The Grotta Giusti is ‘a place of discovery and revelation’ located in Monsummano, Pistoia, an hour drive away from La Torre. The spa won 'World's Best Thermal Grotto Spa' at the World Spa Awards in 2019, it is a restored nineteenth century villa situated in the Tuscan countryside and surrounded by nature which made us feel like we were in a tranquil environment. The spa has unique thermal streams of water, a hot spring pool, grotto with particular yet beautiful chambers, an exclusive spa with soothing treatments and other unwinding activities such as Tennis, Golf and nature walks. Come with us on our journey to relaxation…
The Natural Spa
We felt carefree in the revitalising outdoor pool of the spa. The water cradled us at 34°C as it flowed directly from the hot springs and benefited our bodies and skin due to the natural elements of bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium and magnesium. Not only was our skin cleansed but our muscles were softened and became less stiff thanks to the wonderful water features. The geysers and hydro jet benches were our favourite features as the medium-high pressures of pounding water massaged our arm, shoulder, back and leg muscles, helping to improve our blood circulation too. We were impressed that the pool was surrounded by underwater jets and hydro-massages at every corner, meaning wherever we swam, we could sit or lay and have a light massage - also meaning that we wouldn’t fight over who’s turn it is to use the hydro-massage, rather enjoy the experience together! The encircling nature of the countryside gave us a real sense of pure serenity, making us forget about the outside world.
The Grotto (The Cave)
'Eighth wonder of the world'
Master Giuseppe Verdi (a famous composer of the 19th century) expressed that the cave of Grotta Giusti is the eighth wonder of the world because of its fascinating connate architecture and we couldn’t agree more with this statement. The grotto was definitely detoxifying as the natural steam oozes from the ground, the atmosphere made us feel as though we were on another planet, full of peace. We sat in the immense vaults absorbing the serenity and calming our minds. The glistening hot springs caught our eyes so we decided to take a dip in, the water was therapeutically warm and we were informed that it stays at 36°C all year round, regardless of the weather outside of the cave, perfect for us to visit during the summer and winter! It was a very unique experience to see a spa in a cave, with natural thermal waters! Massages can also be done in the caves.
Spa treatments and Massages
Grotta Giusti offers a wide range of treatments and massages to relax and cleanse the body, help with inflammation and even clear the sinuses with thermal nasal irrigation. We decided to try the thermal mud treatment as it is said to detoxify, oxygenate the tissues and decrease inflammation. The masseuse explained more about the mud and enlightened us about how it is made; natural clays are combined with the water from the spring and is left to mature for a minimum of six months! It specifically helps with muscle aches, arthritis and osteoarthritis; after removing the mud and having a shower to clean it all off, we noticed that our skin looked and felt well nourished and healthier, leg and back pains were also minimised but not completely gone. Furthermore, there are several different unwinding massages that the spa has to offer, some of our favourites are the Anti-stress Massage which uses gradual penetrating motions to improve circulation, posture and rejuvenated our minds; the Candle Massage uses shea butter to soften the skin but most importantly, the masseuse works on reflexology which is stimulating certain parts of the foot, each area of the foot correlates to an organ therefore improving their balance and helping them to function better. We recommend either of our preferred massages to feel refreshed or to unwind, however if you would like to focus on a specific problem or pain, we advise you to contact the spa as they can provide the most suitable treatment to aid you on your journey.
Spa Diving
The Grotta Giusti spa has underground tunnels connecting to the fault of a hill in Monsummano (the area of the spa) where a breath taking underground lake can be found and where diving takes place (up to 30 meters deep, depending on the client's experience), occuring in the winter season as the water level rises in the lake (but still remains 34°C). As enthusiastic divers ourselves, it's a pity that we haven't been able to experince this fantastic opportunity yet as we've only really been to Italy from spring to autumn. Once we've settled in our new agriturismo (farmhouse) we definitely plan on taking a dive into the lake of Grotto Giusti! Dives are available for people who hold an Open Water Diving Certificate or the equivalent, however lessons are also available where you will be taught the characteristics of a submerged enviornment, ascending, decending, how to move in the water and much more. If you are not looking to take a full course, the spa offers a 'cave discovery' taster where you are not taken as deep into the lake but still have the chance to enjoy the underwatter experience, ability is tested by the guider first - if you're looking to just take a dip in, there is an option to have a float with a professional guider, without diving. All options show the natural beauty of the cave and offer an unforgettable experience.
Other Activities
The resort also offers Tennis and Golf sessions in the middle of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, to unwind and connect with the surrounding nature. We had a game of golf with a couple of friends; the courses and equipment were stunning, clean, professional, of high quality and the encircling forests were truly peaceful - a wonderful escape. We had to get a golf cart to travel around the courses as they were massive! If you're looking for a more relaxing sport, Grotta Giusti also hosts walking trails connecting to the geological trails and hills of Montevettolini and Monsummano Alto. Enjoy the trek filled with natural beauty and a fitness trainer with 15 stretching exercise stations on the way!
Restaurants
Grotta Giusti has a selection of bars and restaurants on the grounds. Bar Il Poeta is a chilled bar and more for the evening as they have a large selection of teas and infusions; but more excitingly the expert bartenders make amazing cocktails! They even hold 'cocktail making classes', as well as divine wine and chocolate tastings at sunset. We have learnt how to make many cocktails on our travels together but we are really excited to learn how to make more - practice makes perfect! The Giusti Room used to be a space for entertaining nobles of the 19th century, today, it has become a classical space for dining on light meals whilst absorbing the majestic melodies of a live pianist. On site, the poolside lounge area, the Bioaquam Café is a perfect spot for a short lunch or scrumptious snack, the café also hosts special cocktail parties where you can satisfy your tastebuds on cocktails made by Francesco Iglio - they are extraordinary! For dinner and fine dining, the resort has a restaurant outside, L'Oasi, where one can captivate the flawless panorama of the park whilst feasting on exquisite pasta, meat, salad, fish and many more appetising dishes; there is the option to dine inside at 'La Veranda Restaurant' where we devoured the delicous Tuscan cuisine. For our restaurant reviews, head over to our blog section named restaurants!
Overall
Grotta Giusti is a very luxurious yet down to earth spa that has been carefully structured, physically and by use of treatments, to supply a truly amazing experience for people of all ages. Not only is the spa flawlessly structured but the staff are compassionate, professional and experienced.
Atmosphere: 10
Experience: 10
Facilities: 10
Service: 10
For more information about the spa and how to book your escape visit the website below:
https://www.grottagiustispa.com/en/spa-hotel-tuscany/1-0.html
