By Simone Bandini
Summer turns to autumn in the mottled and iridescent colours of the hills overlooking Torrita di Siena. Here, in the heart of classic Tuscany, we are once again in lively conversation with Chris Romani, proprietor of this elegant accommodation. A new glance at the daily activities of Poggio Paradiso, enraptured in the ancient magic of its rooms overlooking rolling woods and slopes downstream. We talk to the Romani family about the new projects underway which, as in the initial intentions, will bring Poggio Paradiso to the Olympus of the most exclusive hotels in the region: in particular with a brand new Spa to complete the quality services already in place.
Preparations are in full swing at Poggio Paradiso: everything is in motion for the wedding that will be celebrated over the weekend. No other indiscretions or details are allowed to be known.
But what we can tell you about this structure, straddling Valdichiana and Valdorcia – is that you can ask to rent the entire farmhouse with its rooms to organize a dream reception. Of course, with the necessary privacy and an impeccable organization and logistics service: “It is the firm intention of the Romani family to host you in an appropriate environment, thus clearly separating the hotel and banqueting activities, so that those who stay in the structure can always get the most out of this experience”, specifies Chris.
As I write about this meeting, from my usual desk full of books, papers and scattered notes, the weather allows itself a grey parenthesis on a rainy day. So, I imagine how this apparent inconvenience can be a game-changer when you’re traveling or on vacation. Even if you are in ‘Paradise’.
As not said. Outdoor activities, reserved for glorious sunny days, can certainly be alternated with a visit to the nearby cities of art, whether medieval or Renaissance – or perhaps to the small ancient villages that are scattered in the valley. Then, once back at the hotel, indulge in a relaxing whirlpool in the Spa to which ad hoc treatments can be combined to revive the joys of body and spirit: “Here we are in fact quite far from other well-known wellness and spa centres – continues Chris – and this fact makes us focus a lot on this new Spa that will replace and perfect the environments and services of the existing and operational one. Even for the more sporty ones or for gym lovers, a small but technological room will be created in the following phase with state-of-the-art machinery”.
To date, the Spa, intimate and well-collected on the ground floor, consists of a whirlpool, Turkish bath and Finnish sauna and a selection of anti-fatigue and relaxing massages to complete the hotel’s elite offer. He enthusiastically shows us the new project on paper: “The current Spa will be relocated and reimagined in two phases of renovation that we can call ‘thermal’ and ‘water’. The first involves the creation of a new structure in the adjacent building with the introduction of a combination infrared and Finnish sauna, salt therapy room, an ice fountain, a hot-cold thermal contrast path of ‘Red Light Therapy’ (which activates the mitochondria to rejuvenate and heal your skin from the inside) with an immersion in cold mist. The combination can result in visible reduction of wrinkles and signs of aging, as well as an improvement in overall appearance.
Separately, there is a relaxation room or ‘Sanctuary’ and, a truly innovative fact, treatments and machinery that are very popular in the States that are still little known in Italy”. We are talking about Compression Therapy for joint and muscle healing, IV ‘Introvenus Therapy’, whose benefits are evident just a few hours after treatment: improvement of body rehydration and skin tone, reduction of the perception of psycho-physical fatigue, increase in mental concentration and quality of sleep, and improvement of mood, and various sensory stimulations to promote a calm and peaceful mind.
“Phase two of this newly branded ‘Terme Miele’, which we have called ‘water’ – he continues – will see the commissioning of two therapeutic whirlpools, two private soaking tubs for specific bath oil and salt treatments and an anti-gravity mini-pool”. The architecture of the new Spa will recall a beehive, combining well-being with the prodigious magic world of bees and honey inspired treatments.
While we enjoy a coffee at the stylish panoramic corner bar that casts its gaze to the West, Chris tells me that ‘L’Olivo’, the restaurant in Poggio Paradiso that offers a refined and contemporary cuisine, is meeting the favour of guests and local customers, as an experimental beacon for the enhancement of local productions and recipes. The autumn menu is being prepared with tempting, tasty and drawn novelties.
So, all you have to do is book a weekend in this fantastic structure, reserve your spa visit, or try the refined cuisine of its restaurant. Your body and mind will be most grateful!
Info: Poggio Paradiso Resort, Loc. Torrita di Siena (Si) / Tel. and Whatsapp 338 5211390 / www.poggioparadisoresort.com / info@poggioparadisoresort.com