Already the view of the landscape near Bagno Vignoni brings relaxation. The fantastic location of the Hotel Adler Thermae in combination with a rich wellness offer, leaves nothing to be desired for anyone seeking relaxation. Many of the offered treatments are related to the naturally fed source of the 50 degree hot thermal water. In addition, the very good hotel restaurant, from the varied breakfast buffet to the multi-course menu in the evening, offers a wide selection and always local specialties. The outdoor fan is offered in addition a varied leisure program beyond the hotel grounds. During a stay in the Tuscan countryside, which is still green in spring, we got to know both the amenities of the indoor program and the exciting excursions into the surrounding countryside to get to know the countryside and its people.
The Val d’Orcia was transformed by man during its settlement in the 14th and 15th centuries. At that time it received its now characteristic hills and the famous cypresses. Harmony of agricultural use in harmony with nature, this is what the inhabitants of the Orcia Valley still stand for today. It is a perfect place to ground yourself.
The Val D’Orcia is located in the southern part of the province of Siena in Tuscany. Since 2004, this landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But even before this distinction, people have been mindful of this beautiful corner of the world. This was the case with the construction of the Hotel Adler Thermae. It is a project of the Sanoner family, who by then can look back on 200 years of successful hotel and gastronomic history in Ortisei in Val Gardena. In Bagno Vignoni they have ventured their first hotel project far from their native mountains.
Sensitive integration into the landscape surroundings becomes the highest architectural principle for the Sanoner family. The result is felt by the guest at Hotel Adler Thermae both during his stay in the hotel complex and during the excursion program. Around the year the team of hotel director Anton Pichler works out an appealing leisure program. We were present at an annual highlight: the 5th Marathon Adler Thermae, a hiking marathon with pleasure stations. We also tracked down a culinary rarity and prepared the delicacy at the Tenuta, the Sanoner family’s own winery, under the guidance of asparagus whisperer Giulio.
The perfect balance between activity and relaxation in the spa area is provided by a 40-person team in league with the 50-degree warm bubbling spring of the famous thermal water of Bagno Vignoni. Already the ancient Etruscans and after them the Romans knew how to appreciate the healing power of these waters. Since ancient times, these springs have been known for their healing properties. They are said to be particularly beneficial for the skin and joints.
In the Flow – The Spa Area at Hotel Adler Thermae
An outdoor thermal pool, a 25-meter sports pool, a sauna lake, a steam bath carved into the rock. Together, the Adler Thermae comes to 1,000 square meters of water surface. The therapists and doctors take care of the guests holistically.
Innovative health concepts such as Haki Treatments are offered. Ever been pulled through 37-degree thermal water on elastic bands? Therapist Antonio Ventura has been specially trained to practice Austrian therapist Harald Kitz’s technique, which focuses particularly on the shoulders, neck and head. The treatment lasts almost an hour and if you manage to “let go” it acts like a meditation. After the gentle stretching and pressure movements underwater, when I get out of the pool I feel bigger and definitely loosened and released.
Tuscany and Dolomites united in care products
The Hotel Adler Thermae works in the spa area with its own care line. Inspired by the two locations of the family business in the Dolomites and Tuscany. Natural, sustainable and free of chemical additives, flora and fauna get into bottles and tubes here. Red grapes of Tuscany with free radical scavengers, honey for suppleness and olive oil as an ingredient with a rejuvenating factor, are complemented by the precious herbs of the mountain world in the Dolomites.
Hiking through Tuscany
On narrow paths past boxwood bushes, olive trees and cypresses. Pieces of forest alternate with undulating meadows, past small streams. It is a steady shallow up and down. In spring, the rolling hills are covered with a carpet of green. From afar – and the Val d’Orcia offers this view at many points – you think someone has poured fresh green paint over the hills.
Regular guests at Adler Thermae, who know Tuscany from summer vacations, are surprised and discover their “favorite landscape” in a whole new way. But already in May the first green fields turn into shades of brown. The durum wheat for Tuscan pasta is harvested, and the green carpet is rolled up again until next year. What remains is the defining geometry of the vines, contrasting beautifully with the rolling hills, broken by the famous avenues of cypress trees that are usually the indicator of a homestead.
Excursion in the morning – relaxation in the afternoon
Every week there are several opportunities for guests to explore this landscape. On foot, by bike or e-bike or even with one of the in-house electric cars. The guided tours are free of charge for the guests, only the consumption on the way is paid. The hiking excursions start early in the morning, right after breakfast. This is the best time for exercise, before settling down for a snack and a first good glass of wine at midday as temperatures rise. The varied program is designed and accompanied by Christina Mairhofer.
Christina is from Austria and moved to Tuscany many years ago for love. She leads the different temperaments of the often German-Italian excursionists in a good mood and with a lot of knowledge about the country and its people. So, well fortified, they meet after breakfast for a hike to a local producer in Castiglione d’Orcia. The Pasquini family produces olive oil, wine and supplies durum wheat to a cooperative for making Tuscan pasta.
Of course, you can also explore the area on your own. Hotel director Anton Pichler has had the hotel’s own hiking app developed. Many trails start right outside the hotel gates and are well signposted. Cultural excursions to nearby Pienza or Siena are also possible with the hotel’s electric cars.
Tenuta Sanoner – Winery in harmony with nature
For those who want to keep their own range of motion smaller, a short walk to Tenuta Sanoner is recommended. The estate covers 30 hectares of land. 12 of them are suitable for viticulture of which five hectares are currently planted in the young winery. In addition, there are about 500 olive trees. The Tenuta, is farmed biodynamically and this in the greatest possible harmony with nature. The Sangiovese grape is grown in different locations. Already after a few years it has succeeded in producing excellent wines.
At the Hotel Adler Thermae and at the events and promotions at the Tenuta, it is possible to taste, among other wines, the Aetos Sangiovese DOC, aged in wooden barrels, as well as the Aetos Rosé and the Aetos Sparkling. The Tenuta Sanoner is a modern building. Much like the hotel, it blends perfectly into the landscape. Almost invisible from the outside with its rusty-earthy façade, the winery offers a highly modern and straightforward interior on the inside. The view from the panoramic terrace opens up an impressive panorama for guests. A wonderful place to taste good wines or participate in one of the cooking classes regularly offered there.
Report on a hidden treasure: wild asparagus in Tuscany
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The cost of half board and on-site activities was not charged by the hotel
