Thermal springs, Renaissance charm and Tuscan magic

 
 
While Tuscany is often associated with long, sun-drenched summer days, visiting out-of-season offers a different kind of magic, as I recently discovered. I flew to Pisa from London Gatwick, and from there it was a short, easy transfer to Bagni di Pisa Palace and Thermal Spa, a five-star property and proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Once the summer residence of a Grand Duke of Tuscany, today the hotel is a serene retreat centred around the luxurious thermal spa. Mineral-rich thermal waters bubble up from hot springs deep underground to provide an indulgent wellness experience for guests to detox, diet, pamper, and unwind.

The hotel’s 61 rooms, of which 11 are junior suites, blend classic eighteenth-century architecture with contemporary comforts. All have sweeping views across the Tuscan landscape, and if you’re really lucky, even a glimpse of the Leaning Tower. Bagni Di Pisa also has a variety of dedicated event spaces, each with its own special charm. From intimate meeting rooms to the grand Theatre of the Grand Dukes and the history Shelley Room, once the ballroom of the Grand Ducal residence.
 
 

“Once the summer residence of a Grand Duke of Tuscany, today the hotel is as a serene retreat.”

Healthy, high-quality traditional Tuscan cuisine is on the menu at the hotel’s two restaurants and bars. I enjoyed a delicious three-course light lunch of roasted chestnut hummus, Pici pasta with ragu, and a classic Tiramisu before exploring the hotel’s impressive facilities.

That evening, I ventured into Pisa for a guided walking tour, an ideal team building activity and a wonderful way to uncover the city’s artistic and architectural treasures. Alongside the Leaning Tower, highlights included Keith Haring’s ‘Tuttomondo’ mural on the wall of the Convent of Sant’Antonio Abate. Returning to the hotel, I rounded off a fabulous first day with a sumptuous three-course dinner in the restaurant.
 
 
 
 
 

“A vintage car-drive through the Tuscan hills carried me to the small town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci”

 
The next stop on Tuscan tour was the Grotto Giusti Thermal Resort, a 40-minute transfer away in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, this nineteenth-century villa retains its original façade, authentic frescoed ceilings, paintings and period charm. It’s also a standout destination for executive breaks or post-conference relaxation.

The resort’s thermal spa is particularly impressive, boasting the largest natural thermal cave in Europe, a remarkable spot for a detoxifying steam bath. Set within 40-acres of private parkland, there’s endless opportunities to explore nature, join fitness sessions, or simply unwind.

A vintage car-drive through the Tuscan hills carried me to the small town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci. From there, I travelled to the Golf Club Bellosguardo Vinci, nestled among olive groves and vineyards, for a light lunch of Sformato di Broccoli, a delightful baked dish of broccoli, cream cheese and eggs. Later, I returned to Grotto Giusti to enjoy its exceptional spa facilities, before sitting down to a memorable dinner of cheese risotto, steak, and ice cream.
 
 

The following day took me back through the Tuscan countryside to Podernuovo Bulgari Winery, a sustainable estate in Palazzone. After a guided tour, I joined a wine-and-food-pairing session in its elegant tasting room and terrace, both beautiful spaces for premium corporate events

The 78 rooms and suites, housed within a Medici villa, have been lovingly renovated to preserve Renaissance features while embracing modern luxury. Fonteverde offers three versatile event spaces for up to up to 80 guests, ideal for corporate events, conferences or intimate gatherings. There’s even a helipad for seamless VIP arrivals. 

A highlight of my stay was a transformative 20 minutes in the heated saltwater grotto, floating between stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by soft lighting and accompanied by gentle music. That evening’s ribeye steak followed by an assortment of Italian desserts provided a memorable finale to my time in Tuscany. 

After a blissful night’s sleep, I travelled to Florence Airport, around two hours away, for my flight back to the UK.

A heartfelt thank you to Avenue Sales and Marketing and the Italian Hospitality Collection for an unforgettable few days.

If you’d like to know more or are looking for your next exceptional MICE destination, please do get in touch, I’d love to help.

 
Ella Blundell