Forest Bathing
Eco-sustainability and a green location are at the core of a new kind of tourism, in a constant pursuit of well-being for both body and mind, linked to the natural environment. More and more people are looking for places where they can deeply reconnect with nature in order to detoxify from the frenzy of everyday city life. This demand has led the practice of Forest Bathing to spread more and more thanks to its philosophy that revolves around a complete immersion in nature. Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice (shinrin-yoku) which teaches how to benefit from a simple activity such as a walk in the woods breathing the essences of trees and plants, unfailingly invigorating or relaxing. According to some studies conducted at the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, the activity of NK cells (Natural Killer, the “natural killer” lymphocytes responsible for controlling viruses and cancer cells) would increase significantly after a forest immersion, and biochemistry ascribes this effect on the immune system to monoterpenes (the substances emitted by trees which also make up essential oils). After some time in contact with nature and greenery the human body appears regenerated: blood pressure, heartbeat and feelings of stress decrease as well as depressive states are alleviated. For a real “bath” you need to breathe deeply -using the diaphragm as you would do in yoga – in order to absorb all the scents, indulge in listening to the sounds and voices of the forest and contemplate all the different shades of foliage green for a true immersion that will engage all your senses. To stimulate touch, simply touch the bark of the trees trying to perceive their surface and absorb their energy. You can take a “bath” alone or in company, as long as you maintain concentration and do not disturb the balance of the forest. The ideal is to be able to spend at least 10-12 hours in the woods, divided into sessions of at least three hours each, over three consecutive days and take advantage of the period in which the trees are richer in leaves, that is from late Spring to Autumn. The important thing is to choose an evolved wood, with large trees, perhaps in a protected nature reserve, such as that of the Bandite di Scarlino, rich in tree species such as holm oak, cork oak and chestnut that have a high potential of monoterpenes emission. Poggio La Croce is the ideal place for those who want to experience this extraordinary wellness practice: its location in the heart of the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, one of the wildest and most unspoiled protected areas of the Tuscan Maremma, makes it possible to spend 24 hours a day in an environment surrounded by woodland, in apartments with direct access to many nature trails.
Offers
Giglio Island
The island of Giglio is a slice of paradise in the middle of the sea which in spite of its location at a mere 20 km from the coast of Argentario looks like a totally different world.
Elba Island
At merely 10 km from the coast, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, there is the marvellous island of Elba, which together with Pianosa, Capraia, Gorgona, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri forms the national park of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Cala Martina
Cala Martina is an expanse of sand and pebbles surrounded by the promontories of Punta Francese and Punta Martina, from which it takes its name.
Cala Violina
Located between the cities of Follonica and Punta Ala within the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve is the most beautiful beach in the Tuscan Maremma, the famous Cala Violina.
Follonica’s Beaches
The bay named after the town of Follonica features a sandy coast and a gradually sloping seabed.
The beaches of the Maremma
The uncontaminated nature characterizing La Maremma will stay with you side by side up to the sea.
La Costa degli Etruschi
Costa degli Etruschi is one of the most characteristic and peculiar areas of Tuscan Maremma.
Castiglione della Pescaia
The capital of summer tourism in Maremma is the beautiful Castiglione delle Pescaia, considered one of the classier town of the whole region for its lively bars and its beautiful shores.
Massa Marittima
When thinking of art and culture in Maremma the beautiful Massa Marittima comes to mind.
The beaches of Scarlino
Along the Scarlino coastline, with Cala Violina The pathway to Scarlino’s coves (8km passable only on foot, on horseback or by bike) starts out from Portiglioni, after the Marina di Scarlino tourist port.
DISCOVER MAREMMA Beaches of Castiglione della Pescaia
The main beach of Castiglione della Pescaia is easily accessible from downtown on foot, as it spans right in correspondence with its historical centre
Maremma Park
The Natural Park of Maremma is undoubtedly one of the most impressive attractions for those who wish to indulge in a holiday devoted to nature and wellness.
Natural Parks
Maremma is the land of natural parks par excellence, and whether you are nature enthusiasts or not, you will be awestruck by the boundless green expanse that are the gentle hills of this land
Artist’s Garden
Not only natural marvels: among the hills of Maremma there are places that were conceived following the creativity of great national and international artists
Forest Bathing
Eco-sustainability and a green location are at the core of a new kind of tourism, in a constant pursuit of well-being for both body and mind, linked to the natural environment
Design Wineries
Spending time in Maremma is the perfect chance to discover the great wines that are produced here, only recently become famous but of undisputed high quality now
Spa & Welness
This little slice of paradise features amongst wellness enthusiasts’ favourites, which comes as no surprise since it was long considered as a realm of relax by the great ancient civilizations
Museums and Underground world
Talking about Maremma also and somehow especially means talking about history. This colourful land has a glorious and yet ill-fated past, a history composed of glory and grandeur, but also of tragedy and epidemics, death and destruction
Hikes and walks
If you are passionate about nature and want to fully enjoy it while exploring on foot, Maremma is the right place for you
The sea in Maremma
The uncontaminated nature characterizing La Maremma will stay with you side by side up to the sea
Minicrociere in Maremma
The beauty of the coasts of Maremma is not only to be enjoyed from the shore, amongst the more popular activities when the weather is good is the so-called Minicruise.