I can only get to Tuscany once a year or so, but my wife and I had a thoroughly delightful, local (for us) time at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in inland Southern California. Beautiful grounds, great treatments. It's not Tuscany, but it's close!

Totally agree

I have been in Tuscany now for 2 months and I am really enjoying my spa visits to the natural spring Termes. Recently I visited the terme in Chianciano, www.termechianciano.it, which is located about an hour from Siena toward Rome. As I drove into the property for Terme Sensoriali at Terme Di Chianciano, I realized this is not just one building...but it is a large area which covers a couple of blocks. It's nothing too fancy, but it includes the offices for doctors as well. The Termes in Italy afterall are about healing, not just pampering. Many people will visit the doctor at each terme, get a "prescription" of the water they should take and how often they should take it and then the visitor goes to the thermal pools.Upon arriving I met the spa director Barbara Rossi, a very nice woman who explained the Terme Sensoriali (the pampering spa part of the whole operation) was new...just opened this past October. The spa offers 20 different types of treatments organized by naturopathy experts; the treatments include: energizing and relaxing aromatherapy, turkish bath, chromotherapy, musictherapy, cave of the spring, etruscan sauna, salt bath, and a handful more!A word about the waters...(and each Terme has a different type of healing water)The different spa waters of Terme di Chianciano affect the body according to the varying ways in which they are used for treatment: the Acqua Santa and Acqua Fucoli come directly from the springs in the long-established parks and are beneficial to the liver and gastrointestinal apparatus. Acqua Santissima is utilized for inhalations, aerosol and insufflations, for all age groups, to treat problems of the upper respiratory tract while Acqua Sillene is used for mud baths, thermal baths and cosmetics.Actually it's a little confusing, until you just go and visit one of these amazing places. I had a great experience. I took only a bathing suite...slippers and a robe are provided for each visitor. I put the rest of my things in a locker and then started my little adventure. I followed the guide of directions for "detoxifying" and these are the steps it said to take: First I walked through a path barefoot with soft rocks and alternating hot/cold shower water to help increase my circulation. Then, I went into a sulphur pool, which was very warm and relaxing. After about 30 minutes, I went into the chromotherapy warm pool, with neon color lights, which was very relaxing, then I went into a bagno turco (steam room) . My guide then said to rest in the relaxing area which is an egg shaped area that simulates being in the womb. I walked in and thought it was nothing special, but the sound in the egg was relaxing and interesting. So I sat down and no kidding, 2 minutes later I passed out! I woke up 20 minutes later and was so surprised how the "womb" had such an effect on my. Then I went to the mud room where everyone in there looked like little green people everywhere...we all slathering healing mud all over our bodies and faces...I got a big chunk of mud in my hair that just wouldn't come out...oh well. Everybody else is there with a companion...but there I sat by my green self, waiting for the 10 minutes to be over so I can wash off. Then I had a lovely spa treatment scheduled up stairs from the pools, but I was running a bit late because I couldn't wash all of the mud off...so I ran up stairs to meet Esperanza -- a little Spanish woman in her 50's, there to give me a sugar body scrub and massage. Esperanza gave me a great sugar body scrub made with ingredients from the waters. The scrub was relaxing, then while I wait and lay there, Esperanza filled a big bath tub and then asked me to get up and get in...then she poured some honey-like texture into the bathtub and watched me lounge there, pretty much lost in the bubbles at this point. After 10 minutes, I got out and then she gave me a massage with a body butter. Between the healing waters, then the exfoliation and hydration...my skin felt so good after the treatment. I look forward to experiencing the healing waters of other Termes soon in Tuscany!

