By Paola Butera
A seventeenth-century convent, located a few steps from the splendid medieval historic centre of Gubbio, houses the “Cappuccini Wellness & Spa” inside the Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini, an authentic temple dedicated to psycho-physical well-being. Here guests can immerse themselves in spaces designed for body care and sports activities, where the holistic philosophy of the Natural Elements is reflected in every service offered.
The Spa Path is a sensory journey that offers Finnish saunas, a relaxation area with herbal tea corner, Turkish bath, Mediterranean bath, emotional showers and much more: wasser paradise, private spa, rasul cabin and massages are just some of the wonders available for your well-being.
Inside, the Indoor Water Park, designed by architect Simone Micheli, is a unique example of design and consists of three extraordinary spaces: the first is ‘Emotional Water’, accessible to all and equipped with a large swimming pool with swimming lanes, a pool for children, counter-current swimming and a whirlpool area at an enveloping temperature of 28/29°C; the second space is the ‘Whirlpool Room’, more intimate and reserved, it has a circular hydro tub and an extraordinary thalasso tub enriched with magnesium and potassium. Finally, there is the ‘Park Oasis’ which offers an enchanting panoramic view surrounded by greenery: here you will find an indoor/outdoor swimming pool kept at 34°C, a Kneipp path and a Silence and Relaxation area that embraces guests in an atmosphere of peace and elegance.
This is more than just a place; it is a refuge where you can invigorate body and soul! The natural extension of the Water Park is represented by the suggestive Garden Terrace, located next to the ‘Emotional Water’ swimming pool, at the foot of an olive grove and an aromatic vegetable garden that belong to the wonderful complex of the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini. Here, the fountains flow incessantly, capturing our attention and inspiring thoughts of deep serenity. In addition, you will find services dedicated to sport and physical well-being: a spacious gym equipped with a cardio-fitness and power-training area; a padel court; electric bicycles and a billiards room. In the Course Room, highly qualified instructors offer classes in Pilates, gentle gymnastics, tonic gymnastics, facial gymnastics and yoga to nourish the body and soul.
Cappuccini Wellness & Spa has created a unique experience thanks to the collaboration with Marc Mességué, creating the “Marc Mességué ai Cappuccini” remise en forme center, where the phytotherapeutic tradition of the Mességué family blends harmoniously with the hospitality of the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini. We had the privilege of meeting Marc Mességué and his son Michael: a source of inspiration for all of us!
Good morning Marc, tell me a little about your family history.
“Our family has been involved in natural medicine for six generations. It all began in 1784 with an ancestor who was a health officer, since at the time people were treated only with herbs. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation until my father Maurice, who was a true expert in the therapeutic use of medicinal herbs and passed on his passion to me. And now, I am doing the same with my son Michael, who has been working with me for three years while he is about to complete his studies in herbal science”.
Here at the Cappuccini Wellness & Spa, support is offered to those who, in addition to enjoying the benefits of the Spa, are interested in following the Marc Mességué Method. But what exactly is it?
“Basically, we try to solve problems using medicinal herbs, but be careful: we are talking about prevention and disorders that do not require the intervention of a doctor. Although in our team there is Dr. Roberto Merani who, together with his daughter Micol, deals with the preventive diagnosis and analysis of people’s state of health. Most of the people who come to us have some problem related to excess weight or metabolic and functional disorders, both liver and intestine. They want to embark on a health path in a natural way. There are many diets, some are just passing fads while others are followed for short periods. We, on the other hand, guide people towards a sustainable lifestyle, without stressing either the mind or the body, with constancy and following a healthy and balanced diet plan suitable for everyone, regardless of age or weight”.
But how do you accompany people in following the Marc Mességué Method?
“Those who decide to try this phytotherapeutic approach after a visit with our medical staff follow a daily program in our Spa dedicated to detox physical therapy, monitored and personalized according to individual needs. This physical therapy should be accompanied by herbal teas, decoctions and a tailor-made diet! Of course, we can follow the person while they are here, but many of our long-standing customers continue the program even from home. We have two lines of phytotherapeutic products, both for beauty and health, also available online. And then, you can return periodically to monitor progress and do routine checks”.
Michael, you are the future of this family tradition. What do you expect and how do you plan to contribute to the Marc Mességué Method?
“I grew up in Umbria and I have a deep bond with the city: knowing its artistic and natural beauty is part of me. I will certainly give my best to carry on my family’s philosophy, focusing a lot on prevention and natural methods. Staying in Gubbio is truly a privilege: we are in a convent of the 1600s surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape. Those who come to us to follow a health program can take advantage of it to take beautiful walks or excursions; They must not feel crushed by obligations, but must let himself go towards physical and mental well-being. Everything must happen naturally, just like our beloved herbs!”
To supplement the treatment pathway, guests can request a set of tests that are carried out by doctors’ offices and partner centres. To find out more, we recommend visiting the website with all the specifications about it: www.marcmessegue.com