We recently stayed at the luxury spa resort, the Adler Thermae. Located in Southern Tuscany, the Adler is isolated from the larger Tuscan cities such as Siena and Florence. Is it worth flying all the way to Italy and driving 2.5 hours from the nearest airport just to sit at this spa? Let’s find out! (YES)
Hotel Review Context
As always, I am reviewing the hotel based on how it advertises itself. The Adler advertises as a pretty large 5-star spa resort. Based on their marketing and advertising I am comfortable comparing it to a JW Marriott or Intercontinental type of hotel that markets itself as a spa resort.
The Brand
Adler Spa Resorts are a collection of a few 5-star properties around Italy and advertise as a place to unwind for relaxation for the mind and soul. For more information, click here.
How We Booked
We have visited this property multiple times, but never stayed overnight as they have day passes for those in the area who just want to use their spa. Adler is not part of any major chain rewards program, so we booked the old-fashioned way, cash!
While prices aren’t cheap, they are far from outrageous considering all rooms/rates come with the following;
- Half Board-Breakfast and Dinners included.
- Private balconies with Tuscan views
- Fitness classes including yoga, meditation and stretching.
- Use of the spa facilities (individual treatments are extra) such as their naturally heated outdoor pool, gym, hiking trails and extensive saunas and steam rooms.
- Childcare (ew)
Location
The Adler Thermae is in the Orcia Valley in Southern Tuscany. For Brunello drinkers, about 20 minutes outside of Montalcino. The valley historically was an area the Roman elite would go to in order to bath in the natural volcanic mineral waters. A nice feature of the hotel was there was a small village within walking distance if you wanted to do some shopping, gelato eating or lunch.
Checking In
Oh boy! So, the original plan was to arrive in Rome around noon and rent a car so we could drive to some of our familiar Tuscan towns for lunches on days we were not busy with spa appointments. Then our flight was cancelled, and we did not land in Rome until about midnight. Besides fatigue, our other problem was the Rome Airport (FCO) rental car terminal closes at 11:00pm. Since we only had 4 nights booked at the Adler, I really wanted to find a way to get us there and not waste an evening in a boring FCO airport hotel.
We were still in London at the time this happened, and I emailed the hotel asking for help. The receptionist who responded was lovely and told us not to worry at all, they would send a car to pick us up. The Adler is located almost 2.5 hours away from FCO and their driver was local, so this was no minor task at the last minute. The hotel saved us, and we arrived at 3:00am. The night manager was prepared for our arrival and quickly took us to our room. I imagine the typical arrival process is a little more elaborate, but we could not be more pleased with everything and even more impressed they left a large dinner for us in our room. While rates do technically include dinner, I highly doubt a Marriott or Hilton would proactively leave dinner in our room due to a 3am arrival.
The Room
The room was beautiful and blended in the Tuscan wood perfectly. The bathroom was appropriately spa-like, and the balcony and view were lovely.
The Grounds
It is hard to describe the Adler Thermae so I will just post pictures. I have been to many hotels with lovely spas, but I have never been anywhere where the hotel and spa are intertwined. The entire property is the spa. It was typical seeing guests in robes everywhere including lunch. As mentioned, naturally heated outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms etc. are located throughout the property.
Service
For a large property, the service was excellent. Our rooms were cleaned 2x a day, the wait staff remembered our names and preferences, and everyone was just lovely.
The Food
When I say Breakfast and Dinners are included, we are not talking about a cruise buffet. Dinners were ala carte and excellent. We were mildly concerned eating at the hotel every night while in Italy would make us feel like we are missing out, but the food was excellent, and the menus did a wonderful job incorporating Tuscan cuisine including pici pasta!
Breakfast
Breakfast was an elaborate buffet which included eggs and waffles cooked to order. All the juices were freshly squeezed in front of you and buffet items included Italian cheeses, meats, yogurts and all the accompaniments you would expect.
Lunch (not included)
Lunch is served in the poolside Osteria and is 25 euros per person. The price included an antipasto buffet, breads, desserts, salad and an a la carte protein including fish or meat. It was excellent but too much food. I would recommend the hotel has an option for either just the a la carte item OR the buffet.
Dinner
Dinner is served in the roof top open sky restaurant that is just beautiful. The menu changes every night but items such as Tuscan beans, pici, rosemary chicken and all sorts of typical Tuscan cuisine was included. There was also a buffet for salad, appetizers (in addition to the a la carte courses) and dessert. Everything was excellent and a great way to end the day.
The Spa
Matt and I had several treatments, and they were all perfect. We felt much younger after.
The Clientele
I have posted in the past that you are always one irritating baby or couple away from a ruined trip. What made this property special was that the clientele were all there for the same goals; to relax and have some serenity. While people drank wine at night, no one was drunk. Kids were minimal and people respected the purpose of the property.
Overall
We could have spent a month at this hotel. Apart from lunch being too generous, we had no complaints whatsoever. We cannot wait to return and even try their other properties. For those happy to go to Italy to be pampered, this is your place! For those wanting to tour Italy, maybe a few nights in between Florence and Rome?
5/5 *****
Bon Voyage,
Andrew
Out And Abroad 