It has been a whirlwind of spa visits here in Italy. My plan was to visit spas in Tuscany only, but I splurged and drove south on the A1 highway to Positano. While in dreamy Positano, I stayed at the Albergo le Sirenuse, www.sirenuse.it, ...this was truly one of the best and most beautiful and whimsical places I have ever stayed. The hotel, which is still privately owned by the Marchesi Sersale Family, is a combination of quaint and charming with exquisite style; it is no wonder why Le Sirenuse has been awarded and recognized as being one of the best places to stay and experience. The staff Mauro, Giuseppe, Andrea and Roberto were all so professional, helpful and delightfully friendly. I stayed in a Sea View room (Tirreno Sea) and heard the church bells ring while standing on my balcony looking at the cliffs. The view, smell of Jasmine and lemon blossoms floating in the air brought enough solitude to last for days and make up for the somewhat anxiety-filled, 6 hour drive to Positano from Tuscany. And of course I was there to visit their spa in the hotel; it is an Aveda concept --something very familiar to me as one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara is Walter Claudio Aveda Spa. The spa was not elaborant in size, but rather a simple and fresh feel designed by the famous Italian architect Gae Aulenti. Sylvia Bizzi, the spa manager, gave me a mini tour of the spa. She was so warm and friendly and told me of her spa visit in Thailand. Then, I enjoyed the sauna and bagno turco (steam room), but best of all was the Elemental Nature Body Massage by Stefano. Stefano Imbimbo, a massage therapist who worked previously in physical therapy, treated me with the best massage I have ever experienced (and I have had many wonderful massages!). He started with the aroma journey, which is where I got to choose an Aveda aroma to mix with the massage oil. Based on the scent I chose, Stefano said that I needed to balance my "air element" which meant that I had "too much input in my brain and I was trying to sort out many things"...yes indeed, I thought! His technique, a combination of massage and physical therapy -- stretches and manipulating my spine and neck was so healing and effective. His approach was not shy or hesitant; he was confident in his knowledge and knew where tension lay stagnant in my body. The best part of the massage...Stefano poured hot oil on my scalp, massaged my scalp and then brushed my hair...it was incredible. I would say hop on a plane to Positano just for that part of the massage! Truly though, after his work on my neck, using a technique with a towel to stretch and cradle my neck, I felt lighter, and more "open"...my breathing was even clearer. I stayed in Positano for only 2 days, but I truly enjoyed walking through the small streets, practicing my Italian, meeting a nice baker named Carmene and indulging in the ammenities of my room. I know that I will return to this uniquely mystical place called Le Sirenuse.

Hi Rachel!

Great question...and one of my favorite spa questions actually. I have definitely noticed an increase in mobile spa services...indeed it is nice to go to the spas, but being in the comfort of one's home is an aspect of relaxation you just can't get at the spas...especially if you're on a budget. First, let me tell you of my favorite mobile spa, but she is in Santa Barbara...it's Indulgence Home Spa, www.indulgencehomespa.com. Carol, the owner, is an amazing woman from Brazil...she is so kind and such a great business woman...her business is thriving in Santa Barbara and Montecito. Anyway, some of the best spa parties I have had are with her! She also uses Jaqua products which I love -- pumpkin papaya facial masks, buttercream frosting body butter, chai tea foot lotion...all heavenly. However, even having a mobile spa come to you can be expensive depending on your budget. I find that the best spa-time is doing absolutely nothing...or splurge by getting some great bath products and then taking a bath by candlelight. Living in Tuscany I am reminded of how the littlest things like taking a walk in the country, sitting in a swing, eating gelato or going to my favorite place to read...all of these things are treats for my mind and spirit. In fact, just two days ago I had such a relaxing day with a group of 5 other women; it was raining outside, so we stayed in, sat in a circle, drank wine and ate cheese, nuts and fruit and just chatted...this was better than the massage I had the week before! This was spa-time for me because it was very relaxing. And you don't have to live in Tuscany and Santa Barbara to find a place of rest...create a nook, a corner in your home with pillows, candles, lavendar, your favorite book or magazine and relax there...or cuddle up on the couch and have some serious couch potato time watching your favorite movie...whatever brings rest and rejuvenation...that is spa. I would love to hear other ideas!

Melissa,

Great blog! First off let me say, I am so jealous of your job! All this traveling would be wonderful; but I just don't have the funds to go to all these fancy spas. I'm more interested in your suggestions of incorportating a spa lifestyle in my everyday enviroment. I heard about some Mobile SPArties company based in Florida I think. Do you know of any reputable companies that will come to my home to do massages for my friends and I? Would love to hear more for girls on a budget! Thanks

I am currently in Tuscany visiting spas...yes, I think I have one of the hardest jobs in the world:) Anyway, last Sunday a new dear friend of mine, Birgit (pronounced Bear-get), a lovely German woman whom I met in my Italian class in Siena, introduced me to Bagno di Petriolo. This is a place in nature...in the woods and hills about 45 minutes outside of Siena where there are natural sulfur hot springs. I was so ecstatic that Birgit shared this place with me! It was a bit too cold to get in the water that day, so we just soaked our feet. It was also a Sunday and very busy with many people. This wonderful place in nature is no posh spa, but the simplicity of it is quite refreshing.

