The Tamesis
What should you try?
Here, it’s all about bathing. But beyond the water itself, which is rich in sulfur, carbon dioxide, bicarbonates and minerals, what makes this experience unique is the thermoplankton, a microorganism that grows naturally in sulfurous water and is considered the skin’s secret boon. Supposedly, it helps rebalance, relieve inflammation, and support cell turnover. You’ll see many guests having algae and dirt thrown on their faces while soaking.
There are various add-ons to the basic bathing routine: skin and body products, facial and body treatments, which include a skin care range derived from thermal water and plankton, and mud therapies using clay matured in the same mineral water. Nowadays people are paying more and more attention to the therapeutic content, I particularly like Terra and Acqua, which combines Eastern, Ayurvedic and Western techniques, using hot spring mud and spring water to detoxify and relax.
Beyond that, I recommend a treatment with on-site naturopath Laura Quinti. Laura is not for the faint of heart: Just by checking my irises, she told me more about my gut microbiome than I expected from a long list of tests. She will be very direct and tell you what she thinks you need. The hotel has worked with her for many years in naturopathic consultations, bioenergetic cleansing, Reiki and crystal work. I spent 45 minutes with her and was convinced I had been to another planet for hours. After the session, there was a real change in my body. Buccioti wasn’t surprised when I told her. “The treatment can go as deep as you want it to,” she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Terme di Saturnia
What else do we need to know?
If possible, stay longer than three days. I know this is annoying advice; everyone has their own life! But it’s true. Something changed after the third day. Your nervous system recognizes that you are safe. In any case, the best thing to do is not to cram too much into the experience: sleep, eat, take a bath, get up close and personal with something truly ancient and somewhat magical.
