Palazzo Fiuggi review: revive and get fit in a stunning Italian setting

The moment I approached the beautiful mansion at Palazzo Fiuggi the term “medical” was out of mind – words like “magical” and “magnificent” felt more fitting. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by private verdant grounds, stunning Italian countryside views add grace to the glamour of the building. You’d never guess that Rome was just under an hour away.

The phrase “there must be something in the water” really does apply at this wellness medical retreat, which proudly incorporates the therapeutic spring water from the nearby town of Fiuggi at the heart of its philosophy. Acqua Fiuggi, which flows from its natural springs and mountains, has been used since the 14th century for its soothing properties. Available throughout the property – from your fully-stocked suite fridge to mealtimes – the water is said to have cured the ailments of people such as Pope Boniface VIII and Michelangelo. Guests can try their luck, too.

Described by American TV personality Oprah Winfrey as the “best wellness retreat of her life”, Palazzo Fiuggi offers “The Get Fit” programme which features treatments, access to the wellness and spa facilities, an introduction to Acqua Fiuggi’s therapeutic properties and a personalised nutrition plan.

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Location and setting

There is ample space to roam within Palazzo Fiuggi’s extensive private landscaped gardens, or you can go on a guided group hike or bike tour to explore the surrounding countryside. Maybe visit the five castles – Trevigliano, Torre Caietani, Fumone, Trevi and Trisulti – or pop into quaint Fiuggi where you’ll find sweet little cafes and welcoming locals.

If you want to go further afield, Rome is just a 50-minute drive away and there are good transport links, including the fast train from Milan. Iconic Italian haunts, including Naples and Capri, are also easily accessible by car.

Rooms and suites

Staying in a junior suite, one of the 102 rooms and suites at this wellness retreat, it felt chic yet homely with sumptuous soft furnishings in neutrals and dashes of calming blues. The sofa and desk added to a home-from-home ambience, while the balcony offered beautiful views of the old town beneath, bathed in lush green foliage with a mountainous backdrop. Bespoke amenities such as the natural vegetable soap continued the wellness vibe.

Accommodation ranges from the smaller “Charme” rooms to the 135 sqm “Royal Suite”, which features a separate living room, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom, dedicated guest service, Murano crystal chandeliers and Italian marble. On the grounds there’s also the beautifully restored Villa Luisa. It has seven bedrooms, including a presidential suite, as well as a private garden, fully-equipped kitchen, steam room, sauna, hammam and gym. It’s also home to a semi-olympic pool, Roman thermae and library.

Facilities

Naturally, Fiuggi’s highly regarded mineralised water has a strong presence here, I really liked the “Fountain of Life” where you can grab a paper cup and drink it from source. You can also float in a salt pool, followed by a magnesium enriched mineral pool; pillows are given to keep your head above the water and make floating more relaxing. There is a hammam and access to a Roman thermae and swimming pools.

If you enjoy group classes then you’ll have a daily pick to choose from such as pranayama (an ancient breath technique), meditation, yoga and Pilates. The well-equipped 400 sqm “Movement Lab” houses Technogym equipment as well as interesting machines you may not have used before such as “Icaros VR” – essentially a video game that strengthens your body as you play.

There is a golf course for those who cannot resist a round and for beauty concerns there’s the spa, with the clinic addressing medical issues. The in-house cinema, a fun addition with spacious soft chairs, adds another leisurely dimension. There’s a Kneipp pool to get your circulation going, a sauna with great outdoor views and a relaxing “emotional shower” that boasts fragrance, colour and temperature changes.

Treatments and experiences

An aromatherapy treatment using sensual oils induced a deep sense of relaxation, while the “Celliss” treatment, a first for me, is a body contouring device which uses non-invasive waves of percussion and suction, resulting in the therapist claiming she could see more toned skin just after one session.

Binaural sound therapy involves wearing headphones and laying on an extremely comfortable waterbed, which is said to stimulate your brain into a deep relaxed state by using certain frequencies and tones encouraging your brainwaves to align with the beat.

Medical treatments come in the form of a curated check-up which involved an electrocardiogram, 3D body scan and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Science plays a role in the results which guests talk through with a doctor. I especially enjoyed the virtual follow-up consultation having left the retreat, which helped put the lessons learned into practice, particularly from a diet perspective. The ability to book sessions with the retreat’s in-house Ayurvedic doctor adds another dimension.

Eating and drinking

Palazzo Fiuggi offers quite possibly the most beautifully executed cuisine in any wellness retreat you’ll find, which delivers on taste and, importantly, health credentials, too. The exquisite presentation is not a surprise when you consider the chef behind it – Michelin three-starred chef Heinz Beck. The collaboration between Beck and Prof. David Della Morte Canosci, a senescence and genetics specialist, translates to the optimum balance of nutrition and flavour.

My favourite dishes included grilled cauliflower with 20 flavours; pasta (yes, it’s on the menu) stuffed with burrata cream cheese, citrus pesto and tomato; and chocolate cannoli with wild berries sorbet.

One of the best parts of the experience was even though the food is calorie counted and healthy, I never, ever, felt hungry. There was an abundance of healthy food, from the hearty breakfasts (which I couldn’t even finish) to the three-course lunches and four-course dinners, not to mention nourishing snacks like vitamin rich smoothies. The changing infused water served in the spa is a treat, with the yellow pepper, green apple and lemongrass varieties being surprisingly delicious.

The verdict

If you want to revitalise yourself in spectacular surroundings and eat stunning, nourishing food, then this is the place for you. Of course, having the naturally therapeutic Fiuggi water on tap is something to value too, along with the cutting-edge medical knowledge and holistic philosophies behind the diverse treatments offerings. This idyllic Italian setting can be enjoyed with a wander into the nearby village or while having a dip in the pool. There is much to savour in this ritzy wellness medical retreat which no doubt will give you reason to rebook.

Yasemen Kaner-White was a guest of Palazzo Fiuggi Wellness Medical Retreat. The Get Fit program starts from €1,745 for four nights. Via Dei Villini, 34, 03014 Fiuggi Fr, Italy; palazzofiuggi.com

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