Be Beauty

Despite a history of violent sacking due to its position of strategic importance near many main lines of communication, this corner of Tuscany is now devoted to relaxation with an almost religious fervor. Beautiful, timeless, and inhabited by people from the Etruscans and Romans to the Ligurians, Montecatini Terme and Montecatini Alto are today some of the most popular destinations for all lovers of the spa life.

Montecatini Alto, the original settlement, though featuring many typically medieval characteristics and being very typical of the time at which it was founded, has a quality to it that encompasses many different eras while still not being heavily linked towards any particular one. Overlooking the Vallis Nebulae (Valley of Fog), the views from here are absolutely spectacular, and well enjoyed with a nice local treat or glass of wine (Vin Santo is a popular sweet wine often used at mass and particularly wonderful in this area) in the main piazza after visits to the many towers, fortresses and medieval structures on offer.

The real fun however, is enjoyed in the newer, Liberty style town of Montecatini Terme down below, and connected to Montecatini Alto by a Funicular. Fun to ride for ambiance, and absolutely amazing for views, the Funicular is a convenient, safe way to get around and part of what keeps both parts of town thriving. So named for its thermal baths, Montecatini Terme is a hot bed of thermal activity and thus home of spas that rival those in the Alps. The real town pride and staple is the Terme di Montecatini spa, which attracts thousands of tourists yearly and is almost single handedly responsible for the economic rejuvenation of the town throughout the centuries. Even as far back as Roman times the local waters were known and coveted for their healing powers, especially with respect to their curative powers in regards to respiratory ailments and have now been clinically checked and quality controlled by trained professionals.

Terme di Montecatini Spa offers a wide range of treatments, as well as being quite the eye pleaser with its sprawling grounds, gardens, and generally peaceful arrangement of verdant tranquility. Offering massages from Ayurvedica, to Oriental, to hydrotherapy, to anti-stress, to skin rejuvenating, to aromatherapy, this spa truly puts it all on the table. And massages are just a starting point. Algae packs, facials, manicures, pedicures, baths in the wonderful, medically acclaimed and tested thermal pools, and an array of respiratory therapies truly make this spa the touristic draw it’s been for years. Prices that range from a simplistic pittance to typical spa rates mean the variety on offer is quite wide and accessible for a range of clientele from all walks of life.

As important as beauty is to Italians, perhaps food is more important and much of Italy’s beauty pours through the flavors in their dishes. Any culinary opportunity in Tuscany is not to be missed, and Montecatini Terme is absolutely no exception. Cialde is the perfect way to start or end a day, being the local cookie and thus appropriate on all occasions and any time of day. Made with thin wafers, sugar, and almonds, this light treat is an exquisite Tuscan treat. Not just famous for its clouds, the valley is also valued for its confectioners and is thus appropriately nicknamed “Chocolate Valley.” It would be good to have enough time to visit one of the chocolate manufacturers of this so called “Chocolate Valley”.

Sweet teeth aside, they do eat real food in this region as well, including Tuscan favorites such as Bread Soup, Farro Soup, Ribollita, Farinata, and of course, Pasta e Fagioli, a pasta bean dish that really hits the spot on a cold winter’s night. A spot to hit for some tasty cuisine would definitely be the restaurant at the fabulous Ercolini & Savi Hotel.

Renowned for its Liberty Style, service, and the fact it’s been owned and managed by the same family since the get go has definitely given Ercolini & Savi quite the reputation. And of course no one minds proximity to the Spa. Though renovated about 15 years ago, Ercolini & Savi has update beautifully while holding true to tradition and its original somewhat floral style.

The restaurant of course holds true to tradition too, though the chef uses only seasonal ingredients and is happy to accommodate requests and of course add a little fusion and personal pizzazz to the menu.

Cuisine, history, architecture, and spa style care aside, Montecatini Terme and Montecatini Alto are truly a twin pair of hidden Tuscan gems not to be missed and definitely to be treasured. Soaking up the scrumptiousness of the spa can bring one to bliss and bliss only.