Judith Baker explores the benefits of anti-ageing therapy at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic in Italy.
Set in 20 acres of glorious parkland and adjoining the stunning Grand Hotel Castro Caro the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic is dedicated to anti-ageing and cell regeneration prevention and wellbeing in beautiful Art Deco surroundings.
Nestled between Bologna and San Marino in Emiliia Romagna, the medieval town of Castrocaro Terme is celebrated for its medieval fortress, century-old thermal waters, and velvet muds. These natural resources have inspired Dr. Lucia Magnani’s “Long Life Formula,” a collection of nine specialised programmes, including Evergreen (for anti-ageing), Happiness (relaxation), and Clean (detox), among others.
Having just celebrated a Big Birthday I chose Evergreen, which includes rigorous medical checks, fitness programmes, bespoke treatments and personalised dietary plans.
Despite its title, the welcome at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic is anything but clinical. Each guest is allocated an ‘angel’ to steer and support them though their stay. I was escorted through the gleaming clinic with its high ceilings, chandeliers and artworks to see the thermal baths, medical centre, gym and the Art Deco restaurant in the Grand Hotel Castro Caro where I was to dine that evening
Less than heavenly is the smell and taste of the salsobromoiodic water of which I am offered a cup.
But although foul tasting, the waters here are the clinic’s magic ingredient. The fame of Castrocaro’s waters dates back to 1851. Today underground tunnels lead to the spa with green waters full of life enhancing minerals. You can experience them in sauna, Turkish bath, thermal whirlpools, or floating in a salt tank.
Although luxurious, the clinic is not about pampering. Dr Magnani developed the Long-Life Formula method in 2011 to find ways to reduce the presence of free radicals in the body. Over 30 medical staff are employed to conduct serious examinations, diagnostics and treatments in a discreet and caring manner.
Accommodation
Rooms are large, bright and comfortable with huge beds and modern bathrooms. A white track suit and flip flops are laid out to wear during my stay as I drift from medical assessment, fitness routines, thermal spa baths and indulgent mud massages. Guests can access the stylish lounges in the clinic as well as the sun terrace of the Grand Hotel. The décor is calm and elegant with Art Deco touches.
Food
Although the emphasis is on healthy living and eating, no one goes hungry here and the routine is not punishing. Exercise and treatments are punctuated by small gourmet meals individually prepared for each guest by a personal chef. And a glass of the Vino Rossi Magnani with dinner is the perfect indulgence looking out over the terrace as the sun sets.
Regime
After medical examinations I have two fitness sessions and two treatments per day over three days. With a personal trainer I have workouts in the gym and aqua fit sessions in either the outdoor or thermal pool
Treatments are indulgent and unusual. I am coated in mud, scrubbed, jet peeled in the face as well as massaged within an inch of my life.
I have posture advice as well as a nutrition plan to take home.
Armed with my long-life plan, I leave after three days with a spring in my step, a staright back and although the clock has not been turned back, I feel energised and encouraged to practice what I have learned when I get home, even without the guidance of an angel.
Tell me more about the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic
Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, Via Guglielmo Marconi 14/16 47011, Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole FC, Italy
T: +39 0543412800
A three-day Evergreen programme in a Long-Life Prestige Room starts from £3108 for the three nights.
This includes:
Medical check-up, oxidative stress analysis, nutritional check-up and personalised meal plans, fitness check-up with individual workout sessions and [posture education.
-Beauty and thermal spa treatments including Thermal Rain Body Exfoliation, everyday access to Lucia Magnani Health Clinic spa and thermal pools, personalised massages
Full board breakfast, lunch, dinner and two daily snacks, accommodation in a Long-Life Formula room, welcome package including tracksuit, bathrobe, slippers and daily access to solarium terrace with outdoor pool and jacuzzi as well as the indoor and outdoor thermal pools and spa
The nearest airport is Bologna.
