Why the Italian region is perfect for your next wellness-focused getaway.

At Terra & Tu, we love to write about our adventures with wellness travel in Tuscany. While the region is known primarily for its vibrant culture and rich history, we’ve found Tuscany to be the perfect place to escape and focus on our well-being. As part of our Tuscany: La Dolce Vita itinerary, we incorporate optional yoga, spa visits, and — most importantly— a deep exploration of Italian ways of wellbeing.

By multiple metrics, Italy is actually considered the healthiest country in the world. Tuscans in particular enjoy better health, higher quality of life, and longer lifespans than much of the rest of the world. This isn’t because of vigorous exercise routines or dieting regimens. Instead, a number of factors contribute to the well-being of Tuscan people, from the food they eat to their work habits to local wellness practices.  From its natural, healing hot springs to the abundance of fresh, healthy cuisine, exploration of Tuscany’s culture and wellness go hand in hand. Here are a few things that make Tuscany the perfect setting for wellness travel and yoga retreats. 

Wellness in Tuscany: La Dolce Vita

‘La Dolce Vita, or “the good life,” is more than an expression—it’s a way of living. Italians value living your life with joy and freedom from unnecessary stress, and those living in Tuscany are no exception. Tuscans enjoy an incredibly healthy work-life balance. Rather than focusing solely on their next meeting or work project, Tuscans make sure to find time for activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. From meals with family to leisurely hikes of the surrounding region to appreciate Tuscany’s natural beauty, locals understand the importance of making time for self-care and wellness. 

The dolce vita philosophy applies to Italian attitudes towards food, too. As we’ve discussed previously, Tuscans enjoy an incredibly healthy diet, despite rarely cutting foods or monitoring their calories. Instead, they eat the foods that bring them joy (including dessert!) and care much more about the freshness of the ingredients than calories or macros. 

As a result of this philosophy towards life, Tuscans experience significantly lower levels of burnout, stress and the accompanying health problems than those living in the rest of Europe or America. When you join us on our wellness travel and Tuscany yoga retreats, you’ll learn how to embrace the lifestyle of “la dolce vita” for yourself, slowing down and appreciating the moment in new ways.

Wellness Travel in Tuscany: Local Hot Springs

Tuscany’s natural springs,  le terme, are among the most prized in the world. Frequented by locals and prized for their healing properties since antiquity, Tuscany’s hot springs are a must-visit for any wellness-savvy traveler in Italy. The Terme di Saturnia, perhaps the most famous of these, is located in the small town of Saturnia and has been in use since the 4th century BCE. Due to the popularity of the hot springs, Saturnia has gained an international reputation as a must-see spa and wellness destination. For those looking for the best in luxury wellness, we recommend a visit to the Terme di Saturnia Resort. Located steps from the hot springs, this five-star resort is home to a world-renowned spa, complete with one of the world’s largest selections of spa treatments available (think facials, thermal treatments, and countless different types of massages, all with a plethora of benefits). In order to get the most out of our visit to Saturnia, each of our departures includes a two-night stay at the Terme di Saturnia Resort for a total escape into its soothing atmosphere and natural beauty.

Hidden gems and total seclusion

Although Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the massive region has ample opportunities for adventure without running into hordes of tourists. For travelers who want a break from chaos, Tuscany is home to an abundance of secluded hilltop villages, off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, and many other wonders to discover away from the crowds. The Crete Senesi, near location, is a hidden gem on the quieter side of the region favored by locals. With its unobstructed views of the Tuscan hills, history, access to vineyards, authentic cuisine, and hiking trails, it’s an ideal but little-known setting for wellness adventures or yoga retreats. Since we’re in on the secret, it serves as a perfect “home base” for each day’s adventures onTerra & Tu’s Tuscany wellness and yoga retreat. Our private luxury Tuscan villa, a dreamy 19th century converted farmhouse, is located just a few miles from the Crete Senesi’s town on an exclusive property perched atop one of Tuscany’s iconic rolling hills. A Tuscan architectural rarity, it also boasts sophisticated modern interiors, luxury amenities, and a private chef. Unlike accommodations at yoga retreats or wellness travel offerings in tourist-heavy parts of Italy, the private villa in Tuscany is perfectly suited for an immersive wellness experience, free from distractions. And morning yoga practices at the villa are literally a breath of fresh air and look out at the Tuscan countryside.  

We believe that travel should be stress-free. At Terra & Tu, we’ve saved you the time, effort and stress of planning your own getaway. Whether you’re exploring Tuscany’s hidden gems and learning the region’s wellness practices for yourself with our local guides, enjoying daily meditation and yoga with our expert wellness travel instructors, or enjoying a glass of local wine in the gardens of our luxury Tuscany villa, our Tuscany wellness and yoga retreats have something for everyone, avid travelers and wellness junkies alike. Click the link below for a free itinerary and trip details or visit our trip page to learn more today!