Channel the healing power of the sea at the Romans’ favourite spa resort
Everyone knows that spa life is always better in a beautiful island setting. Think white sandy beaches; warm, crystal-clear water; long, balmy summers; mouthwatering food; and word-class wine. That’s probably why Sardinia has been a top spa destination for more than 2,000 years.
Sardinia’s Fordongianus thermae (just outside Oristano) was one of the first ever luxury spas, and the ruins are still pretty impressive today! But if you want to find out what two millennia of spa expertise can really deliver, you’ll have to head to the southern tip of the island, to the Acquaforte Spa at the Forte Village Resort.
‘Acquaforte’ literally means ‘water strength’, and that is exactly what this award-winning spa can offer. Not only is the resort situated beside some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches, its spa facilities are rooted in the ancient (and effective) practice of thalassotherapy.
The on-site thalassotherapy centre is affiliated with the prestigious Milan University, and experts are based at the resort every day of the year, sharing breakthrough therapies and advice with staff and visitors.
Treatments include the spa’s showpiece Thalasso Massage, which takes place in warm seawater; and the native salt gommage, which is probably the best exfoliation treatment you will ever have.
The Sea Salt Body Wrap and Smoothing Salt Treatment both aid detoxification and will leave your skin smooth and wrinkle free, while the spa’s signature “sea salt oil” water helps to firm up loose skin all over the body.
And then there are the six on-site seawater pools, forming part of a ‘wellness circuit’ which will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, and somehow lighter.
That’s because the high salt content acts as a drainage agent, pulling excess water out of the body and taking inches off your profile – so when you visit one of the local Michelin-starred restaurants, you can enjoy a second helping of homemade pasta and an extra-large glass of local wine, guilt free!
If you want to see more dramatic results, there is a medical spa on the premises where you can speak to highly qualified professionals about aesthetic surgeries and therapeutic solutions. The spa also offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments and facials including the celebrated Dermolift firming treatment.
And if all that relaxation starts getting a bit boring, you can always hit the shops in the centre of Forte Village, let loose at the Discotheque, or channel your inner child with a visit to Wonderland, the resort’s own amusement park. The Romans would be very jealous…
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
