Dominika, our Wellbeing Specialist, visited L'Albereta in Italy to try the famous Chenot Spa Method and gives us a personal account here:
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
The drive from Milan Linate airport only took around 45 minutes and the last part was through typical Italian villages which was a lovely way to feel that I was soaking up the 'real' Italy. The hotel is in the countryside, surrounded by vineyards and it certainly has the 'wow' factor as you drive up to it. It's an old chateau with numerous corridors and taircases plus amazing views everywhere that you turn. The spa receptionist explained the Chenot Spa Method, gave me my schedule and also showed me the spa area, gym, pool and dining areas - it's always good to know your way around from the off I think!
What do you think makes the hotel so special?
Firstly, it would have to be the unique Chenot spa method - which I describe below. L'Albereta is part of The Relais & Chateax group and is definitely full of charm. There is greenery everywhere with the vineyards (the hotel even produces its own wine), vibrant gardens and climbing plants on the walls. Due to shape of the building, each room is designed differently and I loved exploring and finding cute little corners to sit quietly and read. From time to time, you can hear the church bells ringing in the distance which was very delightful. The hotel's communal areas are fresh and modern without taking away the historical surroundings and there's interesting sculptures dotted around.
How was your spa experience?
I had treatments from the Hydro-biontology menu as well as energetic masssages. Both of these are included in the Dominque Chenot spa programme and aim to detox your body. I had a hydrotherapy treatment which was 20 minutes in a special bath with jets and detoxifying essential oils, followed by a 20 minutes mud wrap where cold clay was put on my lower legs to help circulation and warm green clay was put on the rest of my body. Both these procedures were very relaxing. The treatment rooms had a wonderul views overlooking the garden so add to the relaxation element. At the end, they spray the mud off with powerful jets which, I have to be honest, was a bit painful but my skin was so smooth afterwards. At my consultation, the doctor recommended that we focus on my pancreas and kidneys so a daily Chenot energetic massage was prescribed. This is a detox massage combining cupping and manual drainage methods. With these daily treatments and light food, my body certainly felt like it was detoxifying and I experienced typical symptoms such as mild headaches and exhaustion. I slept 10 hours a night on average plus took daily 2 hours afternoon naps. I guest my body needed it and after the first 2-3 days, I started feeling better and full of energy. In fact, once back at the office, my colleague asked me if I'd had a facial so I guess it worked...
What was your favourite activity & why?
L'Albereta runs 2 daily group classes. You can join a 9am walk around the gardens and vineyards and then at 5pm there is generally a fitness class such as Pilates, circuit training, Nordic walking or stretching. You can join any of these and just need to show up at the gym. The hotel can also organise different tours and excursions in the local area and there's a booklet in your bedroom. Personally, I enjoyed taking a sunset walk around the vineyards on my own and sitting on the bench at the top of the hill with no-one but hopping bunnies around.
Interested in L'Albereta? Contact our wellbeing specialists 020 3735 7555 or email info@wellbeingescapes.com to find out more.
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