Nestled in the picturesque town of San Pellegrino Terme, Italy, lies a hidden paradise that any spa enthusiast would find irresistible. My love affair with thermal baths began last year when I had my first thermal spa experience at Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad in Lucerne, Switzerland. Imagine my surprise when I realized San Pellegrino, yes where the famous drinks are from, seemed to share the same love.
Just a 1 hour bus ride from Bergamo plops you in the heart of the beautiful valley town. Make it to the top of the hill and you’ll find of one QC Terme’s spas which adds to the historic city of thermal baths and blends it with modern architecture and design. From whirlpools, waterfalls, and saunas to SP water on tap, free snacks, and relaxation rooms: QC Terme San Pellegrino is the perfect place to be revitalized – especially if you had a couple long days exploring other parts of Lombardy.
As you step into this remarkable property, you are greeted by an ambiance of serenity and tranquility that seems to permeate every nook and cranny of the spa. The entire complex is impeccably designed with grandiose and makes you feel like royalty. The grounds are nestled at the top of the valley, making the views so stunning as you bubble away in the outdoor pools or lay for tan.
On top of the breathtaking views, there are a variety of pools (indoor and outdoor) with jets that offer massages and relaxation, themed relaxation rooms where it is easy to doze off, and a selection of saunas that cater to every preference. You are given and robe and slippers. This place has rightful earned a reputation for providing one of the most dreamlike spa experiences in the world. Check out my full tour:
@themapmouse 🐭 Book ahead, espeically if you’d like to reserve massages! 🐭 Complimentary snack hour is only for afternoon guests 🐭 5 hr option or all day option, we did 5 and it was barely enough!! It went by so fast 😴 🐭 consider going in the off-season bc of crowds and the warm water feels better when it’s cooler out 😄 #lombardia #lombardy #milan #milano #qcmilan #qctermemilano #qcsanpellegrinoterme #sanpellegrino #thermalspa #themapmouse #thingstodoinitaly #thingstodoinmilan ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) - SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
It’s a good idea to reserve your tickets in advance, especially if you’re keen on indulging in massages or other special treatments.
For those who plan to come for a morning visit, there’s an option to enjoy a lunch buffet for an additional fee, usually around 30 euros. You can choose from a range of passes, including a 5-hour pass or a full-day pass, allowing you to tailor your experience to your liking. But as a foodie, I have to recommend staying through the afternoon because it comes with an added treat – a complementary aperitif hour!
However, I have one crucial piece of advice: check the bus schedules if you’re relying on public transportation. On the day of our visit, we learned the last bus back to Bergamo departed at 7 pm, and the last train to Milan left at 9 pm. To avoid any unwelcome surprises, especially if you intend to get the all-day pass, it might be wise to book a night’s stay in one of the hotels in San Pellegrino. This way, you can extend your relaxation and exploration of the spa without pressure.
We did not realize this, and we ended up stranded. But Hotel Avogadro came to our rescue and was a super cost-effective last-minute option available. The hotel staff were incredibly kind and accommodating given we showed up unexpectedly and left before breakfast (which they kindly took off the bill).
San Pellegrino Terme promises an unforgettable and blissful experience that I hope you’ll get to understand for yourself. Whenever I feel the need to relax, I still daydream about this place… happy spa-ing!
