Palazzo Fiuggi

In April 2023, Oprah Winfrey declared this medical retreat “the best wellness retreat of her life.” The property’s programs take full advantage of the town’s renowned healing waters as well as its state-of-the-art 65,000 square-foot spa and medical staff of traditional and holistic doctors and nurses to offer a range of detox, beauty and medical programs.

Fiuggi is the place of legends—a tiny mountain town about one hour southeast of Rome where Pope Boniface VIII claimed that the water healed him of his kidney stones in the 14th century. The surrounding natural springs gained popularity throughout the Renaissance era, with claims of the water’s healing powers coming from Michelangelo and the Medici family. In the early 20th century, the Grand Palazzo Fiuggi was built as a healing resort that attracted royal families across Europe, including the last king of Italy.

In 2021, this massive, 20th century Italianate palazzo was transformed into a state-of-the-art medical spa retreat. The immaculately designed hotel offers the cosseting of an Old World grand hotel, while allowing guests to embark on serious medical, detox, longevity, weight loss and beauty programs with a team of experts and make long-lasting changes for the better.

The property has 102 rooms and suites looking over the old town of Fiuggi or the surrounding countryside. As part of the complete renovation, rooms have kept their traditional palazzo bones while being outfitted with the newest technology. The design is light and bright, with splashes of greens and blues complemented by light brown leathers. Pieces of contemporary abstract art adorn the walls to magnify the sense of calmness and relaxation. Some of the grand public spaces have been transformed into a library, a tea salon, a plush movie theater and a grand fitness facility with chandeliers and high-tech equipment, including an Icarus machine. 

The property’s offerings range from hydrotherapy and cryotherapy to detailed medical assessments, nutrition consultations and beauty treatments—such as botox and fillers—as well as group yoga or hikes and private training sessions. Guests will want to spend significant time in the spectacular, 65,000 square-foot spa, equipped with thalassotherapy pools, steam rooms, saunas, indoor-outdoor pools, saltwater and magnesium baths and Turkish hammams.

To come to the retreat, guests must sign up for one of the highly regimented programs across four categories: Longevity, Detox & Weight, Restore & Balance and Medical & Diagnostic. These include a daily schedule of medical tests and treatments, as well as a curated (and calorie-counted) menu designed by chef Heinz Beck (of Rome’s three-Michelin-starred La Pergola). It’s important to note that the menu does not allow much room for customization and neither coffee nor alcohol are allowed (though they will, of course, adapt to any dietary restrictions). The programs are in durations of seven, 10, 14 and 21 days and include themes a  “life rewind,” weight optimization, detox, fitness and an immune booster. These programs include consultations with the property’s on-site medical staff throughout your stay.

Those looking for a life-changing stay focused on physical health and mental well-being who don’t mind living a regimented lifestyle for one week or more