Whenever I reflect on some of my favorite vacations, the one common component that is a part of every trip is a few Spa days. You know what I am reminiscing about; waking for sunrise yoga followed by leisurely mornings floating in a heated pool or natural hot spring, daily massages or facials, enticing, healthy meals that flow into afternoon naps, slow walks, scenic bike rides or delightful wine tastings. Early evenings around a fire pit to watch a perfect sunset, and then it just repeats. Echoing back to those brilliant days makes me feel more relaxed just thinking about them. I always feel renewed and happier, with myself and those around me.
So, when I was planning a recent trip to Sicily, I knew a few Spa days had to be part of the mix of road tripping across the beautiful countryside, admiring the street art of Palermo, sampling the seafood along the coast and exploring as much of the rich Sicilian history as possible in a two-week journey.
Lucky for me, a brand-new Adler resort, Adler Sicilia, opened this summer and immediately became part of our itinerary. My husband and I stayed at Adler Thermae in Tuscany a few years ago so we knew how special this Spa time in Sicily were going to be for us.
Located along the Agrigento coast just a few hours south of Palermo and close to a well-preserved archaeological site of ancient Greek Temples, this Adler gem was an ideal spot for a few days of rest in between the hustle of crisscrossing Sicily, trying to see as many towns as possible while sampling olive oil at every stop!
The elegant resort is nestled in a hillside overlooking white beaches and was sustainably designed to meld into the natural landscape. Everything about the place is thoughtful and reflects the authentic, charming Italian ambience. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and quiet. Nothing is too far, and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean is mesmerizing.
The Spa offers a zillion well-being options to indulge in. I chose a deep tissue, stress relieving massage one day and a rejuvenating wellness massage the next. I soaked in infinity pools, and sat in hot saunas, steam and relaxation rooms. Every inch of the Spa smells good and feels even better. Totally a 5-star Spa experience.
Did I mention the meals? All the food is either grown onsite or sourced locally, making every day of dining a delicious moment in time. I was impressed with the number of vegan and gluten free options available daily. (Rumor has it they will soon be offering cooking classes, too!)
Adding a Spa get-away to my travel schedule or even a few days of total self-care into a busy trip is the way I choose to appreciate and enjoy life. To let go of doing and just indulge in being. It’s my way of building a life I love and reconnecting to all the parts of myself that sometimes don’t get enough airtime. It offers the opportunity to nourish one’s creativity and the luxury of remembering how happiness is within reach. The shift in my perspective is real and palpable and I feel it every time I give myself permission to stop and flip the switch to a higher level of acceptance and gratitude.
Like the Adler philosophy says, “Let your soul fly”.
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