WITH my broken ankle still in recovery, I recently travelled to Ravenna in Italy to check out the Terme Beach Resort just outside the town.
More of a polyclinic than a spa, this amazing place combines comfortable beach accommodation with a medical centre where you can have all sorts of therapies and treatments.
And there’s also a spa element for those who just want traditional beauty treatments.
It turned out to be the perfect place to recuperate for a couple of days and receive top-class physiotherapy to get me back on my broken pin!
Founded as a thalasso therapeutic centre in 1963, it became a spa in 1991, after drilling a borehole to reach a stratum of thermal water.
That was recognised by the Italian National Health Institute that same year.
In 1994 its treatments for vascular disease and rhino-genic hearing loss won awards from the Italian Ministry of Health, so in 1995, a second borehole was drilled to reach thermal water and the spa won Italian National Health Care Service coverage for its polyclinic.
This means the lucky residents of this part of northern Italy Emilia-Romagna who wait long enough get the services of the polyclinic free as part of their very impressive state health care.
The vast majority, though, just pay privately for the super services on offer.
The spa offers a break from the sunshine
With massages from 35 euros and a private physio session in the gym or pool for 40 euros, this is a huge bargain.
Using traditional and complementary medicine, such as acupuncture and homeopathic and herbal remedies, results can be amazingly fast, as I can vouch for.
After only two days I was walking better and there’s no doubt the Italian sun helped.
The 26-room hotel is clean, comfortable and very good value. There are plenty cafes and restaurants nearby and breakfast is served daily in their own caf.
It’s located directly on an 80 metre-wide sandy stretch of beach, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It’s great for all ages and especially good for families.
There are six family suites and children aged up to four years of age stay free and are half price from up to 10 years.
You’ll probably want wheels anyway as there’s a lot to do within an hour’s radius, not least the beautiful town of Ravenna.
The mosaics you find there are a wonder of the world, dating back 1500 years. Eight of the town’s early Christian buildings have on the Unesco World Heritage list. The best is the Church of San Vitale from 547AD.
Next door is the simple brick Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, built around 450AD. Another wow, in the town’s museum is the 6th-century ivory throne of Archbishop-Maximian.
Italy’s most famous poet, Dante, is buried in Ravenna, where he died in 1321. Don’t miss the little oil lamp hanging above the tomb. It burns permanently and is paid for by the city of Florence in penance for exiling the poet in 1315.
In 2014 Ravenna was awarded as the best town in Italy for quality of life. It’s easy to see why fabulous architecture, historic hotels, beautiful shops.
It’s la dolce vita!
The resort overlooks the beach
The region of Emilia-Romagna is generally considered to offer some of the best food in all Italy and Ravenna is no exception.
Fabulous fresh pasta, particularly tortellini and lasagne, amazing cold meats including Parma ham and Mortadella, then there’s the delicious Balsamic Vinegar from Modena and creamy Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese.
The traditional flatbread is called “piadina” and no trip to Ravenna is complete without tasting one, stuffed with the local produce.
Try filling one with Parma ham, squacquerone (a soft cheese) and fresh fig jam for a total treat.
The two best places to eat locally are Molinetto Ristorante Pizzeria, five minutes from the resort.
It’s an amazing family-run Italian, with a menu that encompasses every one of your favourites plus a few surprises. Excellent wine list, too, at a bargain price.
The other one is a visual, as well as culinary treat. Located in central Ravenna, it’s called Ca’ de Ven (see cadeven.it).
Set in a 15th Century building with frescoes on the ceiling they serve all the traditional food and wines, including the local Sangiovese wine.
Unique to Sunday Post readers, Terme Beach Resort are offering a free three-course meal with wine for two at this wonderful old restaurant.FactfileThe hotel regularly offers special offers.
B&B starts from just 110 euros a night and there are deals if staying more than four nights.
There’s free cycle hire and free airport/hotel return transfers if there are three guests and over.
Emilia-Romagna is served by Bologna Airport, which is an hour from Ravenna.
Visit termebeachresort.com
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