Adler Spa Resort Sicilia Offers Another Side of Sicily

Photography by Alex Filz

However, the 2022 opening of Adler Spa Resort Sicilia welcomed a true healthy holiday to Sicily in the form of a luxurious, eco-friendly, relaxing wellness retreat when one needs an escape from the colors and carbs of the “more is more” Italian island or the sensory overload of city life in general. Adler Spa Resort Sicilia is a holistic wellness retreat, designed to promote wellbeing and revitalisation. The external spaces celebrate the tranquil surroundings, and blend contemporary architecture with innovative sustainable design that melt and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Guests can fill their days with spa therapies, yoga classes and wellbeing treatments, and explore the communal gardens or the nature reserve and beach.

Photography by Alex Filz

Located in south-west Sicily, about two hours from Palermo, the seventh-generation Sanoner hospitality family exclusively chose this special location for their first property in Sicily. Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the resort sits above and within the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, a haven of biodiversity, and offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean sea, including a path leading straight down to the water.

I immediately felt a sense of calm as the wooden gates emblazoned with the Adler eagle logo opened and I arrived at the modern lobby with sunlight streaming in. I graciously accepted a glass of prosecco from the Sanoner family’s Tuscan “Aetos” vineyard, and as my bags were delivered to my room, I could not resist the captivating view. I noticed that guests were leisurely strolling around the grassy and flower-filled paths wearing beige hooded lush robes that seamlessly matched the neutral palette of the resort, and after a long flight I could not wait to join them! I found myself at the edgeless Thalasso pool directly across from my suite overlooking the expansive Mediterranean sea and the white cliffs of Capobianco in time for sunset – a tradition I would continue throughout my stay. The large, looming orange sun melting into the blue sea is still seared in my memory.

Photography by Alex Filz

Coming from the Greek word for “sea,” Thalassotherapy uses seawater, which contains minerals like sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iodine to provide health benefits including improved circulation, joint pain relief, and relaxation. Thalassotherapy has been used since the time of the Phoenicians, and was even described by Hippocrates. Some say that the body absorbs minerals and oligominerals from seawater, which can restore balance to the body, and others say that the composition of human blood plasma is almost identical to that of seawater. In any case, I can say the view from the warm, salt-filled pool at sunset was worth the trip alone.

Photography by Alex Filz

I then made my way to the Panoramic sauna area, which as the name implies, offers incredible views of the sea. A steam bath and two saunas are available to guests at any time perfect for enjoying before or after a spa treatment. The lower hay sauna’s sharp, sweet, dry-earth aroma creates a relaxing, aromatic experience, much like sitting in a warm meadow, and is said to help with stress, inflammation, and aid in metabolism. However, I was here to experience the upper sauna for the evening “Aufguss” ritual. Coming from the German word for “infusion” an Aufguss is a multi-sensory wellness ritual, which involves pouring essential-oil-infused ice onto hot stones and waving a towel over guests to circulate the steam. Originating in Nordic countries, the Aufguss ritual started as a way to refresh the air in saunas, but over time, the ritual evolved into a complex experience that combines relaxation, aromatherapy, and invigoration. The benefits of the experience are said to include improved blood circulation and cardiovascular strength, which help to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins. After the ceremony, a cold shower awaits outside, and then a moment for rest and relaxation around a roaring fire pit as stars begin to dot the Sicilian sky.

Photography by Alex Filz

Feeling fully refreshed, I head back to my contemporary, modern suite filled with wood, marble, and glass in soft, neutral tones and find bright orange Sicilian oranges in a colorful ceramic bowl - the perfect snack before dinner. After a shower filled with heavenly scented Adler bath and beauty products, I change and make my way to the terrace bar and Seaview restaurant on the property. Music from a piano player softly plays in the background and I join guests at the bar for a “Volcanic Negroni” - Adler’s take on a traditional Negroni with a nod to Mount Etna. Sicilian specialties like Arancini (breaded and fried balls of risotto stuffed with cheese) are also offered, which I happily indulge in after the spa and sauna detox session. Downstairs at dinner, I notice the tables are placed around a long rectangular pool of water, which leads from the inside of the restaurant to the outside terrace towards the cliffs overlooking the sea. The design plays with the boundary between the interior and exterior, always drawing the eye towards the ocean. Soft table lights are emitted from each table, creating a romantic, cozy atmosphere despite the modern design of the restaurant. Sicilian specialties are served along with regional wines in four or five course tasting menus (along with a la carte options) or an extensive buffet. Typical menu items include Pasta alla Norma (made with eggplant, originating in Catania, on the eastern coast of Sicily), Caponata (Similar to ratatouille, but a sweet and sour dish made with eggplants, onions, tomatoes, capers, olive oil, sugar, and vinegar), Panelle (fritters made of chickpea flour that are served in hot wedges or on a bread roll), but the real showstopper is dessert. From cannolis filled with cream à la minute to Tiramisu to gelato filled brioches, and finally my favorite Sicilian Cassata (a layered dessert made with liqueur-soaked sponge cake, candied fruit, sweetened ricotta, and a marzipan shell.) An after dinner digestif is in order so I join guests upstairs playing board games, listening to the live music, and enjoying an Amaro Amara, the classic Sicilian liquor produced in small quantities on the slopes of Etna, using the red pears of Sicily.

