Island Resort
It was opening day for the season. Chilly and overcast, at first it didn't seem like the best weather to go swimming. That conclusion was proven wrong the moment I stepped into the first pool. A seaside resort covering a few acres, the pools contain salt water heated from the volcano.
I walked around the resort barefoot. The cold stone and brick under my feet was actually quite comfortable. We have to wear swimming caps. The Italians are very health conscious. The first pool was a warm up of about 30° C with less than a dozen people partaking. You can only imagine how the water felt against the chilly breeze.
We moved to the indoor pools, a glass housed structure that also offered massage treatment rooms. This is were most of the visitors were on that cold day for good reason. The corner bath is heated to about 38° C with an adjacent cold plunge. There was quite a bit activity there from people and their families, but it was still a relaxing setting. We were indoors just in time while a light shower of rain tapped overhead.
Once the showers stopped, we decided to find the turkish bath or sauna. We climbed the steps to discover the sauna entryway overlooking the resort. Inside, stone benches lined the interior. Vaulted ceilings, stonework, and a lot of steam made this for an excellent sauna experience. I think there was a cold plunge just outside, but i'm not positive.
After all this work, we decided that some lunch was in order. We found the main dinning facility which matched the resort well. The layout looked more like a cafeteria style, but the food was served to the table. I enjoyed a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich which was more than generous for the price.
After lunch, we went out to seek the uppermost bath that overlooked the resort. Along the way was another item. Containing a wading path around a fountain, the pathway was thought to help with circulation in the feet. On the floor of the path were smooth rocks. One side was cold and the other was heated. I only made it around a few times, but it was an experience.
The upper pool was surprisingly private with only a few visitors while we were there. What a nice way to conclude the day before heading out. All in all, it was well worth the trip.
Seaside Resort
The view of the sea.
The location has beach access even though it was a little too chilly the day we visited.
There's plenty of seating for sun worshipers.
Lounge chairs galore!
The facility holds a well maintain gardens and walkways. Finding the perfect seat on a day like this was not a challenge. However, what we were lacking was a little bit of sun.
It was a bit chilly, but the tubes were nice and toasty.
Still photographs really don't do the place justice.
You can see the steam rising from the baths, listen to the peacefulness of the area, and perhaps gather an understanding of what a relaxing place this is.
