|

A THALASSO CENTRE AMIDST A SEA OF OLIVES
Between Bari and Brindisi, in the South of Italy, in the heel of
the boot, you will find one of the world’s truly unique places: a
small white island in a sea of olive trees right in the heart of
Pouilles, on the Adriatic coastline. Welcome to Masseria San
Domenica. Here, in this untouched little corner of Italy, beside a
“green” sea, thalassotherapy treatments using Thalgo products are
lavished upon guests.
THE “GREEN” SEA OF POUILLES
The region on Pouilles benefits from a “green” sea, which is very
rich in potassium, magnesium, iodine and other elements as well as
plankton and whose salt concentration is very high (40g per litre),
close to that of the Red Sea and the Black Sea. Thanks to the
process of osmosis, all these elements help to regenerate and
treat a diverse number of pathologies: allergies, bone
pathologies, circulation problems…
Interaction between the sea water and the plasma, whose components
have been researched by René Quinton, is possible due to one of
the most important characteristics of the human skin: the fact is
that when certain criteria are met in terms of temperature and
humidity, the skin becomes an excellent vehicle for the process of
exchange.
A WHITE ISLAND
The Masseria San Domenico, which is clothed completely in white,
situated in the heart of an olive grove spanning more than 100
hectares, is a place of extraordinary beauty, a luxurious hotel
with 50 rooms and suites, fiercely proud of its history…
Its construction dates back to the 14th century. The Maltese
chevaliers used to use it as a watch tower to keep a look out for
attacks from the Sarazins. Through the centuries it has served as
a store house for agricultural products.
Thanks to its current proprietor, Marisa Melpignano, it was
transformed into a hotel in 1996. This is a truly elegant
establishment and all the rooms are distinguished by their warm
and luxurious décor. The service is of the highest standard: here,
they pay attention to even the smallest details…
THE MASSERIA THALASSO
Pumped from underground, beneath the Masseria, at a depth of 400
metres, the sea water used for the thalassotherapy centre is
purified, filtered and then reheated before it reaches the centre.
At the heart of this 1000 metre haven of peace, which simply oozes
a sense of well-being, beneath a sunlit dome, you will find a pool
filled with sea water. The pool is 50 metres deep and maintained
at a comfortable 37°, with swan necks sprays and fountains, which
enable guests to relax and soak away all their tensions, during
the aquagym sessions.
For pleasure, also available are a sauna, hammam, fitness centre,
200 metre relaxation chamber and herbal tea room. Thalasso
treatments take place in 8 cabines, all using Thalgo products,
manual therapies are performed in 12 cabines and beauty treatments
take place in 2 cabines. This is THE place to come if you are
looking for a health and beauty haven.
WATER THERAPIES
• The Thalgojet: a shower jet sweeps over the whole body for a
really deep massage. Muscles feel relaxed and the circulation is
reactivated.
• The Thalgocéane hydromassage: specific essential oils are
poured into a tub of sea water, depending on the desired effect
(drainage, slimming, relaxing, toning); a multitude of jets
massage the different areas of the body, loosening up the
joints.
• Affusion shower otherwise known as an Evian shower: a massage
involving four hands is performed, using essential marine oils
beneath fine jets of water which rain down on the whole body.
Relaxing and soothing.
• Whirlpool bath: a mixture of sea water maintained at 37°C and
seaweed, promotes oxygenation of the tissues.
• The Thalatherm: wrapped in a type of seaweed mud, the body
slips into this specialised apparatus, which diffuses sea water
vapour for a period of 20 minutes, thus promoting the
elimination of excess fluids.
• Algotherapy: the body is wrapped in a seaweed poultice, which
optimises the penetration of trace elements resulting in
improved drainage and a revitalising as well as a relaxing
effect.
• Marine exfoliation: an exfoliating massage containing sea
salts helps to eliminate dead skin cells and minimises water
retention. The addition of lemon, orange and grapefruit
essential oils stimulate the tissues and soften the skin.
• Aromatherapy: a steam bath incorporating a diversity of
essential aromatherapy oils draws on the effects of colour
therapy to dissipate stress.
• Cryotherapy: a lotion containing key marine actives
ingredients is applied to the lower limbs to stimulate
circulation of the blood and lymph, slimming down the leg.
DRY TREATMENTS
• Shiatsu: a massage of Japanese origin that is performed by
applying pressure with the fingers along the body’s energy
meridians, stimulating the body’s vital energy for an immediate
sensation of well-being.
• Reiki: Japanese technique of placing the hands on the body to
transmit a gentle but intense heat, reinstating the body’s
natural energy equilibrium.
• Ayurvedic massage: which is of Indian inspiration; using
aromatic oil extracts, it involves delicate motions, which help
to eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation and infuse the body
with energy. This treatement is particularly recommended for
insomniacs and people suffering from depression.
• Thai stretching: a combination of applying pressure, to
lengthen muscles and increase mobility in the joints, and
digitopressure to channel energy into the body and internal
organs, which boosts the immune system and eases pain.
• Reflexology for the feet: stimulation, by applying
digitopressure to the reflexology zones of the feet, which are
really a map of the entire body. This helps to re-circulate
energy in the body and eliminate blockages.
• And, of course, all the regular beauty treatments.
CONCLUSION
The Masseria San Domenico is a place of extraordinary beauty where
you can get in shape, whilst simultaneously making the most of
true Italian refinement in a spectacular tourist area.
|