Writer: Jonathan Gharbi de Maré
In northern Italy, where the mighty Dolomites meet green valleys, crystal clear lakes and forests, lies the Trento region. A region that offers skiing and adventure during the winters but also relaxation, recovery and fantastic nature experiences during the summers.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
A long tradition of thermal baths
Trento has a long tradition of thermal baths, which can be useful in an otherwise relatively cool region. The region has six established thermal centers, including Terme di Levico, Terme di Comano, Terme di Pejo, Terme di Rabbi, Terme Dolomia and Terme Val Rendena. They are located in different parts of the landscape and offer a variety of experiences, from classic thermal baths and treatments to modern wellness areas.
I am visiting Alchimia WellResort and Comano Thermal Baths during a trip with the theme of wellness and health in a region where the population lives a little longer than in the rest of the country.
Trentino – climate and history
There is a difference between northern and southern Italy, partly in climate but also in traditions and culture. Trentino is located at the top of northern Italy and, together with South Tyrol, is part of the Trentino-South Tyrol region. The area previously belonged to Austria-Hungary but became part of Italy after the First World War.
Of course, you are surprised that many people have German as a second language in the region, but this is explained by the historical heritage and the proximity to Austria. If you say that southern Italy is a little more relaxed and northern Italy a little more strict, you hopefully won't step on anyone's toes. Then you can of course develop the reasoning and if you are a little careless, you can easily get tangled up in a conversation that you would rather not.
But even within the region there are different parts and the Italians usually say that each valley has its own culture. It also feels a bit like that when you travel around, the valleys are surrounded by mountains and each small town feels like a remote pearl nestled among green mountains.
The climate offers lovely snowy winters with excellent skiing with over 800 kilometers of slopes and world-class skiing. The summers are warmer than in Sweden and offer lovely warmth but also coolness when you get a little further up in the mountains.
The highest peak is Monte Cevedale which is 3,769 meters high. The most beautiful views of the Dolomites are of course in the northern parts of South Tyrol, but already around Trento there are fantastic environments.
From Verona to Ponte Arche
The trip, organised by Visit Trentino, begins with a fantastic drive from Verona airport to the small town of Ponte Arche. Travelling with Air Dolomiti over the Dolomites feels exotic and you should definitely get a window seat during the journey.
You drive past the beautiful lake Lake Garda with its beautiful blue water, surrounded by green mountains and dramatic landscapes. Then you drive for about an hour and a half along typical Italian roads and you pass many beautiful small lakes and towns built of stone houses.
Alchimia WellResort in Ponte Arche
The small village of Ponte Arche is named after the bridge in the town and is located at an altitude of 400 meters, surrounded by mountains that are 1500-2100 meters high. Mountain air somehow feels fresher and cooler, just walking around the small village feels healthy in itself.
But we're staying at Alchimia WellResort, which focuses on healthy food and relaxation. The passionate souls behind the hotel are Diego Cattoni and Iris Devigili, who have been running the business together since 2025.
Iris has a passion for healthy food and has created everything from healthy breakfast shots to desserts. Diego grew up in the area and also worked at the hotel under previous owners before taking over.
The focus is longevity as it is called in English or longevity as it is called in Swedish. In the Sinfonie restaurant, three different culinary ideas come together: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, local food culture and the resort's longevity philosophy.
The result should be food that both tastes and feels good – with a focus on fresh produce, local ingredients, balance and lightness. Iris and Diego talk about their concept with a focus on longevity and finding a balance between diet and a balanced life.
The spa hotel offers a range of treatments and has an indoor pool, several different saunas and even an outdoor pool with fantastic views. Being able to sit in the hot tub outside and look out over the beautiful mountains is truly relaxing.
I myself, who often stress about different things and go from one thing to another, was able to relax properly for the first time in probably a year and really get back into shape. Sure, you can go to a spa in Stockholm, but it's the whole atmosphere with the nature, the mountains and the setting that makes it truly relaxing.
Focus on healthy eating and living a long life
We talk to the owners of the hotel who tell their own story and the driving forces behind starting the business with the aim of increasing knowledge about how food, well-being and surroundings can increase longevity. Life expectancy in the region is slightly higher than in the rest of the country, which they themselves explain with the food and environment in the area.
The focus is on the intestinal flora and how it affects the body and how to strengthen it through the right food. You can submit samples in advance by mail, which they then analyze and suggest a diet that can help the body adjust the deficiencies or problems you have.
The resort is relatively new but has most of the basics in place and the commitment from the owners is unmistakable. The owners have also initiated collaborations with universities and researchers to help develop their health theme.
They really focus on the food, just like you think of Italians – but a little more. I get to taste different vinegar shots and it may sound sour but there are many mild and sweeter varieties that can even work for breakfast. One evening, Michelin chef Walter Valerio was in charge of the food and it was truly Italian perfection at its best.
Terme di Comano – thermal baths with healing properties
A short walk away from Alchimia WellResort is the Grand Hotel Terme di Comano, which has a wide range of treatments and a large spa area, as well as offering medical examinations and consultations. Before the visit, we have a yoga session in the cozy park outside the hotel to stretch and soften the body before the visit to the spa area.
Terme di Comano is today more than a traditional spa. Terme di Comano in Ponte Arche is widely known for its spring water that can cure psoriasis and other skin problems. The water is rich in bicarbonates, magnesium and calcium, among other things, and in addition to baths, it is used for various skin care products - for psoriasis, among other things.
Over the past decade, the facility has invested significant resources in research into the biological effects of the water and also how it affects the intestinal flora. It is recommended to drink the spring water, not too much or too often, but having a glass every now and then is beneficial.
Collaborations with, among others, the University of Trento have led to new products and treatment concepts based on the properties of the thermal water. Research is still ongoing, so go there and ask about the latest findings on the water.
We got to try their special dinner called “Five Blue Areas of the World” and consists of dishes inspired by Sardinia, California, Japan, Costa Rica and Greece. The food is amazing but also served in a typical Italian way, so there is no stress between courses.
Dinner is a time for relaxation, socializing and far from the time-efficient dinners you have at home with the kids where the food is more or less shoveled in in a short time and in silence. It's a bit unusual for us Swedes, but when you eat slowly and take breaks between courses, you also have time to feel full so you don't eat as much.
It is normally more women who visit spa and wellness hotels but it was truly a wonderful experience to relax and be surrounded by the beautiful nature in the area. I myself was opened to it and understand why it is so popular but know that many men are hesitant to invest in relaxation and spa.
It often becomes a hectic journey where various adventures are washed down with beer and other drinks followed by a health week when you get home. But think about it and don't hesitate to swap the beer for a shot of raspberry vinegar and fresh air in the Italian mountains, you won't regret it.
Follow Jonathan here:
Jonathan Gharbi De Maré
You might also like:
Tuscany beyond the tourist trails – Grosseto and Livorno
Lake Como in Italy – Varenna, Bellagio and beautiful villages
An inspiring weekend trip to Italy - Florence and Bologna
Sauna and spa in Tallinn - a weekend of spa fun and "sauna rituals"
Wines from Italy's Piedmont - inspiration for a tantalising region
Guide to Lake Garda - 17 tips for experiences around the lake
English (UK) 
Svenska