The first of the six thalasso pools
The idyllic resort that has something, or lots of things, for everyone, also known as ForteVillage Sardegna is in large part the creation of Lorenzo Giannuzzi, who is always coming up with something new. He did, admittedly, inherit a thalassotherapy spa when he arrived in 1995, but he has made what is now Aquaforte significant, says the gal – already 20% of adults staying in the total 750-room complex make at least one visit to the facility, and that number is growing every year. The team of professionals includes chiropractors, nutritionalists and such personal trainers as Ruben Tavares, who seems to relocate here from his London base for part of every summer. The gal was intrigued by many of the offerings.
Spa treatment rooms feel akin to nature
Although ForteVillage traditionally closes during winter, Aquaforte is staying open right up to December 10th, 2017, to get enthusiasts in perfect shape for the festive season (the spa’s director, Dino Mitidieri, told me how he is working with nutritionalist Elisabetta Orsi to change his body shape, purely by his diet). I did not need that, but I did have time for the six-pool thalasso sequence. This started with floating on a blue neck pillow in brown water at 37-38°, especially high in magnesium salt, with saline density 30Bè. I progressed through pools of sea oil and aloe, and trace elements, and via jacuzzi jets, finishing in pure seawater at around 26°. I felt marvellous, so full of energy, and then it was time to lie on a waterbed, with constantly changing lights, for a salt scrub followed by being massaged in honey (who was the philistine who subsequently said what a waste of all that honey?).
Look up, at nature
I love the way the entire wellness complex is indoors-outdoors – the two treatment rooms I was in both had all-wall windows looking straight into Mediterranean undergrowth. This area of Sardinia has what many say is Europe’s most ideal and temperate climate, so it is perfectly plausible to think of operating nearly until Christmas (Villa del Parco resort, just a few metres away, is staying open to accommodate determined spa-goers). As you would expect, I made good use of the hotel’s main Technogym, which has all-wall windows that open completely, overlooking the Olympic pool beneath. There are also gym pieces, along with Pilates and full assessment items, in the Performance Centre. What was this? Well, I had a balance assessment, with eyes open, eyes closed and then with teeth firmly closed, producing a printout, above, showing that a one-time gammy right foot today results in six more kilos of body weight being put on one leg.
Performance Centre assessment room
If a luxury resort, like any luxury product, makes those who interact with it feel better for the experience, ForteVillage gains 100%, no dispute. In my short stay I learned more about my body. I slept magnificently – loved having my own garden (see the video below) and I began to understand just a little bit more about how hospitality is second-nature to Italians. Could I have a coffee maker, I asked, of course saying please. Literally within 15 minutes a Segafredo machine was brought, the container was filled with a litre of water, and it was plugged in, all ready to go. I also had 20 cups and saucers, and the same number of sachets. Italians do not do anything in short measure, and this is certainly true of the food and drink at this place. Read on… BUT FIRST SEE THE VIDEO OF ROOM 150-L AT VILLA DEL PARCO