Yesterday, me and five other women that I have met through school (one from Switzerland, another from New Zealand and a couple of Americans) all took a little trip to the natural hot springs. After taking a short bus ride, we hiked for about 15 minutes down to the water. It was a beautiful day and we all soaked in the springs. They were so HOT, but so relaxing. We used the mud which we scooped from the bottom floor of the pool and piled it on our faces. Sulfur is a great detox and very good for the skin (especially for acne). After about an hour, we hiked back to the bus stop and came home. It was such a great afternoon with these women, although we all felt very tired and relaxed...and dehydrated! Today I am still feeling the effect of the sulfur. If you are in Tuscany, I highly recommend visiting this place in nature (where comfortable shoes to hike a bit, a bathing suite, towel, and LOTS of water to drink), it's definitely not frequented by many tourists which is nice! Unfortunately (or fortunately) a large hotel is being built at the top of the hill from the springs so I think that in about a year, the atmosphere of the springs will change and take a different shape, inviting more tourists and money. I am very happy I was able to experience it before it changes. Next Friday I am visiting a spa in Positano...I can't wait to share my adventures about it! Ciao!

Hey Melissa!

Awsome blog its on my new favorites, my wife and I are big on spa treatments, but they are on hold right now since we are expecting our first one in a few months. Hope you enjoy your trip

With my recent travel, I have been feeling not quite balanced overall. I also often get questions about what a traveller may do to ease travel side affects such as jet lag, dehydration in the skin, constipation, and nausea. With a spa lifestyle approach, there are a few things one can do to help maintain well being while you are going from plane to bus to train.

1. Melatonin -- You can get this at any health food store (I recently got some at the farmacia -- the pharmacy in Siena Italy). Melatonin helps ease jetlag. Consult your doc before using.

2. Magnesium -- also available at the health food store, this helps with constipation, a common travel side effect. Also consult your doc.

3. Aromatherapy -- Peppermint -- My system does not like flying and I tend to get nauseous. I carry peppermint oil with me which I bought at Aveda, but you can get at other spas or health food stores. Breathing in the scent of peppermint helps me a lot!

4. Lavender, grapefruit, Bergamont -- this mixture of essential oils, which is available through spas that use Jurlique products, helps my dry skin. I keep the small misting bottle in my carry on and mist my face (this bottle is small enough even with the security restrictions).

5. Pressure points -- I talked with my acupuncturist before I left about pressure points that would help with stress, edema, jetlag, etc. Just to relax, simply massage the point between your brows. Or if you tend to get nauseous, put pressure on and massage the inside of your wrist.

6. Enjoy a spa treatment at your final destination!

Thanks TJ!...Speaking of the spa lifestyle, I have the "tough" job of visiting and reviewing spas in Tuscany! I have been here for a week now and will be here for three months visiting the spas, learning about Italian spa treatments and trying Italian skin care products. My first month I am taking an Italian language course that will hopefully help me navigate my way around the spas. I flew from LAX to London, then London to Rome. After 10 hours in a middle seat on the flight from LA to London, I sat in Heathrow Airport for a four-hour layover...dreaming of a much needed massage. I had been cramped up, not to mention carrying a heavy bag on my shoulder. Much to my surprise, I saw a sign for a spa in the airport! I quickly made my way there and asked for a tour. The spa, Urban Retreat, www.urbanretreat.co.uk, owned by Harrods, is quite eloquent and quaint. As soon as I walked in, the noise and hustle and bustle of the airport atomosphere disappeared. I met Rene, Sam and Trixy, all very professional and personable staff at the spa. I was also glad to see they used two of my favorite product lines -- Jurlique and Murad. I indulged in a 30 minute massage given by Trixy the massage therapist. The aromatherapy of the Rose oil used for the massage was also very calming. I cannot think of a better way to spend time during a long layover especially after a long flight!

I am looking forward to your insights and tips on living the spa lifestyle. Welcome to the world of Fine Living!

TJ