Get wet and muddy at Puglia’s best kept secret

Embracing mud and water comes naturally at Masseria San Domenico’s Thalasso-therapy Spa, a medical Spa where guests are relaxed, revived and rejuvenated in more ways than one. Yet this iconic Spa in Italy remains relatively unknown to the British traveller - until now.

Guests arrive via a winding driveway embraced by wild flowers, olive groves and lemon trees, their skin sun-kissed - this can only be the Mediterranean, and with the Adriatic behind and an Italian fort ahead, this is pure, quintessential Puglia. Formerly a 17th century fort, now a five star boutique hotel, Masseria San Domenico is world-famous for its superlative service and facilities. Yet it has a well-kept secret, only revealed by its contented guests relaxing in robes and slippers by the pool.

The Thalasso-therapy spa at Masseria San Domenico, is a large spa by UK standards with 22 treatment rooms. As a ‘medical spa’ guests are met by a doctor who designs a personalised programme that ensures guests leaves with a glow to their skin and a skip in their stride. This is a spa of two halves, the upstairs area is dedicated to Thalasso-therapy; downstairs is home to holistic therapies, traditional beauty treatments and fitness.

For those new to Thalasso, this therapy features ‘wet’ treatments using sea water, steam and mud which are transformed into treatments including scrubs, baths, masks and massages. The key behind this Thalasso-therapy Spa is the sea water pumped from deep beneath the Masseria. Treatments combine seawater elements such as iodine, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium, salt, plankton and seaweed. Thanks to the process of osmosis, treatments help water retention, poor circulation, stress, allergies, skin conditions and induce complete relaxation.

If getting wet and muddy is not your thing, there are ‘dry’ treatments available too. On the lower floor, guests are welcomed by a quiet serenity where candles glitter and aromatherapy scents linger. Guests can choose between Thai Massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic and hot stone massage or yoga classes, whilst signature treatments use the local olive oil made from the trees at the Hotel. And to top it all off, there are sauna and hammam rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation chamber and herbal tea room, plus a hairdresser and beautician to ensure guests are pampered from top to toe.

To inspire British travellers to discover this iconic Spa and the healing therapies of Thalasso-therapy, Masseria San Domenico offers bespoke (as well as packaged) Spa programmes. Of course, for guests looking for some R&R, the bikes, yoga and holistic treatments give even more reason to indulge a little more on the home-made, organic Apulian cuisine for which the Hotel is renowned.

For more information, visit imasseria.com.