Lucca is fortunate to be located at the crossroads of 4 different thermal spring resorts. These resorts, if you research a bit, all offer one day passes to those who do not stay at their hotel, but nonetheless would like to have a nice soak in their pools and perhaps a massage or facial. Many of the spas offer steam rooms, saunas, hammams, or thermal caves in addition to the thermal pools for an extra luxurious experience. They all have estheticians and massage therapists on site, although keep in mind that these services need to be booked in advance.

I've already organized a few excursions for 08 and 07 clients and what we did was have a van come to pick everyone up in the morning, they arrived at the springs around 10 am and were given a thick bathrobe, slippers, a towel, and a locker to stow their things away. They mostly soaked, swam and chatted in the morning, then had a lady's lunch together (all of the spas have adjoining restaurants and some have pool side service), and spent the afternoon getting various treatments from mani-pedis to facials and shiatsu. The day usually finishes at about 5 or 6 pm and by that time everyone is so chill that they practically melt into their seats on the ride home.

Some of the higher level service spas include: Bagni di Pisa (San Giuliano Terme, near Pisa, about 20 minutes drive from Lucca) and Grotta Giusti (Montsumano Terme, near Montecatini, about a 30- 40 minute drive from Lucca).

Probably less expensive, but also less impressive (I have not checked this one out yet so can't comment) would be the Centro Benessere of Terme Excelsior in Montecatini Terme. The pool is smaller but if you are looking for a good deal, I think this place is hard to beat: Montecatini Benessere (Montecatini Terme, about a 30 minute drive from Lucca).

Bagni di Lucca tends to have mixed reviews as there is only one smallish indoor pool, and a steam cave, but it is also a real bargain if you go during the week, so perhaps worth checking out. I have not been to this one myself either, so I'll post a new entry once I go: Terme di Bagni di Lucca (about a 30 minute drive from Lucca).

If you are a current client of My Tuscan Wedding, and this kind of package interests you, please let me know, as I get discounts at most of the larger establishments which I will then pass on to you.

posted by gina, 2008-12-17