views of the Leaning Tower, others look out to the Kafe Haus, where the Duke’s guests would climb up to take tea and coffee every afternoon. The brochures show an elegant pool, which be warned
- is smaller than it looks. This is because it is filled with special thermal waters (36 degrees) and you are only supposed to stay in them for 20 minutes. These waters are the ones that are used for treatments – and I felt aches and niggles disappear as I paddled around. Bliss!
In winter there is an elegant indoor pool, filled with the same thermal waters.
Around the outdoor pool is a lovely relaxing area, with good snacks – salads and other lovely dishes. Every week there
is a local market in the street outside, and as I got dressed one morning I could look out and watch fascinated as the stall holders set up their fantastic displays of fruit and vegetables – why is it so much fun watching others work?!
Medical Treatment: Under the direction of Dottoressa Patrizia Chiti, this side of the spa is caring and serious,
although Dr. Chiti welcomes you with a broad smile on her face. The spa offers treatments for Allergies
(testing available), Asthma, Circulation problems, Muscular pains, Post Operation especially hips, Skin problems, Rheumatism, Weight loss, etc.
As Dr. Chiti says, “we are specialized in treating obesity, stopping smoking (connected with the weight) and skin medical treatment (with our young and successfull Dermatologue, Dr Damiano Degli Innocenti)”.
Doctor’s Consultations from €50.
Wellbeing Spa: This works alongside the medical side, and the staff liaise with each other – you know that
whatever you need is the right treatment for you. I had dermatological problems, and staff were not only extremely helpful, but took time to explain what was being done – so I could continue the good work at home.
Signature Treatment : Vitamin C facial prescribed to add hydration to an extremely dry face, pitted with rough patches left by the strong drugs I was on. Actually it was four different masks (I think, but I was so relaxed I wasn’t
sure!). They also have Kanebo treatments – using some of most expensive skincreams in world, which says a
lot for expertise of this spa that they are allowed to offer these. Daniele Zaffaina gave me a Reflexology
treatment, which is best I have ever had. For a full hour he worked on my feet, telling me in a soft voice
which organs he was working on – in English and some Italian, but was easy to understand. Then – the
finishing touch – as I went to put on my bathrobe it had been kept in a heated cabinet – that is luxury!
Simply Travel is offering seven nights accommodation for £774 per person based on a bed and breakfast board basis. Departing on 26 September 2009 from London Gatwick, price includes return flights, accommodation, fuel supplements and car hire. www.simplytravel.co.uk or call 0871 231 4055
Tourist Information : www.pisaturismo.it
