Seawater-based thalassotherapy is the hottest new spa treatment

On a brisk autumn afternoon, immersed in a 100-degree pool at Italy's Verdura Resort, I admired the lush Sicilian landscape as seawater-filled jets eased my muscles, tightened from long days of travel. I felt I could easily get used to it, and experts on thalassotherapy, a broad category of treatments using seawater, say we all should.
'Seawater is incredibly effective for muscle-skeletal issues. It's anti-inflammatory and also really helpful for skin conditions like eczema. Inhaling aerosols of mineral-rich water in ionized form helps with respiratory issues,' says Dr. Marie Perez Siscar, president of France's national thalassotherapy association, and owner and medical director of the Côté Thalasso spa hotel in Banyuls Sur Mer, France.
4 The mineral-rich seawater at Côté Thalasso in Banyuls Sur Mer, France, promises anti-inflammatory healing.
Cote Thalasso
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Dr. Perez Siscar, a former emergency room physician, says that while lake bathing can be pleasant and beneficial, seawater's particular combination of living plankton and trace minerals provides superior results.
Rich in calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, the water in Verdura's four outdoor thalassotherapy pools comes from the surrounding sea. It's combined with a slightly oily, mineral-rich water containing mud and salt from the salt marshes in Trapani, on Sicily's northwest coast.
4 Pools at Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy, are quipped with seawater-filled jets.
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'The therapy works by osmosis, meaning that the skin absorbs all the elements,' explains Luciano Porcu, spa director at Rocco Forte's Sicilian properties, which include Verdura, the Villa Igiea in Palermo and Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto, set to open next year. 'Osmosis of marine salts into the skin and warm water dilates blood stream, helping to detox and reduce water retention.'
Verdura's 43,000-square-foot Irene Forte Spa features a large gym, saunas and steam rooms, but its thalassotherapy pools are the main draw. Visitors follow a 90-minute sequence, spending about 15 minutes in each of four pools before repeating the circuit. The first stop is the 100-degree pool, where the salt density is 24%, encouraging muscle relaxation and detoxification, and dilating blood vessels. The second pool, heated to 98 degrees and with a 17% salt density, features waterfall jets targeting areas around the neck and back. The third pool, at 82 degrees, has 10% salinity. The last pool, just 77 degrees with 5% salinity, encourages vascular constriction.
4 The thalassotherapy pools at Italy's Valle dell'Erica in Sardinia boast spectacular views of Corsica.
Valle dell'Erica
In addition to the pool circuit, Porcu says, the spa's Trapani sea salt body scrubs and algae and mud body wraps help remove impurities and intensify the marine water benefits.
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In Sardinia, the Delphina group runs four other thalassotherapy-centered seaside hotel spas along the island's north coast. At its Valle dell'Erica spa, thalassotherapy pools offer sweeping views of Corsica. High-pressure jets massage everywhere from the bottom of visitors' feet to their shoulders. For the most energetic guests: An ersatz pool-based gym has water-based treadmills, bikes, trampolines and foam weights.
4 New York's own Aire Ancient Baths also offer saline serenity.
'The pressure exerted by the water on the body, combined with movement, creates a massage effect that promotes lymphatic drainage,' says Andrea Brucciani, who directs the spas, explaining that working out in water reduces impact on joints, creating safer conditions for jumping and running.
As for New Yorkers hoping to approximate thalassotherapy, the subterranean and candlelit Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca offers an impressively saline option. Among the six pools — ranging from 50 to 102 degrees — Aire's Epsom salt-filled 'flotarium' measures about 35% salinity. The buoyancy, meant to mimic the Dead Sea, provided a restful soak on a recent visit. It was a long way from the vistas of Sicily, but it would do.

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Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). 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Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

National Geographic

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Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. 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Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Otaleg Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Order your gelato in a Ciampini waffle cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza. Photograph by Ciampini, Gianmaria De Luca Ciampini Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Fruit-flavoured gelatos change according to each season at Gelateria dell'Angeletto, with both lactose-free and vegan options available. Photographs by Francesca Martino Gelateria dell'Angeletto After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Photograph by Aromi Group Günther With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Brivido Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

Vogue

11-06-2025

• Vogue

The Other Side of Sicily You Should Explore This Summer

I'm somewhere atop Europe's only active volcano. Her name is Mount Etna, and she's a beauty: immense and fiery. In this part of eastern Sicily, the mountain is ubiquitous: not only can you see her for miles, there are rice balls, or arancini, in the shape of her. She's inspired more art than a pop star's torrid romance. There's even a deep red liquor, the locally made Fuoco del Vulcano, in honor of her strength. (Proceed with caution: it's 70 proof, and I looked like Willie E. Coyote swallowing dynamite when I took a sip.) More often than not throughout 2025, Mount Etna has been doing what she does best: blowing off steam and lava. And who hasn't done that from time to time? I have a few dirty martinis, Mount Etna erupts now and then. Same difference. I'm here in Sicily for the first time exploring the off-the-beaten path destinations on the trendy island. I'm a quarter Sicilian, so this actually is my Roman Empire. (The Greeks and Arabs ran this land throughout the years, too). I don't need to tell you about that certain HBO-turned-Max-turned-HBO Max series that has inspired a million excursions in the recent era. But on the eastern edge of the island, beyond the Gucci and gelato shop-lined streets of Taormina (where I'll eventually wind up), there's a bit more to the area than the bustling tourist meccas that have turned some Italian towns like this into places out of Epcot Center. On the contrary, while Mount Etna does indeed woo tourists (sometimes clueless ones, to the chagrin of local authorities), it's much less polished than other la dolce vita destinations. My ride up here was an offered excursion courtesy Donna Carmela, the laidback 18-suite boutique hotel I'm staying at tonight which is located roughly an hour from the heart of the volcano and somewhere halfway between the charmingly unpolished city of Catania and the aforementioned Taormina. It's family-run by the Faros, right down to the pictures of nonnas, uncles and kids on the wall in its spacious communal living room area. The Faro clan also runs a local floral park and winery, which is also on my schedule to visit. I refresh in my bungalow, which boasts a private patio and wading pool, pull my trusty sneakers out of my luggage and head out.