Adler Thermae Spa & Wellness Resort is an expansive spa in the peaceful Orcia Valley's Tuscan countryside is the newest offering from the Sanoner family, which opened its first resort in the 1800s in Italy's Dolomite Mountains. The family still operates the Adler Wellness & Sports Resort there.

Adler Thermae is a sprawling, relaxation oasis that opened in 2003 (and was introduced to the American market in 2004). Its location, the Orcia Valley, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and uniqueness.

The resort transports mind and body starting with the how and where it is sited. The resort's thermal waters originate in Monet Amiata, visible from the property. There, deep inside the mountain, the rainwater collects and seeps slowly through the bedroock over the decades becoming enriched with minerals and sulphur to surface at 50º C on the resort grounds. The main house - replicating a three-story, rural villa - overlooks the large indoor/outdoor thermal pool complex that sits on a high, green plain from which Tuscan hills can be viewed in every direction. Particularly prominent is the Orcia Castle, seeming to keep a watchful eye from the distance.

The spa not only pampers but incorporates those ancient thermal, or "thermae," healing waters popular here for centuries. The resort is adjacent to the village of Bagno Vignoni, crucial in the site selection. Here, the ancient bath in the central square was long frequented by Romans because of its location near the pilgrim's path to Rome. The village is a mere 10-minute walk from the resort along on a lighted, paved footpath. Take a night stroll under the Tuscan sky.

It will take much, however, to pull guests away from this heart of healing in the hills. And why wander? Everything is here, from gourmet cuisine and Italian wines, to wine and olive oil tastings, to spa treatments, fitness center and activities that embrace the Tuscan countryside, plus family programs.

The spa itself features so many areas to sample that it will take several days at full schedule to experience it all. Among the don't-miss spots are:

• The vast 35º C thermal pool that transitions from indoors to outside under a footbridge. There's a separate fitness pool next to it with hydra bikes; both offer spectacular views.
• Grotta Salina (underground salt water grotto). This shallow bath features Dead Sea salts, special lighting and music. Guests reserve 20-minute appointments, 2-4 people at a time.
• Artemisia herbal steam room.
• Etruscan bath with salt steam.
• Argillae rasul mud bath.
• Olivae, olive wood sauna on its own island.
• Grotta del Filosofo steambath with candle light and music.
• Watsu screened hut with 35º C thermal pool.
• Upstairs relaxation lounge with waterbeds.

©2007 Luxury Travel Magazine. Written by J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M. Newbern for Luxury Travel Magazine. Freelance travel journalists Fletcher and Newbern often incorporate their romantic travels into their other business, www.yournovel.com, where they put you and your sweetie in your own personalized romance novel "wild" or "mild."

AMENITIES

Lobby Internet access; and in-room cable Internet connections
Bathrobes and slippers
Hair dryer
Electronic, in-room safe
In-room coffee maker and mini-bar
International direct-dial telephone
Satellite TV with international channel selections
Bio-air-conditioning
Multi-line telephone (ISDN)
Non-allergic pillows available

DINING

The upper-floor Italian Piazza Restaurant is elegant and features a live tree, retractable roof and Mediterranean villa design.
The chef de cuisine and his team emphasize variety and the best of typical Tuscan cuisine.
A varied choice of “ fitness & health” and vegetarian dishes are served daily.
Gourmet events every week.
Half-board packages feature breakfast with fresh juice bar, eggs and freshly prepared specialties, fresh bakery, homemade jams, bio-products.
Afternoon buffet features, among other things, fresh fruit salad and homemade cakes and biscuits, for a relaxing pause.
Dinners are four- to five-course gastronomic events, with unusual entrees, like pigeon, rabbit and boar sprinkled among beef, chicken, fish and pasta offerings, plus and a wide choice of specialties “a la carte.” An extensive buffet of fresh salads, cheeses and desserts complement the culinary presentation.
A poolside indoor/outdoor Osteria offers casual lunch and snacks (spa robes and swimsuits are acceptable attire).

LEISURE

Piano Bar with live entertainment and outdoor terrace overlooking the large pool, and Tuscan hills and castle
Welcome night complimentary cocktails
Wine and olive oil tastings in the on-site wine cellar, "In Vino Veritas," plus gourmet regional foods for sale
Walking path
Kids' Club with barbecue, theater, creative workshops, water games and sports
Teen Lounge with movies and workshops
Wild river water stream
Tea time with teas, milkshakes, cappuccinos and homemade cakes and pies
Guided excursions (see area attractions)
Spa Treatments: Stretching Class, Aqua Gym, Hydro bike in the pool, Pilates & Yoga, Posture Class, Zen Stretch, Water Pilates, Watai stretch in the pool, Watsu, Personal trainers

More than 100 spa treatments and beauty/well being offerings
Medical evaluation with on-site doctor, including respiratory, food intolerance, Bach Flowers remedies, body composition, lactate check-test and blood analysis
Thermal cures, baths, wraps, Vichy shower
Body styling and Thalasso
Massages and physiotherapy
Ayurveda and Oriental, i.e., Kerala, Abhyanga, Shiatsu
Facial treatments and beauty services including manicure/pedicure
Well being for hair
Special regional spa treatments using olive oil, red grapes and sheep's milk with honey

EXPLORE

Guided excursions including:
Siena
Bike tour to Pienza on the trail of the movie "Gladiator"
Horseback riding in Orcia Valley
Abbey of Mounte Oliveto Maggiore
Pienza, Sant'Anna in Camprena and S. Quirico d’Orcia including a stop at a film site for "The English Patient"
Montalcino, "town of wine"
Mountain bike trip
Montepulciano

GETTING THERE

Train Station: Chiusi. Shuttle can be arranged for 40 euros, about a 40-minute drive.

By car: About 20 minutes from Pienza; 45 minutes from Siena.