LASplash.com: International ESPA Luxury Destination Spa in Tuscany - Review By Susan diRende Tuscan grace on the terrace lounge of the ESP. ESPA at the Castello del Nero is a luxury destination spa in an enchanted Tuscan setting.  For a step out of time and a step into the Italian version of heaven on Earth, the ESPA on the grounds of this 12th Century castle gives you an unsurpassed spa experience.    The outdoor Vitality Pool overlooks the valley The Castello del Nero is a newly-renovated luxury hotel that makes you feel like one of the aristocracy from the moment you drive through the gates.  Every room looks over the tranquil valley full of olive trees, grape vines and cottages.  The landscape encompasses the property of the hotel, and in the renovations made sure all power lines and such were placed underground or out of sight.  The result is a vista of the rolling earth as it might have been when the castle was built almost a millennium ago. A treatment room at the ESPA. You do not have to be a guest staying at the castle to spend time at the spa, though there is a minimum 2-hour treatment for non-hotel guests.   You can come in for the day by car and enjoy the signature treatments and a three-course spa lunch at the first-rate La Torre restaurant before going on your way.  A half-hour from Florence or Siena, you drive through the stunning Chianti countryside for the true vision of the timeless landscape that feels like stepping into a dream.  The castle itself has one of the most unspoiled vistas in Tuscany that I have ever seen. The Castello del Nero researched for a spa partner whose qualifications would guarantee a relaxation and beauty experience equal to that of Castello del Nero luxury accommodations.  The castle management did not want to do their own spa, knowing how much expertise goes into being a first class hotelier and reasoning that the same level of knowledge and experience would be required for a first class spa. ESPA products used in the treatments are available for purchase.   The ice fountain The spa is set into the hillside below the castle with long covered terraces opening off of the relaxation lounge areas and commanding a view over the timeless val di Pesa.  The interior is sleek and contemporary, with natural wood, clear glass and Italian stone.  The space is divided between male and female thermal suites that include Laconiums with Tuscan views, aromatic steam rooms, Lifestyle Showers, Ice Fountains, saunas and relaxation areas.  The large coed Vitality Pool  with its warmth, its massaging jets and fountains, is outside on the terrace as well. Herbal tea is brought to you on arrival. ESPA has a holistic approach to spa care,  combining traditional Asian practices and contemporary Western treatments.   Along with massage and facials, the ESPA offers absolutely delicious hot stone massages that relax you into a nirvana-like bliss.  There are signature treatments associate with the Castello del Nero that you should try.  ESPA does a Sea Salt and Tuscan Rosemary Exfoliation  that takes 25 minute, and they offer an Olive Oil and Pink Clay Oriental Inspired Head Massage that lasts 40 minutes.  Or you can opt for the hour-an-a-half Castello del Nero Relaxation Ritual. Everything you need is provided in the changing rooms. There are spas all over Italy.  Many of them are in bustling town centers.  This is a marvelous one-of-a-kind experience, for you not only get the best in spa care, you get a setting that will awaken sleeping dreams of grace in your heart and remain in your dreams for years to come. Espa at Castello Del Nero Strada Spicciano, 7 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa Florence Italy +39 055 8077018 Open 9am-9pm Mon-Sun Treatments 10am-8pm espa@castellodelnero.com www.castellodelnero.com Published Aug 20, 2007 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com