Ancient meets contemporary
Volcanic spring resorts, once celebrated as health destinations, are today extolled for their benefits to the skin.
Depending on the time of day, the ancient waters of Saturnia take on different colours: from the misty greys of early morning to the turquoise blues that seem to almost glow on sunny days. These historic spring waters are over 3,000 years old and today, the Terme di Saturnia Natural Destination has taken them as the inspiration for a recent redesign.
One of the most well-known spa complexes in Italy, Terme di Saturnia Natural Destination is located on the site of an extraordinary geological conformation. This is the place at which the volcanic waters of Mount Amiata gush out of the crater, resulting in dramatic waterfalls and shallow mineral pools.
An aerial view of the lapis-blue waters of Saturnia. All photos courtesy of Terme di Saturnia Natural Destination
In bright sunlight, the waters of Saturnia take on a turquoise radiance.
The minerals and geology of Saturnia inform the unique interior design of Terma di Saturnia Natural Destination.
First established in 1919, the spa resort has undergone a contemporary makeover to celebrate its 101st anniversary. Its new look has been designed by London-based studio THDP and takes the minerality and volatile elements of this unique site as its inspiration.
“Everything from the paintings (created by the artists Due Alberi of Rome) to the upholstery fabrics reflect the colours of the spa using shades of turquoise, petroleum and blue,” explains THDP Co-Founder and Creative Director Manuela Mannino.
A bather contemplates the deep sapphire depths of the waters of Saturnia.
The exterior design of Terme di Saturnia takes the waters as its focal point.
Italy’s most famous thermal spring dates back 3,000 years.
"In terms of interior design, the client wanted to 'bring the water experience to the rooms'. This meant that we had to build an identity to the interior design experience and used light, colours and textures to create this feeling."