One of the best things about a vacation in Tuscany and a Tuscany villa is that the pace of life is ideal for those looking to slow down, relax, and properly recuperate on their getaway. Of course, many cities are busy hubs and, in particular, tourist hotspots can be full of crowds piling off tour buses, queues, and hustle and bustle but if you don’t want to deal with any of that stuff then it is easy enough to do so. All one needs to do is spend their time enjoying the scenic rural areas and natural gems, visiting fascinating but lesser-known tourist attractions, and exploring the endless array of sleepy and utterly picturesque little towns throughout Tuscany. Skip the busy spots entirely, keep your eyes open, and you never know what kind of incredible gems you might discover! From family-run restaurants serving delicious local delights, to stunning churches in little villages that boast works by famous artists, to views so perfectly scenic it is hard to believe they are real and beyond, there is so much to uncover and at your own pace, without the chaos that sometimes can accompany a vacation.
But, most importantly, before anything else, you need to find the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy Tuscany’s quieter, more peaceful charms. While there are plenty of options for different areas to take in the beauty and relaxation of Tuscany, we highly recommend browsing our villas with pools in Siena, in particular. Our villas in this part of the region often take in stunning and classic Tuscan scenes, are close to all sorts of different attractions, are spacious and pretty, and are regularly located in peaceful and remote spots, far from the stresses and concerns of daily life.
While you’re at it, once you find your perfect luxury villa in Siena and you’re enjoying the peace and quiet and loveliness of this part of the world, why not kick up the relaxation a notch further and plan a day at the spa? There are lots of great options all throughout the area but one of the most relaxing and picturesque has to be the Terme Antica Querciolaia, located in the heart of the Crete Senesi, an area of Tuscany where history and art are intimately connected and the landscapes are utterly picturesque and untouched. In addition to being ideally located to promote peace and calm, the Terme Antica Querciolaia is a natural thermal spring with modern spa facilities that has been known since antiquity and has drawn guests to enjoy the beneficial properties of its waters for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Since the 18th century, the Terme Antica Querciolaia spa in the town of Rapolano Terme has been the benchmark of quality in the wellness and health sectors and is known to have drawn famous guests including Garibaldi, a key figure in the unification of Italy. Garibaldi, who came here to heal his wound from Aspromonte said of the waters, “The Rapolano baths removed the remains of some damage to my left foot and the effect was instantaneous. This gives me a good opinion of these baths, so that I plan to continue here for several days.”
Gushing from the subsoil from three different sources and at different temperatures, these waters of the Terme Antica Querciolaia range from 39-40°C to 22-25°C. Choosing which one to go with will depend on your own needs or health concerns and the season. Rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, the waters have been recommended for those treating respiratory, locomotive, and cutaneous issues. There is also a choice between different types of pools for bathing, including a covered option, an open-air park of thermal pools, and hydromassage tubs.
In addition to the thermal park and baths, the Terme Antica Querciolaia spa boasts all sorts of therapeutic, relaxing, and aesthetic treatments including: mud bath treatments, physiotherapy massages, lymph drainage massages, aromatherapy massages, couple massages, deep-tissue massages, California massages, saunas, Thai massages, Shiatsu massages, reflexology, holistic massages, anti-ageing facials, stem cell facials, radiofrequency facials, body peels, pedicures, manicures, hair removal, eyelash extensions, and specialist medical treatments (including joint injections, ear washing, assessment of beauty spots and pigmentation, ulcer treatment, and more). There is even a unique line of excellent skincare products produced by the spa that can be purchased during your visit to bring some of that pampering and self-care home with you.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Siena and are looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway in Tuscany, then be sure to pencil in a visit to this lovely and historic spa destination for a soak, some relaxation, some beauty treatments, and time spent on yourself!
Terme Antica Querciolaia
Via Trieste, 22 – 53040 Rapolano Terme (Siena)
+39 0577 724091
Opening hours:
Monday 9am to 7pm
Tuesday 9am to 7pm
Wednesday 9am to 7pm
Thursday 9am to 7pm
Friday 9am to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 1am
Sunday 9am to 8pm
Fees (for entrance to the thermal baths, treatments vary in cost and all details can be found on their website):
Weekdays -
Full admission € 18.00
Half day € 14.00
Children 2-9 years € 13.00
Children 2-9 years half day € 10.00
Children 0-2 years FREE
Reduced residents € 15.00
Holidays and days before holidays -
Full admission € 22.00
Half day € 18.00
Children 2-9 years € 13.00
Children 2-9 years half day € 10.00
Children 0-2 years FREE
Reduced residents € 15.00
