Holistic healing in Piedmont

The newest medical spa in Italy, La Via del Sale officially opens its doors in the Piedmont. Celebrating all things mineral, this is a Spa where salt-inspired treatments combine holistically with traditional spa therapies.

The Piedmont region of Italy is world-renowned for its rolling hills of vineyards, rare truffles, medieval architecture and the five star Relais San Maurizio hotel. Yet in ancient times, this area was part of the communication highway of the day: the Salt Route. And on this famous path connecting Italy and France, perched high on a hilltop, was a majestic monastery.

This 17th century monastery was once home to Franciscan monks who brewed wines in the vaulted cellars, now it is home to the five star hotel Relais San Maurizio where the wine cellars house the new spa. To celebrate its connection to the Salt Route, the Hotel has launched La Via del Sale – The Salt’s Way. Offering a unique approach to health, the spa offers traditional and holistic therapies alongside warm salt baths, salt scrubs and massages, using the healing qualities of salt as its signature ethos.

Salt minerals have been renowned for their health benefits for centuries, treating conditions across the world from psoriasis and hives to osteoarthritis and poor immune systems. The pure salt is derived from Southern Sardinia – renowned for its ability to purify and gently nourish the skin, improve circulation and minimise water retention, relax and detoxify.

The specialist team at La Via del Sale develop personal programmes and provide nutritional advice and dietary support, whilst cooking classes can be arranged to develop a healthy (and very delicious) approach to well-being, one that remains long after leaving the Hotel.

This spacious spa is housed in the wine cellars - designed with a modern twist, it’s a montage of wood, stone and glass, offering a huge indoor pool, plenty of light and a sun terrace with views to die for.

Signature treatments at La Via del Sale include the Water Massage, a revolutionary treatment performed using salted sea water inside the “Salt Cave”. Using a combination of water pressure and massage, this is stimulating as well as relaxing, combating stress, insomnia and fatigue. The second, slightly calmer signature treatment is the Honey & Salt Massage providing therapy for the body to detox, tone and exfoliate, emerging soft and luminous.

If getting salty is not your thing, La Via del Sale features holistic treatments using European and Asian traditions. These include Ayurvedic massage, Indian ‘four hands’ massage, aromatherapy massage, physiotherapy, sports massage, lympho-drainage and Kneipp therapy for the lower legs.

Relais San Maurizio is a five star boutique hotel in the Piedmont region of Italy, formerly a 17th century monastery. Today, it is a Relais & Châteaux property with 31 rooms & suites and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

‘The Salt Route’ in the Piedmont area starts near Limone and is now an unpaved road running across the Italian-French boarder at an average elevation of about 6,700 feet above sea level for 20 miles before it declines down to the seaside. Today it is popular for ‘off road’ mountain biking and dual sport bikes.

Salt-inspired treatments and salt baths are beneficial as natural mineral salts help to restore the mineral balance of the body via the skin. Natural salt contains magnesium, which is known to help the nervous system, relieving stress and water retention. It also assists in developing a healthy calcium balance strengthening bones and nails. Salt also contains potassium, needed for energy and a healthy, glowing skin. Bromides heal and relax muscles and sodium ensures a healthy immune system. Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin and cleanse away toxins, and contrary to salt being drying, mineral salt helps dry skin become more soft and supple.

Room rates start from Euro 280 per night including taxes and entry to the Spa. The Hotel is accessed via Turin, Genoa or Milan (1 hour drive).

For more information, visit Relaissanmaurizio.it.