REAWAKENING THE BODY AND MIND IN TRENTINO

Trentino is a land of alpine lakes with emerald reflections and expanses of forests that turn green with buds in spring. Nature is central to the region, with over 30% of the territory safeguarded thanks to three natural parks and a widespread system of protected areas. Unique mountain groups add dramatic value to the landscape, including the Dolomites, which have been named a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Natural wellness retreats

The valleys of Trentino are ideal for wellness escapes that immerse guests in nature. The perfect routine includes morning walks along the shores of lakes, before returning to an Alpine hotel to enjoy a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath and a relaxing massage. Yoga sessions help to restore energy, whilst helping to balance the breath at high altitude.

With the trees becoming covered in leaves, spring is the season to discover forest bathing in Trentino. The Parco del Respiro in Fai della Paganella is a vast wooded area rich in spruce, pine, larch and beech trees, species that release a particularly high amount of beneficial plant substances called monoterpenes into the air. For best results, the ‘forest bath’ must last a few hours, ideally whilst maintaining a relaxed body and mind. Amongst the magnificent panorama of the Dolominti di Brenta, the ionised air, the deep breathing and even the predominance of the colour green all contribute to psychophysical wellbeing.

In the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, Rabbi Terme enables visitors the chance to recharge their batteries with tree hugging. The Park Therapy range provides Natural Medical Wellness solutions to soothe the body and soul, and hugging trees helps reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep. In fact, each tree has its own benefits, whilst helping visitors reconnect with nature. Enjoy contact with fresh grass or bask in the shade of a centuries-old larch.

In San Martino di Castrozza a new area dedicated to relaxation and fitness has been created at the Belvedere Enrica Gardens, overlooking the majestic panorama of Pale. This oasis of wellbeing includes spaces for aqua therapy, with a Kneipp bath, aromatherapy and multi-sensory paths, and even a yoga platform. The health trail ends with a solarium area for relaxation, a picnic area and a suspended panoramic balcony.

To boost cardiovascular fitness, health coaches recommend Nordic walking during the spring months. The practice is good for the heart and circulation, tones muscles and helps weight loss, increases stamina, strengthens the immune system and eliminates stress. Visitors can walk alone, although it is recommended that they first work with a qualified instructor in order to learn the basic technique. The "le Parti" route, located a few minutes from the town of Castello Tesino, is the perfect place to begin. Entirely flat, it is ideal for refining the technique in complete tranquility.

Low-altitude excursions and healthy walks in nature

Trentino’s valleys are ideal for boosting health, savouring natural scents and admiring the mountainous beauty of the region.

A great classic in Garda Trentino, with its characteristically mild climate, is the Busatte-Tempesta path. With 400 steps to be taken to overcome the most inaccessible points, the route winds up a steep ridge overlooking the lake, through dense Mediterranean vegetation. The incredible view of Lake Garda accompanies walkers throughout the route.

The romantic Stradina dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Road) on the shores of Lago di Levico also naturally lends itself to wellness walkers. Starting from the free beach at the Parco Segantini, visitors are guided by the signs along an itinerary lasting 2.5 km, with benches and information boards that suggest a series of exercises immersed in the peace of nature.

"Respiro degli Alberi" (Breath of the Trees) is a path themed around contemporary art, in which the true works of art are the trees. On Alpe Cimbra, in the village of Lanzino, the route unfurls along an easy forest road, arriving at a panoramic point overlooking the deep Valle del Centa and the Alta Valsugana. Based on a brilliant idea by Giampaolo Osele, an architect and sculptor from Lavarone, the route is an invitation to discover the Cimbrian traditions while following the naturally artistic areas of the environment. Each sculpture merges with the surrounding forest, demonstrating how nature is itself an art form. The excursion is ideal for families with children and can also be tackled with a pushchair.