A new spa and wellness retreat has launched at The Fontanelle Estate in Tuscany, a countryside property nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards of Italy’s Chianti wine region.
Completed with the help of Lahra and Chicco Tatriele of industry consultancy Alchemy Concepts, the 500sq m spa is a part of the estate’s recently launched Clubhouse.
Its facilities are now available to both day visitors and guests staying at the property’s five-star hotel, Hotel Le Fontanelle, following a two-year project. Founded in 1999 by Giuseppina Bolfo, Hotel Le Fontanelle is a family-owned property belonging to the Bolfo family.
Alchemy Concepts worked closely with the estate’s in-house architect, Margherita Gozzi, and interior designer, Roberto Ulzi, to transform the space into a holistic wellness sanctuary and build an experiential journey.
Maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings was a key part of the spa’s design brief. This led to the realisation of a spa inspired by biophilic principles and a human-centric wellness design approach intended to reduce stress and enhance creativity and overall wellbeing.
Interiors feature a soft palette of colours found in nature and complemented with locally sourced natural materials – such as Tuscan oakwood and travertine stone – to connect the indoor space to Tuscany’s rustic countryside.
Natural daylight gently illuminates the space via large windows in the Wellness Lounge and Hydrotherapy area as well as skylights dotted throughout the facility, including three of the spa’s four treatment rooms.
Meanwhile, sound has been used to complement the customer journey through a selection of wellness music created for each area of the spa.
Water is also a star element of the Wellness Sanctuary, as more than half its footprint has been allocated to hydrotherapy facilities. Spa and wellness supplier the Hofer Group helped supply and install the wet and thermal offerings.
This includes a waterfall treatment room, tepidarium with salt mist, sauna, steam bath, experience showers and ice fountain, in addition to a Kneipp therapy shower, mountain shower, indoor pool and hydrotherapy pool.
Further facilities include a wellness concierge for treatment/appointment registration and consultation, changing rooms, as well as a wellness studio for private and small group yoga, mindfulness and movement classes which overlooks an expansive green area that can also be used for outdoor classes.
For those searching for a dose of activity, the Clubhouse also offers an indoor Technogym-equipped fitness suite, outdoor pool, tennis and golf putting area.
Looking ahead, the team behind the estate plans to continue enhancing its offering by building a herb garden. Produce will then be used for wellness cuisine and treatments in order to offer a completely integrated concept.
Wellness manager Maria Kalogeraki told
Spa Business the new wellness facility is unique thanks to its design which makes the most of its prime location atop a hill with expansive views of the outstanding Chianti valley.
She explained that guest demand drove the investment into the project; “Many guests were requesting wellness services and this led us to create a dedicated space and complete menu of services that would bring the Fontanelle brand into the wellness space, grow with our guest base and allow us to capture a new clientele of wellness enthusiasts and their revenue.
“Inspired by the beauty of Tuscany, the Wellness Sanctuary is a place where self-care and nurturing connection with oneself, their loved ones and the environment takes precedence above all.”
Alchemy Concepts curated a signature treatment collection of holistic wellness offerings ranging from massages and body treatments to facials and prenatal rituals.
Ingredients used in the treatments were chosen to showcase Italy’s natural plant botanicals. These include pure Volterra salt and rose tonics and petals sourced from Fontanelle Estate’s own garden, along with other local flowers and plants.
Guests can also opt to enjoy a range of facials supplied by Subtle Energies. The partnership marks new territory for the brand as Fontanelle Estate is the first property in Italy to partner with Subtle Energies.
Other spa partners include local vinotherapy brand Lajatica, Meletao Botanicals locally-distilled essential and massage oils, Kure Bazaar for nail treatments.
For a more immersive journey, guests can opt for a wellness day programme or choose from a selection of retreats ranging from two-six nights.
