Italian property Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort Tuscany, Autograph Collection, has introduced a new wellness programme called The Paths of Thermal Mud.

The hotel features Europe’s largest natural thermal grotto, which extends for more than 200 metres underground and was only discovered in 1849 by accident by quarry labourers.

Among stalactites and stalagmites, large rock vaults are filled with natural steam that ranges in temperatures from 28°C to 34°C. At the bottom of the cave is a crystalline lake of thermal waters with a constant temperature of 36°C.

The new programme is described by the property as a wellness journey and the “king of all thermal treatments.”

The mud-related treatments use clay and thermal waters flowing from the property’s hot springs.

The first therapy is a 50-minute thermal mud wrap, which is said to address fatigue while draining and detoxifying the body thanks to ivy, horse chestnut and fucus plant extracts.

A purifying face mask is applied for 20 minutes.

The next 80-minute treatment uses phyto-mud. Cryotherapy-like cool mud is combined with hay flowers, which are rich in natural active ingredients. The medicinal herbs are designed to have a relaxing, purifying and detoxifying effect on the body.

Guests are then encouraged to experience a 4-5-minute cryotherapy session to revitalise the body and mind while stimulating metabolic function and increasing endorphins.

The Paths of Thermal Mud includes a three-night stay at the property with breakfast, three dinners at the II Poeta Restaurant, including natural treatments, herbal infusions and access to the spa facilities.

The thermal spa features a meditarium area that has a thermal pool, gentle sauna, Finnish sauna, Roman bath, steam bath, experience showers and an ice fountain.

The thermarium area has an additional thermal pool with hydro massage jets, a Finnish sauna, steambath and an ice fountain.

There is also an open-air thermal pool, wet area, relaxation areas and 24-hour gym.

The price for the programme starts from €800 (US$888, £681) per person, staying in a double room.

Read an earlier article about the resort’s history and reopening in 2022 following refurbishment here.