Mediterranean views, Chinese medicine and deep reset in Sicily

Set high above Sicily’s southern coast, Adler Spa Resort Sicilia pairs sweeping Mediterranean views with a holistic wellness philosophy that blends Western diagnostics, Eastern traditions and the natural riches of the island

Like Ulysses stranded on an island far from home, I find myself cocooned in a small paradise during my stay at Adler Spa Resort Sicilia. Perched on a lush hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea about 30 kilometres from Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast, this secluded five-star wellness retreat feels far removed from the daily grind. But unlike Ulysses’ trials, relaxation and wellbeing are firmly on the horizon.

The spa

Billed as a ‘destination spa’, Adler Spa Resort’s most compelling drawcard is its holistic approach to overall wellbeing, embracing 360-degree wellness inspired by nature. “Our main goal is to use ingredients that respect nature while drawing on the best the region has to offer,” says Adler Spa Resort Sicilia Spa Manager Nicole Bugna. As a case in point, the ‘Memory of Pistachio’ treatment offers a couples’ massage using pistachio oil followed by a facial and a bath with almond milk, culminating in a pistachio treat crafted by the chef. 

“Our strength lies in the technique, creating a synergy between the massage itself and the natural elements. We integrate age-old wisdom practices, such as Ayurveda, with our land’s unique riches,” Nicole adds. 

The resort’s latest addition to the spa menu, ‘Shiroabhyangam’, exemplifies the Ayurvedic ethos of balancing the mind, body and spirit through natural remedies. A therapeutic scalp massage begins with a pour of warm oil over the Ajna Chakra – the important between the eyebrows known as the third eye and linked to intuition, higher awareness and inner perception. I’m tempted to try it, but decide on the ‘Essence of Sicily’ massage treatment, which is held in one of the 13 treatment rooms with a beautiful view of the sea. My therapist uses low, gentle movements using Sicilian organic ingredients, including citrus, prickly pear and mimosa oil, successfully de-stressing my weary body.

The philosophy 

The hotel’s health concept, Adler Med, is led by resident doctor, Dr. Letterio Taormina, who is a specialist in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Phytotherapy. He tells me that most of the resort’s guests seek support for sleep deprivation, work-related stress and weight management, and that Chinese medicine principles suggest cosmetic concerns are often caused by an inner imbalance that should be addressed at its roots. 

Customised programs combine Western medical approach with Eastern practices, particularly Chinese medicine. “It’s a trend that is slowly gaining popularity, as people opt for fewer medications and prefer to reconnect with nature, using phytotherapy, for instance. There is a huge demand,” says Dr. Taormina. 

The medi-spa uses specific exercises that aim to harmonise the body’s energy pathways linked to the organs. “Acupuncture, penetrating warmth through dried herbs (moxa) and Chinese medical massage (Tui Na) are the three main techniques used here, focusing on liver-spleen imbalance,” says Dr. Taormina. “There’s also a fourth, called Chigong, a preventive method that entails meditation, breath control and coordinated movements, which helps the energy flow along the body’s meridians. When energy flows freely, there is a sound state of health.” 

Every program begins with a Western-style diagnostic which, through a device, detects heart rate variability and the wellbeing of the autonomic nervous system. Nutrition naturally plays a key role in every program, with dishes rooted in local, traditional produce. (The hotel highlights the healthiest options on the restaurant menu with a small heart symbol.)

A Saunameister performs a 15-minute, dramatic steam ceremony by pouring scented water onto the hot stones and artfully waving a towel to make the steam circulate throughout the cabin…

The thermal retreat  

Other impressive wellness facilities on site include an 85°C Finnish sauna, a panoramic bio sauna and a steam sauna developed to cleanse the body and improve circulation. The daily Aufguss (German for infusion) is a sauna experience originating in Central Europe. A Saunameister performs this 15-minute, dramatic steam ceremony by pouring scented water onto the hot stones and artfully waving a towel to make the steam circulate throughout the cabin, heightening the temperature.

There’s also an indoor gym facing the garden to keep guests active, while meditative therapies, like gong baths, are offered in the spa centre. I experience this sound healing meditation for the first time while at Adler, and fall into a state of deep relaxation induced by the gong’s frequencies. I am a little disoriented after the session but later feel rejuvenated and calm. 

The hotel also boasts five pools – four outdoors and one indoors. One heated outdoor pool suits those who enjoy doing laps, while another outdoor pool is cold, perfect for those interested in cold plunging. Three of the hot springs offer a pampering experience thanks to a jacuzzi system, but the small Thalasso pool, filled with heated, mineral-rich seawater, steals the show, and becomes my perfect sunset spot to take in the sweeping vista of the vast turquoise waters.

If this is the shape of modern wellness, it’s hard not to be persuaded.

adler-resorts.com