While Milan faces January’s cold weather and the typical grayness of the season, there is a way to truly unplug without hours in traffic to the Alps or expensive luxury resorts. Only about 60 minutes away from the chaos of the city hide two authentic corners of paradise where time seems to stand still.
Imagine yourself soaking in thermal waters at nearly 40 degrees, with steam rising slowly through tree branches and the silence of nature replacing the noise of the city. Whether you are a fan of wellness in rural settings or love the sleek design of a modern spa with outdoor saline pools, these two destinations represent the best-kept secret for a rejuvenating getaway just a few miles from Milan.
And the best part? Both offer solutions for an afternoon of total relaxation at prices far more affordable than you might imagine.
Cascina Caremma: the organic retreat with heated pool overlooking the Ticino woods
Carved out of the old barn, the spa at Cascina Maremma is a structure in complete harmony with the place. For this facility that combines luxury and rural soul, we have to move to Besate in the Ticino Park. Caremma hides within it a spa to fall in love with:
- Il Fieno del Parco: One of the most popular treatments is the hay bath, which uses medicinal herbs from the surrounding meadows to help detoxify the body.
- The Cascina Grape: following the “zero km” philosophy , the spa uses polyphenols from its own grapes to offer truly unique antioxidant treatments.
- The Natural Kneipp Path: thanks to its proximity to the Ticino resurgences, the thermal contrast promotes circulation in an environment scented with wood and resin, giving a feeling of deep well-being.
- Massages and various treatments
- Yoga lessons
- sauna, hot tub and Solarium.
The beating heart is the heated pool (30 degrees) that seems to ‘float’ panoramic with water jets and views of the vineyard on the meadows of the Ticino Park: You will feel like swimming in the middle of nature in all senses. And if you’re afraid of the cold, there’s also an equally panoramic indoor pool thanks to its huge window overlooking the park.
You can access it Wednesday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. by online reservation. Prices vary depending on how many hours you want to stay 3 hours of wellness path costs 35 euros. 5 hours 60 euros.
Where:Via Cascina Caremma, 2, 20080 Besate
Monticello SPA: designer wellness and outdoor salt pools a few kilometers from Monza
Finally, we find Monticello SPA in Brianza as the perfect destination for unplugging while staying close to home. If Cascina Caremma has the charm of a rural yet elegant spa Monticello SPA is a pampering of luxury and design. The center is popular for the variety of its indoor and outdoor pools and the immersive experience in the water and nature of its surroundings.
Monticello SPA offers indoor and outdoor pools ( heated to 35 degrees), some of them with saline water, designed to give a total relaxation experience suspended between nature and the sky.
The outdoor pools are designed to allow you to fully enjoy the landscape and natural light, while you indulge in the pleasure of warm water among whirlpools, water games and therapeutic flows designed for the well-being of body and mind.
It is a spa designed to alternate between moments of immersive relaxation, among hot tubs and salt water outdoors, and more intimate and cozy spaces indoors, where silence and tranquility promote deep wellbeing. All of this is harmoniously integrated into a complete wellness path designed to regenerate body and mind at every stage of the experience.
Prices vary depending on the package you choose, but as a base, daily admission costs 55 euros. 65 euros if you include the kit ( slippers and bathrobe) then you can choose entrance + massage and other solutions that we link. On weekends there is also evening admission with entrance to all areas and aperitif for 55 euros.
Where:Via S. Michele, 16D, 23876 Monticello
And where do you feel most drawn? an elegant but rural setting or in a more modern designed spa?