Set amongst sprawling vineyards, olive groves and rows of cypress trees just outside of Siena, a city in Italy’s Tuscany region, Borgo San Felice is a historic hamlet that has been converted into a hotel and is part of the Relais & Chateaux group. The wine resort includes an outdoor pool, gym, two tennis courts, two restaurants and a spa, making it an idyllic setting for relaxation and self-care.

The Botanic Spa is located within the property’s old olive mill and features exposed beams and large, high windows that are a testament to its historic origins while creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Before and after their treatments, guests can spend time in several different relaxation areas at the spa and three lines of exclusive products are incorporated into the spa’s services, which include exclusive restorarive wellness experiences such as a bio-sauna and Kneipp bath.

We interviewed Claudia Gentili, Spa Manager at The Botanic Spa at Borgo San Felice, to learn more about treatments to try, insider tips, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Besides the several treatments and products that we offer, the first thing that they surely love about The Botanic Spa is the fact that it is located within an old olive mill. Guests will have the chance to get pampered underneath exposed beams and large, high windows that create a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere for both spiritual and physical wellness.

Key Features: There are two different spa experiences: the “water zone” with a bio-sauna for healthy skin, and the“Kneipp experience” with alternating baths of cold and hot water that stimulate microcirculation. There are also several relaxation areas where guests can treatment rooms. The hydromassage bath and the “emotional shower” offer moments of pure enjoyment.

Insider’s Tip: It is very important for me to leave to our guest suggestions on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes body care and also mental well-being by indulging in moments of relaxation, perhaps with yoga, meditation class or a walk in nature.

Bonus: We welcome guests with water flavored with our herbs that are picked in the morning and we hand out a refreshed small towel scented with our fragrances.

Snacks Served: We serve herbal water, fresh fruit juice, dried fruit and green apple. Most of the treatments are already associated with some herbal tea. 

Splurge Treatment: A unique luxurious treatment is the “Codage Ritual.” It is an entirely customized experience that treats the guest in a holistic way from head to toe. Our guest has the sensation of a deep relaxation and at the same time they have a professional product meant to repair and illuminate their skin.

Unique Treatment: The Treatment “The Path of Bacchus” is for sure the most unique one. It’s a treatment thought for couples that lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. In this treatment our guests can benefit off the propriety of wine therapy and at the same time live a deep and relaxing experience. The treatment includes facial, body and the tranquility bath in the atmosphere of our couple room.

Insider’s Favorite: “Face and Body Ritual With Damascene Rose” is a delicate and scented treatment. It was created from the inspiration of the plant-based products of Maria Candida Gentile. It is my favorite because it is dedicated to women and I always recommend it to women who want to treat themselves in a gentle way. 

Featured Products: There are three lines of exclusive products:

• Codage is a professional product line created by the renowned French skincare brand and that offers face and body treatments based on the idea of ultra-personalization. Codage is distributed exclusively at Borgo San Felice.

• Spagyric Line, created by internationally recognized Italian Maître Parfumeur Maria Candida Gentile. The line takes inspiration from ancient know-how which releases its beneficial effects on the body and mind through the alchemical transformation of active principles of plant origin.

• The Anthology Line by Dr. Gian Maria Amatori that provides top quality skincare treatments with formulas focused on anti-aging and wine therapy.

All of these products comply with rigorous quality standards and scientific protocols that take sustainability into consideration, sharing the same essential values that are at the core of Borgo San Felice’sphilosophy.

For more information, visit Borgo San Felice’s website. Follow on Instagram: @borgosanfelice

[Photos courtesy of Borgo San Felice]

Borgo San Felice

Località San Felice, 53019

Castelnuovo Berardenga SI

Italy

Phone: +39-0577-3964