Ladies and gentlemen, wellness is served: massages and detox beauty treatments are the honored guests of Italian castles

Gloomy atmospheres, heavy draperies, dusty armor and creaking noises? Forget the typical ideas about castles. The ones we present here have preserved their austere, majestic facade but inside, you’ll find all the necessary amenities and a chic ambiance for a holiday of relaxation and wellness. Everyone knows that Italy is a land of ancient castles, which are the vestiges of a glorious past. What better way to honor our cultural heritage than pampering yourself with a stay combining history and modernity? 

An aristocratic palazzo in Syracuse becomes a boutique hotel. The Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel 4*S is on the ancient Mastra Rua road that was a hub of high society and commerce in the Sicilian city already in the thirteenth century. The very elegant palace housing the hotel was once one of the most beautiful noble manors of Syracuse. Following a painstaking restoration project, this ancient building with keystones and arches carved in stone is now a fascinating venue for guests who can enjoy all possible modern amenities during an unforgettable stay. Elegantly furnished with antiques and painted ceramic tiles, the most beautiful jewel of the hotel is its Deluxe Spa suite. Located on the roof of the building, it has a magnificent terrace overlooking the sea, a large hydromassage tub, solarium, four-poster king-size bed and, for staying connected, free WI-FI. The cost of the room, double occupancy, starts at €218.

A 10th century castle in Tuscany. Hotel Castello di Casole is the perfect example of how a prestigious historical landmark can be carefully restored and provided with luxurious amenities without losing the undeniable charm and poetry that a castle inevitably evokes. And when we add the infinite charm of the Tuscan countryside, nothing could be better! Having undergone several renovations over the centuries, the castle has had many proprietors and was once owned by the unforgettable film director Luchino Visconti who welcomed many Hollywood celebrities here. Besides its location, other strong points of Castello di Casole are its suites and amazing spa, and also its fine food and wines. For a truly unique experience, we suggest choosing one of the studio suites arranged around the perimeter of the inner courtyard and elegantly decorated in the classic hues of the Tuscan countryside. Completing the experience is the Essere Spa, which is accessed by way of a romantic cobblestone path and was built inside a former wine cellar. The spa treatments are inspired by the concepts of harmony, relaxation and comfort zones. For a complete detox beauty treatment, we recommend booking a honey massage using crystallized wildflower nectar mixed with essential oils for use as a massage oil. The soothing and moisturizing properties of the massage make it a real cure-all for the body. Cost: €135 for 50 minutes.  

A medieval manor in Umbria. Montignano Castle dates back to 962. Transformed from an austere castle into a luxurious boutique hotel, the castle is now one of the chicest and most exclusive addresses in Umbria. Original exposed brick walls, soft colors, a warm and relaxed atmosphere, wood floors and fireplaces make each room of the castle a small cozy nest with understated elegance. The star of Montignano Castle is its prestigious spa. The ACQUADEGNA SPA, located in the castle dungeons, is inspired by ancient Roman baths and offers guests the Thermarium (a mosaic-lined hydromassage pool), the Roman therapy (Epidarium, Calidarium and Frigidarium) and an extensive menu of treatments to choose from. What’s the most famous? The Bath of Youth: 75 minutes that includes an exfoliating scrub made of ground olive oil pits and almond shells and enriched with the essential oils of bergamot, lime and grapefruit, followed by a hot bath in the vat (photo) and, in conclusion, an illuminating and smoothing treatment with a body massage, facial and scalp massage using oil from the olive groves of Marfuga Hill. Cost per person €115. A Deluxe room, with access to the spa, costs €99 per night, double occupancy. 

In Piedmont, a castle overlooking a UNESCO Heritage site. Imagine staying in a castle that has dominated the Roero region, a UNESCO Heritage Site, for seven hundred years and, from its balcony, admiring the Langhe, Asti, the Barbaresco zone and, in the distance, even Barolo vineyards. Guarene Castle has been used for many purposes throughout history: as a fortified outpost, a summer noble residence and now as a luxury hotel. It is elegantly completed by a garden that in ancient days was home to five peacocks, which were exotic animals at the time. Inside, guests will enjoy the 12 finely furnished rooms with frescoed ceilings, marble, silks, velvets and strictly antique furniture. For more demanding guests, there is also a wonderful spa with swimming pool carved into the rock and panoramic views of the Langhe and Roero regions, Kneipp baths, and signature treatments. We suggest you book the Tibetan Sound Massage: 75 minutes of sheer relaxation and well-being in its purest form using products of the highest quality and accompanied by the sound of Tibetan bells in the background. The cost of the massage: €150. The cost of the room, per night, double occupancy, including access to the spa, starts at €350.