Italy: Bristol Buja
Italy
Just the whisper of the word “Italy” typically lights up faces and spurs discussions of Bucket List adventures.
In the land of Food, Wine and Antiquity, you’ll never be without new discoveries. Each region in this stunning country has its unique charm.
Whether it’s the iconic visit to Rome, Venice or Florence, a jaunt along the shores of the Adriatic or Ionian Seas, or a wine tasting adventure throughout the county, one thing is certain. The enchantment of La Vita Bella calls even the most distant visitor to engage in the wiles of all that Italy has to offer.
In the North outside Venice lie the Euganean Hills and the charming sister thermal spa towns of Abano and Montegrotto Terme. Here, you will find one of the most unique medically certified thermal mud experiences in the world. To learn more about the documented healing qualities of the mud, click here.
This unique healing area is located near charming villages, ornamental gardens and mystical monasteries. I like to call it the “Wine, Water and Mud” adventure!
Hotel Terme’ Bristol Buja
This elegantly understated hotel is run by multi-generational family members Buja. Thermal hoteliers since 1940, Bristol Buja was built in Abano Terme in 1959 and provides a wonderful experience for your healing thermal water and mud treatment experience.
The “Mud Rooms” are housed along an elegant hallway where experienced staff will apply the therapeutic mud per your doctor’s prescription. The multiple pools are delightful and surrounded by gardens with plenty of trees. The pools are indoor/outdoor with a swim-through passage. Soak up the sun on a lounge chair or grab lunch in the poolside restaurant.
Within the interior pool space, there are 3 areas with saunas and a jetted pool for swimming and/or biking exercise. Yes, there a submerged bicycle made specifically for this purpose which I used daily.
The sauna area is aptly named “Inferno,” the jetted pool water exercise area is called “Purgatory” and the separate (and divine) salt sauna is called “Paradise.” I spent time in all 3 areas and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Spa offers a diverse selection of beauty treatments and massages as well as an inhalation room where you can literally breathe in the thermal water.
Just a short walk away is the center of Abano where you’ll find resort apparel shopping, restaurants and outdoor performers in the summertime. And because of its proximity to Venice and Padova, you can head out for world class touring. Or, stay local and take in a walking, bike, wine or boat tour. Nearby Arqua’ Petrarca is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and an excursion can easily be arranged. You can do as much or as little as wish with so many options at your fingertips.
Why I Recommend Bristol Buja
* Family run (4 generations of thermal hoteliers)
* Quality of Treatments and Thermal water / mud preparation
* Food and service.
There is a down-to-earth elegance at Bristol Buja. The pride and care in the service and the friendly yet respectful atmosphere creates a special home away from home.
A special healthy menu called B Well is available, which is sourced from local ingredients and flavorful. It’s almost nuts to think you could be on a special “healthy” nutritional program in Italy, however at Bristol Buja, there is always that option. I tried one of the special menus at lunch and it was delicious
Travel Information
How to Get There
The most direct way is to fly into Venice or Treviso airports and take a cab to the hotel or arrange a transfer in advance with the hotel. Venice and Treviso also have train stations if you are arriving from other locations in Europe. A taxi or transfer will need to be arranged either way.
What to Bring
For the pools, Swimsuit and flip flops or sandals. The hotel will give you robes and slippers. I find that rubber-soled flip flops or sandals give you more traction on wet spa floors.
For the treatments, any lab results or doctor’s notes and recommendation are always helpful to show the doctor on staff who sees you before the mud treatments.
Around the hotel, I noticed that smart-casual resort wear was the choice of the guests, many of whom are repeat guests, and for decades! In the evenings, I saw many of the guests in what I call “dressy-casual-resort” wear. That would mean long pants and collared shirts for the gentlemen and “resort chic” for the ladies. The dining room at lunch and dinner has formal service, so I understand why this would be. I always opt to be overdressed than under dressed.
For tours, especially during the summer, make certain you have comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Remember that inside churches, monasteries, and religious or sacred areas of any kind, modesty is important. Ladies will want to bring something to cover their shoulders. If you opt for shorts, bring a skirt to pull over them if you stop by a religious or sacred monument or location.
Naturally, packing will depend on season. Northern Italy can get cool in the winter months (skiing is only a few hours away) so check your weather reports and pack accordingly.
What to Expect
The front desk staff speaks English, as does the spa manager. However, all therapists or attendants may not.
When I travel abroad, I always seek to be respectful and to honor the local culture and customs. As not everyone will speak English, learning a few basic words (especially please and thank you) of the local language is always helpful and respected, and a smile goes a long way.
In the end, we are all ultimately Ambassadors of our countries, and leaving a good impression is good policy.
My first experience with the mud treatments took some getting used to, so here is what to expect in this area. The spa attendant will give you disposable underwear. Other than that, the mud is meant to be applied on bare skin. It will seem hot initially, but quickly cools down. I opted to leave one hand out of the mud in case I had an itch or needed to pat down my face with a towel. Sweating is part of the process, so not to worry with this. My lovely spa attendant didn’t speak much English, so it’s a good idea to ask for any instructions or clarification for treatments at the front desk or at the spa desk. In order to remove the mud, you are “hosed down” by the spa attendant which initially is quite unusual, but I got used to it over time. After the “shower,” you spend 20 minutes or so in a private oxygenated bath of pure thermal water. This was my favorite part, and I always felt incredible after the treatment.
Remember that you will first need to meet with the doctor who will discuss your health and any medical issues.
In your room, you will find robes. I was told these are for the pool. For mud treatments, they will give you white robes. I mixed them up a couple of times and nobody mentioned anything but check with the spa manager.
Italy is a treat for your senses, so be prepared to enjoy your wellness holiday to its fullest.
My Recommended Treatments
This area is famous for this treatment and clients return year after year because they say it definitely works. This is the only place in the world where I have found this unique (and patented) form of treatment. I find it very relaxing and love the private oxygenated thermal bath afterward As with most natural remedies, results take time. A minimum of 7 – 14 days is recommended for best results. See the benefits here.
This is by far one of the most unusual facials I have ever had. It is basically a form of non-electrical bio stimulation using a sticky substance which dries slowly. The therapist makes short upward movements with her fingers which create a sensation similar to tape being pulled off your face. Although unsual for sure, it wasn’t painful and I experienced glowing skin afterward. Definitely worth a try if you’re up for something new and different.
If you would like to experience a series of inhalations, it is quite enjoyable and treats respiratory issues. Or, just ask for a one-time treatment to see how it feels. I found it soothing, like a steam facial and lung therapy simultaneously.
