Being bigger doesn’t mean that something is better, and the Aosta Valley is a perfect example of this. Although it is the smallest region in Italy, it punches well above its weight, and in addition to being known as a fantastic place to ski, it also is home to some magnificent spas where you can relax and unwind.
Aosta Valley is best known for its fantastic winter skiing and luxurious resorts; in addition to this, it also lays claim to the title of the smallest region in Italy. When they think of the area, most people rarely look past the magnificent skiing facilities, which is where they’ll be missing out as it is also home to outstanding spa facilities.
Wellness is nothing new to Aosta. It was one of the key things its tourism industry was founded on, which gained considerable traction in the early 1800s. We can go even further back in time to the Roman era when people headed there to experience the special properties its thermal springs offered.
Here is our top pick of popular wellness spots to clear your head and unwind:
The natural springs of Pré Saint Didier
Since 1800, this exquisite spa located at the foot of Mont Blanc features the elegance of the nineteenth-century palace, with breath-taking views of the Mont Blanc Mountain. Located just a few kilometres from the ski resorts of Courmayeur and La Thuile, it is a perfect place to start exploring the region in every season and to fully restore in invigorating waterfalls, whirlpools with thermal water from the depths of the Orrido river and wood chalet-saunas combining all the scents of the mountain.
Today, as in the past, these waters are highly valued for their beneficial properties, including making the skin softer, facilitating blood circulation and muscle movements, and relieving the body and mind. Thanks also to the presence of iron, this water has a tonic and restorative value too. More information here.
Terme di Saint-Vincent
Terme di Saint-Vincent owes its location to the discovery of the mineral-rich thermal spring at Saint-Vincent in 1770, whose curative qualities earned it the moniker of Fons Salutis, or spring of health. Open all year round, the modern facility is the result of a significant redevelopment programme which first started in 2007.
Aside from its trademark treatments such as hydrotherapy, massotherapy and inhalation therapy, major selling points include the picture windows and panoramic terraced pool area, which make the most of the jaw-drop views. More information here.
Monterosa Spa
For those who prefer a day of well-being for the whole family, this is an ideal choice. Located in the heart of the Aosta Valley in Champoluc, at the foot of Monte Rosa and facing one of the most imposing glaciers in the Alps, the SPA Centre is easily accessible during all seasons from the main roads.
Younger children can enter the swimming pool area, where there is a dedicated shallow pool as well as aquatic play material available. In addition, there is also a dedicated facility where children can stay while parents wish to enjoy the wellness of the Spa Area or want to go skiing on one of the ski slopes in Champoluc. More information here.
Every corner of the region is transformed into a new opportunity to regenerate your whole body and relax. Aosta Valley is also home to Alpine pools such as Chécrouit in Courmayeur. These are set at an altitude of 1,700 meters, with Les Suches Dessous (La Thuile) being at an altitude of 2,088 meters – which are perfect for devoting yourself to rest and relaxation among the Alps.
For more information on Aosta Valley, including detailed information on places to stay and things to experience, visit www.aosta-valley.co.uk.
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