Italy offers a diverse range of leisure destinations, from Florence the capital city of renaissance for art lovers, to Capri for “La Dolce Vita” fans, to Piedmont for wine buffs, to Venice for romantics, Sicily for foodies, to Milan for fashionistas to Abruzzo or Basilicata for those seeking for adventures. We have splendid coasts, incredible hills, stunning lakes, wonderful mountains, sublime islands and unique volcanoes… you name it, Italy has it. 

Today, on the edge of a new post-covid 19 decade, the travel experience is more than ever, evolving. We have in fact reached a point where the experience was exhausted and travellers were mainly travelling for short time periods and in some cases, people only travelled in order to create social content for their feeds. The needs and desires of people have now changed and travellers increasingly search for exclusive destinations which offer personal growth and well-being programs. In fact, when we talk about wellness travel we talk about yoga, spas, active tours (hiking, biking), connecting with nature, detox programs, fitness schedules and plant-based/organic food. 

Let’s see which are, according to my experience and my taste, the best five wellness retreats/hotels in Italy.

Miramonti Boutique Hotel, South Tyrol (Dolomites)

The Dolomites have become increasingly a very popular wellness destination and spot to enjoy both alone and with your loved ones. I have chosen the Miramonti Boutique Hotel for its unique position — secluded on a promontory 4,000 feet above Merano and for the range of creative and unique wellness services and activities offered. Miramonti as described on their website is a real “oasis of natural beauty, a heaven for relaxation”.

Here a “Body & Mind Coach” will be at your disposal and “forest therapy” is an ordinary on-site activity. 

“Good things take time” - it has always been that way, and it remains that way for us today. In this rapidly-moving age, we do not want to be carried away by the current of “higher-faster-better”, but instead wish to create our own river bed, where our life can flow at our own speed. So we take a lot of time with any new features. We plan carefully. Listen to our guests attentively. Discern their wishes. Reflect. Spin ideas. Build castles in the air. And finally, give our team enough scope to achieve a quality implementation of our imaginings.” - Miramonti

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, Vulcano Island (Sicily)

From the highest mountains of the North, we move to the furthest islands of the South. Here, in the volcanic Aeolian Islands, is located the Therasia Resort. 

I would describe this beautiful place more as a “Mediterranean Retreat”, which is the apotheosis of Wellness. The hotel is surrounded by unbelievable panoramic views which can be enjoyed just through fantastic walks and mountain bike trails across the local rugged terrain. Therasia offers a stunning seawater infinity swimming pool and a one-of-a-kind treatment list in the Wellness Spa. Yoga classes with a unique sunrise volcano view are available. Without forgetting the mud baths. The Sicilian cuisine tops it off.  

 Monteverdi, Tuscany

This hotel is a unique “Albergo Diffuso” located in a living village, on top of one of the highest hills of Tuscany. An Idyllic and Restorative Escape where you can Relax, Refresh and Rejuvenate. The three “R” of Monteverdi. 

Here the contemporary design of Ilaria Miani, meets the medieval history and buildings of this hamlet. Their brand-new SPA includes an impressive underground heated pool overlooking the Tuscan countryside. Also, here there are great options for hiking and biking trails.

“Enter a world of true tranquility in the newly expanded Spa at Monteverdi, a warm, inviting oasis with breathtaking views stretching as far as Siena. This idyllic sanctuary is surrounded by the picturesque forests and hills of the Val d’Orcia, which inspired the spa’s rustic decor. Highly skilled aestheticians perform a wide range of facial and massage treatments designed to soothe, invigorate, purify, relax, and refresh the body, mind, and soul.” - Monteverdi

Reschio, Umbria 

By far one of my favorite properties and estate in Italy. At the border between Umbria and Tuscany there is a beautiful family story: Reschio. 1,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, protected, restored and brought back to thrilling life by its dynamic owners. This property does not present itself as a Wellness retreat, because it is much more!

Count Dominik Bolza, the owner, is an architect and designer – he is the mind behind every villa, room and communal areas. The wife, Nencia Corsini, is an artist and painter who makes the difference in small details. Their taste and creativity come from another planet. Their aim is to protect and restore an extraordinary corner of unspoilt Italy. 

Reschio with its millennium old castle, villas and stables is at one with nature. Once you arrive here, you will not feel the need to go anywhere else. Peace is what you will be looking and asking for.

Here you can practise horse riding excursions, wildlife watching, bee-keeping, biking, cooking, drawing and painting… Their incredible private lake is without doubt one of my favourite spots to practise Yoga or to simply relax whilst immersing myself in nature. 

“Nature comes first at Reschio, and always will. This is Italy as it should be, Italy as it once was, with rolling, golden hills, shady olive groves and dense oak forests, with flower meadows and an irresistible sense of wilderness. A place to let your hair down and breathe deep.” - Reschio

Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal SPA, Ischia 

This has been the latest addition to the Pellicano Hotels, beautiful luxury hospitality Italian branch. Not by chance, the visionary Scio’ Family picked Ischia as location, the most authentic destination in the Amalfi Coast. Once home of the director Luchino Visconti, the hotel with its unique “Red Pompeii” colour sits above a beautiful and secluded private bay which overlooks the Gulf of Naples.

One of the biggest renovations that was made at Mezzatorre, took place in the Thermal SPA, where the source of the water is alkaline, containing: iodine, chlorine, iron, potassium and sulphur which all benefit respiration, arthritis and dermatitis. Guests are allowed to take a real thermal journey starting from water jets in the pools, leading on to Turkish bath, shower and sauna and ending with hydrotherapy. In fact, Ischia has always been famous for its thermal waters and for its nature. The breeze and the sun of this special island will regenerate your body and mind. The Italian vibe will make you nostalgic. 

 By Tommaso Mardegan (Founder of N2S ITALIA and luxury travel contributor)