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For Valentine's Day, a friend and I decided to "treat ourselves," and go to Sirmione, Italy for the day! For those that don't know, Sirmione is a peninsula on Lake Garda (the largest lake in Italy). Sadly, we discovered the forecast was rain all day long. However, we didn't let that ruin our fun! After taking a train and a quick bus ride, we were there! The water was clear turquoise -you could literally see straight to the bottom! Since it was overcast, we couldn't see too far past the shoreline, but I could only imagine how beautiful Sirmione must be in the summer! Sirmione is only 100 meters wide and about 2 1/2 miles long, so you can see water from just about anywhere. I was completely surrounded by beauty! Our plan for the day was to grab lunch and spend most of our day at one of Sirmione's natural thermal spas. We grabbed lunch right outside Scaliger Castle on an outdoor patio. The view was incredible, and I ate the best fish and chips I've ever had (yet...I'm coming for you, London and Ireland!) After lunch, we decided to get some chocolate gelato. After all, every girl needs a little chocolate on Valentine's Day!
We made our way to Hotel Olivi's Natural Thermal Spa. It had started to drizzle, so we were happy to be inside. We walked into the spa, and we were greeted by a trickling waterfall, peaceful music, and sensual aromas. I was already feeling more relaxed! We decided to get the 3 hour pass which gave us access to the indoor and outdoor thermal pools, effervescent beds, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. We also got a welcome bag with a fluffy robe, a towel, and complimentary flip flops. We changed into our bathing suits, and went outside first. The thermal water is kept at 93-96 degrees and contains minerals that are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory with the healing qualities of painkillers and muscle relaxants. The cool drizzle outside mixed with the warmth from the water was the perfect combination! A hydro massage wall, cannon jets, and a hydro massage jacuzzi turned me into a relaxed noodle by the time we decided to try the indoor pool. The indoor salt-water pool is kept at 89-93 degrees and has more hydro-massaging jets and effervescent beds. The effervescent beds were my favorite part! They are metal "beds" in shallow water that release tiny, cool bubbles that essentially keep you afloat. After relaxing for quiet some time, we wrapped ourselves up in our fluffy robes, and got some complimentary frutti di bosco tea (mixed berry tea). We sat poolside in plush, cream chairs and agreed this was the best Valentine's Day we've ever had. Eventually, we moved on to the saunas and steam rooms before returning to the pools. When our 3 hours was up, we showered, got dressed, and headed out to find dinner.
A lot of the shops were closed because it was off season, but we found a great restaurant with delicious tortellini in a cream sauce. We found our way back to the train station, and got a hot chocolate while we waited (you can never have too much chocolate). While waiting on the platform, an Italian guy blew me a kiss from his train. A nice ending to a perfect day in paradise!
We made our way to Hotel Olivi's Natural Thermal Spa. It had started to drizzle, so we were happy to be inside. We walked into the spa, and we were greeted by a trickling waterfall, peaceful music, and sensual aromas. I was already feeling more relaxed! We decided to get the 3 hour pass which gave us access to the indoor and outdoor thermal pools, effervescent beds, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. We also got a welcome bag with a fluffy robe, a towel, and complimentary flip flops. We changed into our bathing suits, and went outside first. The thermal water is kept at 93-96 degrees and contains minerals that are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory with the healing qualities of painkillers and muscle relaxants. The cool drizzle outside mixed with the warmth from the water was the perfect combination! A hydro massage wall, cannon jets, and a hydro massage jacuzzi turned me into a relaxed noodle by the time we decided to try the indoor pool. The indoor salt-water pool is kept at 89-93 degrees and has more hydro-massaging jets and effervescent beds. The effervescent beds were my favorite part! They are metal "beds" in shallow water that release tiny, cool bubbles that essentially keep you afloat. After relaxing for quiet some time, we wrapped ourselves up in our fluffy robes, and got some complimentary frutti di bosco tea (mixed berry tea). We sat poolside in plush, cream chairs and agreed this was the best Valentine's Day we've ever had. Eventually, we moved on to the saunas and steam rooms before returning to the pools. When our 3 hours was up, we showered, got dressed, and headed out to find dinner.
A lot of the shops were closed because it was off season, but we found a great restaurant with delicious tortellini in a cream sauce. We found our way back to the train station, and got a hot chocolate while we waited (you can never have too much chocolate). While waiting on the platform, an Italian guy blew me a kiss from his train. A nice ending to a perfect day in paradise!