In Italy, an abundance of mineral-rich hot springs lure spa-goers to take advantage of their beneficial qualities. The 125 F thermal springs that surface in the 150-by-90-foot pool within the Renaissance-era town square, in Bagno Vignoni, feed four amazing pools at nearby Adler Spa Resort Thermae (Tuscany, Italy).

The indoor/outdoor Wellness World facility houses all of the resort’s fitness facilities, changing rooms, hair and nail salons, and 20 treatment cabins. “One duo suite has an en suite shower; the second is designed for the signature Brunello Spa Ritual,” says Ulrike Pichler, spa manager at Adler Thermae Spa Resort. “It’s a spacious cabin decorated with wine-themed murals, two massage tables, and a built-in table that separates the double hydro-tub from the king-size water bed. Our Wine Ritual is unique because after the full-body massage, the provider adds a carafe of Brunello wine from nearby Montalcino to the hot tub; then, after clients soak, he or she returns with two glasses of Brunello and a platter of cheese to enjoy on the waterbed.”

This spa level showcases a round, spring-fed indoor swimming pool kept at 98.6 F that connects to a grand, curvilinear, outdoor pool, which features a variety of recreational facilities, including a hot tub and hydro jets. One accent in the pool appears to be a natural rock formation, from which a waterfall tumbles, massages shoulders, and creates a current for swimmers. For lap swimming and water sports, there’s a second, cooler, 82 F rectangular pool surrounded by verdant lawns studded with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Stairs lead down to The Salt Grotto – a Travertine cave where the pool is filled with Dead Sea salts – and paths lead to The Garden Restaurant. “The oversized, two-story, window-walled lounge also appeals to clients because it has waterbeds and views of a pond-like water feature, the enclosed Watsu Pool, and some of the five sauna experiences, which incorporate different temperature and humidity levels,” says Pichler. “Guests sign up for the Finnish sauna because it is so popular; there’s also a Bio sauna and an herbal steam room.”

Wellness World uses Adler Spa Bio Cosmetics for services, and the organic, plant-based brand is the primary product sold in the boutique. Because the Ayurveda treatments are so popular, the boutique also stocks some Ayurveda items, including teas. According to Pichler, about 80 percent of the clientele consists of return visitors. “Our word-of-mouth has been good since we launched, in 2003, and we advertise regularly, have a strong social media presence and a dynamic fidelity club,” she says. All-inclusive, multi-day, and mid-week packages account for about 30 percent occupancy, including 10 percent who participate in medical programs. “Our 50-person staff includes to two physicians: an aesthetic doctor who performs procedures, including Botox and fillers, and a nutritionist who provides blood tests and prepares individualized dietary menus. Medical stays provide a seven-night detox or weight-loss program, The Adler Med Intensive Weight program, and a three-day Adler Med Revitalized program, which features an IV Drip Vitamin Therapy and Oxygen-ozone therapy. Depending upon the program, doctors do blood work, medical examinations, and reports and there are private coaching sessions.”

To encourage guests to visit and return to Adler Spa Resort Thermae, the resort offers complimentary classes and activities: daily yoga classes, gymnastics, guided hikes, and bike tours. Fine dining, with four-to-five course gourmet dinners are another major enticement, in part because wine is included along with a healthful, local, plant-based menu. “We serve Aetos Adler Wine, Tuscan and other Italian varietals,” says Pichler. Most clients opt for half board, which includes breakfast, afternoon tea with pastries, and a gourmet dinner; some pay extra for the luncheon buffet, which includes grilled items and a self-serve gelato cart. Its beautiful surroundings are also a highlight for guests. “Our location overlooking the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is idyllic and we are fully booked every weekend, mostly with couples from the region,” says Pichler. “About 70 percent drive here is from Rome or Milan and Bologna. Visitors from further away consider this a perfect home-base for touring the Tuscan hill towns.”