A Luxury Wellness Escape in the Heart of the Maremma
There are places in Italy where nature speaks louder than anything man-made, and Terme di Saturnia Natural SPA & Golf Resort is one of them. Set among the quiet rolling hills of the Maremma, this five-star retreat sits directly atop one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural hot springs, where mineral-rich water emerges at a constant 37.5°C. What makes the experience unforgettable is how seamlessly the resort blends this ancient natural phenomenon with modern wellness, understated luxury and the soft beauty of southern Tuscany.
Although clearly designed with adults in mind, it’s a destination that can also be appreciated by mature teens. I visited with my daughter, and the stay became one of those peaceful, indulgent getaways that linger long after returning home.
The Resort: A Sanctuary Built Around a Living Spring
Arriving at Terme di Saturnia feels like stepping into a slower rhythm. The architecture is warm and minimal, where natural textures, pale woods and earthy tones reflect the surrounding landscape. Our room opened onto expansive countryside views, and the first thing that struck me was the light—soft, golden, and endlessly calming, especially at sunrise.
The greatest luxury of the resort is the exclusive access to the natural thermal crater, the very place where the spring water rises after its 40-year journey through volcanic rock. Surging up at 37.5°C and replenished at 500 litres per second, the water is always warm, pure and velvety. It never stagnates, never cools, and feels incredibly soothing at any hour of the day or night.
Guests quickly learn that the algae in the water is part of the wellness experience itself. You’ll often see guests smoothing it onto their skin—it’s the same algae used in the resort’s beauty products.
There is also a small fountain where you can drink the thermal water. A single cup on an empty stomach is recommended, and it’s said to support digestion and cleansing. Whether or not you believe in its therapeutic properties, sipping warm spring water directly from the source feels like a ritual from another era.
Several mornings, we surrendered fully to indulgence and ordered breakfast in bed. The trays arrived beautifully arranged with pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs made to order and strong Italian coffee. Enjoying it by the window overlooking the countryside was one of those small luxuries that set the tone for a perfect day.
Spa & Wellness Treatments
Wellness at Terme di Saturnia is grounded in the Terme di Saturnia Method, a holistic approach that combines medical assessment, thermal therapy, tailored spa treatments, nutrition, movement and naturopathy. Programmes can be structured around detox, relaxation, anti-aging, metabolic balance or complete rejuvenation.
Two treatments left a lasting impression: The ‘Anti-Age Active Beauty’ was genuinely the best facial I have had in Italy—my skin felt lifted, bright and refreshed immediately afterward.
The second treatment, ‘Ulivitas’, is a full-body massage using Tuscan olive oil, inspired by local tradition. When combined with the natural thermal water, which boosts circulation and reduces inflammation, the treatment becomes deeply restorative. I walked out feeling lighter, calmer and, quite honestly, like a new person.
Cascate del Mulino: Tuscany’s Most Photographed Thermal Pools
A short walk from the resort brings you to the Cascate del Mulino, the public waterfalls that have become a postcard symbol of the Maremma. Pale-blue water cascades over smooth travertine terraces, forming natural pools that remain warm throughout the year.
Because the water first emerges at the resort before flowing downhill, the temperature at the cascades is slightly cooler—usually around 30–32°C—and the area tends to be busier, especially on weekends. It’s absolutely worth seeing at least once, especially for first-time visitors.
But returning afterward to the resort’s private crater—with its warmth, quiet atmosphere and guest-only access—makes you appreciate how rare and special the experience truly is.
Dining in Tuscan Tradition
Dinner at La Stellata, the resort’s rustic-chic country restaurant across the golf course, was one of the highlights of the trip. A private car collected us from the main resort, giving the evening a touch of ceremony, almost like being chauffeured to a romantic dinner.
The atmosphere was cosy and intimate. We ordered the Chianina IGP Florentine steak, made from one of Italy’s oldest and most prized cattle breeds. Before grilling, the staff gave a surprisingly detailed explanation of the different cuts and the history of Chianina beef—a charming and insightful introduction to Tuscan culinary heritage.
When the steak arrived, perfectly charred on the outside and beautifully tender within, it needed nothing more than salt and a touch of olive oil. Meals here are thoughtful, unhurried and deeply rooted in local ingredients—an ideal extension of the resort’s wellness philosophy.
Exploring the Tuscan Maremma
One of the pleasures of staying at Terme di Saturnia is exploring the surrounding countryside. The resort provides complimentary e-bikes, which we used for leisurely rides through quiet lanes framed by cypress trees, wide farmland and vineyards that stretch into the horizon. Getting a little “lost” was part of the charm.
The Maremma is full of small discoveries:
- Montemerano, a UNESCO-recognized stone village just 10 minutes away;
- Pitigliano, the “Little Jerusalem,” built dramatically into tufa cliffs, 30 min away;
- and ancient Etruscan sites dotted across the landscape.
Why Terme di Saturnia Is a Must-Visit Wellness Destination in Italy
While Tuscany is known as a spring and autumn escape, Saturnia is equally enchanting in the winter months. The constant temperature of the spring keeps the pools warm and inviting even when the air is cool.
For anyone seeking to unwind — whether for a weekend or an extended retreat — Terme di Saturnia is one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations. It is a place where nature sets the pace, wellness feels effortless, and every detail encourages deep, restorative calm. It’s rare to find a destination in Italy that feels equally suited for wellness, exploration, and relaxation in every season. Terme di Saturnia is one of them.
Article by Easy Milano editorial staff
Photos courtesy of Terme di Saturnia
