Nestled amid Chianti’s rolling hills, this swanky spa hotel makes a refreshing break from the classical Tuscan farmhouse vibe. Sure, it’s a 12th-century castle with vineyards and an olive grove, but there’s also a seriously impressive gym, glass-walled yoga studios and outdoor pool. On any given day, guests can sign up for a spot of sunset Pilates or don their boxing gloves and let off steam with the giant punch bag. The new wellbeing sanctuary was completed just before the pandemic hit, and offers a range of Asian-inspired therapeutic treatments. Try the signature ritual, which involves an exfoliating scrub made with the estate’s homegrown extra virgin olive oil. Located between Florence and Siena, Castello Del Nero is an idyllic place at which to switch off and spoil yourself.

Perched on the mountain slopes in Italy’s extreme north, Forestis is the Dolomites’ coolest new wellness spot – a mountain sanctuary with a programme that might be more at home in Nepal than this remote part of the Alto Adige region. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer spectacular views over the mountain range, the altitude making it a cool respite in the summer months. Treatments range from out-there forest circle ceremonies using healing wood to suit your tree frequencies, to classic hot-stone massages and salt scrubs. Sustainability also plays a key role here: the construction of Forestis was carbon neutral, and the property uses 100% renewably sourced energy.

Before and after each summer season, luxe Positano hotel
stalwart Le Sirenuse hosts wonderful wellness retreat Dolce
Vitality. Just 20 guests have the run of the place for a week of
yoga and meditation on the terraces, various classes and massage
treatments and hikes along the ancient trails in the hills behind
the property. Walking in the great outdoors plays a key part in the
week-long fitness and detox break, from well-trodden routes such as
the Path of the Gods, where you’ll traverse olive groves and lemon
trees galore, to lesser-known rambles past ancient chapels and
shrines. Of course, just being at Le Sirenuse in itself is enough
to soothe the soul, with its postcard-perfect balconies gazing
across the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Located a 50-minute drive from Rome, Palazzo Fiuggi Wellness Medical Retreat is exactly what it says on the tin. More science-focused than your average spa, it’s a place geared towards serious healing and recovery. The complex is built around the legendary mineral waters of Fiuggi, which have drawn in visitors for centuries and run unpolluted through the grounds. The palazzo’s vast and lavish Roman thermal baths are a highlight of any stay. From this picturesque hilltop setting, Pompei and Naples are both within easy reach, should you wish to spend a day exploring. There are five signature wellness programmes available, ranging from seven to 14 days of unadulterated pampering.

The water at Saturnia’s natural hot springs glows an almost unearthly blue, bubbling gently as steam rises from the waterfalls on a cold winter’s day. Tuscany’s original wellness destination (we’re talking 3,000 years of spa-seeking pilgrims) is still much in demand today by those in the know, attracting Italians and out-of-season visitors during the winter months. The water is a heavenly 37.5°C all year round, and is believed to be rich in energy, mineral salts and vitamins. If you can be prized from the cosseting springs, there’s also an 18-hole golf course, award-winning indoor spa and on-site restaurant.

An imposing red-brick palace that contrasts strikingly with the other, all-white buildings in the ancient walled city of Ostuni, this 11-bedroom hotel is an oasis of tranquillity. Reopened in summer 2020 following an extensive refurbishment, the spa is built underground in the palace’s former water chamber. There’s a Turkish bath, Himalayan salt wall, multi-sensory shower and natural whirlpool, plus a large garden and swimming pool. Unusually for such a spacious spa destination, you’re only a short stroll from the historic centre of Ostuni, while a handful of pretty beaches are also within easy reach.

This magnificent hotel on the shores of Lake Como offers every
wholesome activity under the sun, without ever sacrificing its
old-school chic. Pre-breakfast dip? You have your pick of three
swimming pools or the sparkling lake, found just beyond the
jungle-like botanical garden. Fancy a spot of sunset tennis? Head
to the hilltop clay courts for a knockabout. Elsewhere, there’s a
fully equipped gym set over three floors, as well as Turkish baths
and an indoor infinity pool in the T Spa. The hotel has paired up
with Officina Profumo, a historic Florentine apothecary that claims
to be the oldest in the world, so get ready to discover some
heavenly scents.