The wonders of Sicily are hardly a secret these days. Powdered by verdant hills gently caress fecund fields of blazing sunflowers and aromatic thyme, rosemary and oregano, the island possess a magical allure. The prolific citrus, olive, and grape orchards are visible even with your eyes closed. With no less than 13 UNESCO heritage sites and more ancient Greek ruins anywhere in the world behind Greece itself, this Mediterranean paradise blooming with life has long attracted visitors and holiday seekers from Europe, but has eluded many Americans as a primary terminus.

Thanks to an award-winning and ferociously popular television series, American viewers are getting a glimpse into this enticing island steeped in centuries of history. With piqued curiosity and fertile imaginations, vacationers are now putting Sicily on their bucket list of must-see destinations whether their interest is nature, culture, urban exploration, and now, spa rejuvenation.

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Resting on the expansive Terra Salsa Natural Reserve with magnificent views to the azure Mediterranean, ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia welcomes guests to an unprecedented wellness and travel experience on the sun-drenched southern coast of Sicily. Designed by the Sanoner family for maximum sustainability, comfort and holistic experience, ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia incorporates a 360° approach to wellness that is neither forced nor regimented. 

The uninitiated will appreciate an informal and bespoke  ethos that includes a luxurious and minimalist sophistication, chef-inspired farm-to-table cuisine, and a multi-building spa and wellness facility designed in harmony with nature—all in a reserve of natural beauty with easy and unlimited access to a private beach and sublime surroundings. 

Bio-Architecture

In partnership with architect Hugo Demetz, the Sanoner family has spared nothing to create a sustainable island oasis in flawless harmony with nature. The architectural design and materials chosen enhance the surroundings of rolling hills and bright blue waters, while minimizing its impact on the landscape.

The low-levels structures seamlessly blend into the hillside, promoting an at al fresco living experience. This is encouraged further by stone pathways and daybeds and lounges scattered throughout the resort for optimum enjoyment of Sicilian sunshine. The effect is simultaneously striking and blissful, maintaining a cohesive fusion of splendor and serenity.

“Everything we do is informed by a non-negotiable principle: our resort has to blend into the landscape without altering its natural balance and beauty. Bio-architecture was the only way forward. We opted for a dispersive layout of single-story buildings alternating with botanical oases.” —The Sanoner Family

Holistic Spa 

A combined 3,200-meter spa and wellness facility is front and center at ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia. Taking full advantage of its Mediterranean surrounding, the ancient rituals of water for therapeutic well-being is on full display. The spacious spa facility is anchored with 13 treatment rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic sea view.

Three independent Swedish saunas, including a bio-sauna, are housed in a detached building to offer maximum space along with unobstructed ocean views while you detox and relax. Three stunning pools sit effortlessly within the landscape, including an elevated Thalasso pool and saltwater hydro-massage pool, both with infinity design so as to appear to merge with the crystal water of the Mediterranean.

A 25-meter sports pool sits outside the fitness facility for aqua yoga classes and lap swimming to maintain your workout regimen. Inside the exercise facility are state-of-the-art cardio and resistance machines, plus an elevated outdoor platform with shades to host a daily schedule of yoga, Pilates, sound healing and special workshops. These amenities are available to all hotel guests at no additional charge.

Perhaps the most salient and impressive amenity are the series of expansive solarium lounges housed in the pool and spa facilities. Slats of local cedar wood and 360° windows permit an unobstructed dose of sea and sky from all angles. Terraced levels of daybeds and ergonomic chaise lounges provide ample opportunity to bask in beaming sunlight, witness a kaleidoscopic sunset, or rise with the morning sun after a sunrise dip in the combination indoor/outdoor infinity pool. Fruit-infused waters and cozy bath towels are plentiful.

Spa Manager Giulia Spitaleri Ciccarella spoke to us in-depth about the therapies, inspiration, and environment of ADLER Spa.

What impact does the spa design have on the customer experience?

The location is breathtaking and the spa is flooded with natural light, which creates an atmosphere of feeling close to nature, yet also with stunning views of the ocean and sunset. The interiors are made of natural materials, lots of cedar-wood with colorful highlights and patterns that represent Sicily's ancient Arabic culture. The cabins are warm and welcoming with earth-toned palettes and textures that promote overall relaxation for the mind, body and soul. 

What is a favorite service that is unique to the spa?

Our beautiful new signature therapies include a Sicilian candle massage scented with amber, tobacco and prickly pear and broom essences. Our Etna Ritual uses volcanic dust to promote the purification of the skin while the Sicilian Memories massage for couples includes a pistachio surprise created by the chef.

How does the spa menu incorporate native Sicilian elements?

We use local essential oils such as lemon, orange, mandarin, prickly pear and pistachio. All of the products are from Sicily and are organic.

What is thalassotherapy and how is it beneficial?

Thalassotherapy is useful for skin complaints, the skeletal and the nervous system. It can help cure pathology of the respiratory and circulatory systems. It can keep anxiety and metabolism under control. It is effective in fighting cellulite by stimulating circulation and bringing oxygen to the tissue. It reduces water retention by draining excess liquids. Thalassotherapy can help with dermatitis, erythema, acne and psoriasis. These treatments are very unique and use our high-performing product line called Thalasso. These products contain magnesium, potassium and mineral salts which encourage the drainage of liquids. 

What is the ultimate ADLER Spa indulgence?

Our 75-minute Thalasso Body Ritual. It will leave your body detoxified and your skin toned and regenerated.

For more information on Adler Spa Resort Sicilia, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @adlersparesorts

[Photos courtesy of Adler Spa Resort Sicilia]

ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia

Contrada Salsa

92010 Siculiana (Agrigento)

Italy

+39-0922-145-7000

 info@adler-sicilia.com