Nestled within a UNESCO world heritage site in romantic Tuscany resides the truly inimitable ADLER Therame hotel – a fairytale-esque resort surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

I stayed at this magical place alongside a holistic-minded buddy with a penchant for spa wallowing, countryside frolics and soul-soothing Italian food.

When we arrived after a two hour chauffeur driven transfer from Rome, we were given a tour of the entire property and marvelled at the immense outdoor (and partially indoor) spa pool – steaming hot and set against a scenic backdrop of the rolling Tuscan countryside.

This luxurious open air spa bath is famed for its naturally heated thermal waters – constantly maintained at a muscle-warming 50C.

The property itself is a delightful combination of traditional Italian design merged with modern chic, yet the general ambience is of tasteful luxury.

Bedrooms feature comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms and scenic views of the outdoor spa pool and surrounding countryside.

Well heeled guests mince about freely in the comfortable slippers and soft towelling robes provided in the day, yet dress elegantly for dinner – one of our most favourite aspects of our stay.

After long, lazy days spent swimming in bubbling thermal waters, relaxing in herb infused steam rooms and being pummelled to blissful oblivion by massage therapists we would enter the dining room in eager anticipation of the fine foods awaiting us.

The Italian wines served were exquisite and included one of my favourites, Montepuliciano – named after a region a mere 15 minute drive from the hotel itself.

Each night, before ordering from the four course menu, we would make our way to the bountiful salad buffet.

I would pile my plate high with dark green samphire, spinach, radishes, buffalo mozzarella balls, broccoli, raw fennel and sweet cherry tomatoes before drenching the entire healthy masterpiece with extra virgin olive oil and tangy balsamic vinegar.

There was also a varied Italian cheese selection which will always hold a special place in my dairy-loving heart – in particular a truffle infused slab which always seemed to call my name as I sauntered past.

Divine la carte dishes included tender beef medallions, grilled salmon with roasted potatoes and creamy pasta dishes worthy of a second helping.

Puddings were a shamelessly extravagant affair. A naughty buffet of Italian cakes and desserts would always be waiting to tempt us with their sugary charms, causing me to develop a slight Tiramisu addition.

Breakfasts and lunches were equally exciting and again, featured both healthy and more indulgent culinary options.

On my first day at ADLER Thermae, I experienced the anti ageing red grape facial – an antioxidant-rich treatment utilising the free-radical busting benefits of red grapes to encourage cell renewal.

As I lay back on the heated treatment bed, I found myself enveloped in a deep state of relaxation as the expert therapist deep cleansed and exfoliated my skin before applying two nourishing face masks.

The hour long treatment ended with a neck, arm and shoulder massage and the application of polyphenol-packed moisturising cream to deeply hydrate and revive.

After relaxing for a few hours (ok passing out completely) on the insanely comfortable waterbeds in the spa’s relaxation room, my buddy and I decided to use one of the hotel’s complementary bikes to cycle around the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. As we rode along winding country paths and a wooden bridge over an idyllic babbling brook, we found it hard to imagine returning to drizzly London life.

The following day I nearly fell asleep whilst trying out the hotel’s renowned (and aptly named) Relax Massage, which combined firm and gentle strokes to soothe my weary muscles and quieten my racing mind. My skin also felt silky smooth afterwards due to the high quality essential oils used – many created within the hotel’s spa itself.

Our stay at the ADLER Thermae could only be described as essential escapism. The exceptional food, service, spa and thermal pool helped me forget the hustle and bustle of urban life and left me rejuvenated from head to toe.

Go with your favourite person and prepare to create memories to grace your mind for years to come.

Hotel ADLER Thermae Spa and Relax Resort, Strada di Bagno Vignoni, 53057 San Quirico d’orcin, 53057 San Quirico d’ Orcia, Siena, Italy 

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