Photography by Alex Filz

Waking up early with the sun and sea air, I make my way to the stunning light-filled gym overlooking the pool, property, and even sea for an aptly named “Sun Salutation” yoga class. Adler offers daily activities, which can be found on a large calendar in the lobby or via their app upon check-in, including yoga, meditation, pilates, HIIT, hiking, biking or e-biking, water aerobics, wine tasting, gardening, cooking classes, horseback riding, and much more. The fitness center also includes the latest Technogym equipment and personal training. After class, I set off to explore the sprawling resort, and start by heading down to the beach through the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve. The reserve is spread across more than 760 hectares of wetlands, dunes, chalk crags and unspoilt coastline, and home to threatened species like sea turtles and porcupines as well as a variety of raptors, tortoises, green lizards and butterflies. As I glance back up, the property nearly disappears into the cliffs, a defining design feature of the resort.

Photography by Alex Filz

In fact, Italian architect Hugo Demetz was tasked with designing a scheme that would exploit the views of the surrounding natural landscape, while blending into the scenery. I can honestly say the biophilic goal was achieved perfectly. From the seaside, the collection of 90 suites, each complete with a private outdoor terrace accessed via sliding glass doors can barely be seen. Thus, guests feel calm, secluded and privately enjoying their own slice of Sicily. Back up at the property, I also notice the roofs of the buildings have palm trees and gardens planted on them so even looking down at the sea from the top of the resort, guests are immersed in nature and the structures are nearly invisible - perfectly embracing nature and championing relaxation and sustainability - two pillars of Adler resorts. The resort also features walls clad in natural unbaked Sicilian clay, and tuffrock formed from volcanic ash and sediments sourced from Mount Etna, as well as locally-sourced Sicilian cedarwood for the external terraces and brise-soleils. Adler further embraces sustainability through their plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025, and regular cleaning of the World Wildlife Fund protected coastline within the biodiverse nature reserve. Guests can even participate in an educational sustainability tour or assist with beach cleaning.

Photography by Alex Filz

Taking advantage of the warm, sunny day I make use of the semi-Olympic size swimming pool, as well as the indoor and outdoor infinity-style Dolce Pool and Sole Pool, filled with heated saline water with whirlpool jet stations, overlooking the cabanas and lounge chairs dotted across the property. Making my way to the Osteria for lunch, I pass by the resort’s aromatic gardens where much of the fruit, vegetables, and herbs for the restaurant are grown on-site. Meanwhile, seafood is sourced locally, and meats and cheeses come from nearby farms and suppliers. The Osteria is an outdoor, daytime spot perfect for a late breezy al fresco lunch overlooking the ocean under the dappled shade of a large pergola. I order a delicious, perfectly cooked al dente Spaghetti alle Vongole and a Sicilian citrus tart for dessert before heading over to the Spa for a massage treatment.

The spa is located in its own building, under the Thalasso pool and near the Panoramic saunas. Light colored wood, and neutral, cream-toned contemporary furniture characterize the space along with floor to ceiling windows in each of the 13 treatment rooms overlooking the sea. A variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps are offered incorporating Adler products made with essential oils, extracts, and ingredients gathered on the property or from the nearby countryside – including algae, salt, and mineral-rich volcanic mud. The doctors and nutritionists on staff also offer a comprehensive 360-degree approach to holistic healing with therapies that support health, nutrition, stress management, fitness, and wellness, and bring together Adler’s three pillars of health: nutrition, physical exercise, and relaxation. Programs include detoxification, weight loss and nutrition, and stress management for guests during their stay. The Adler philosophy is intrinsically holistic where the mind, body, and soul are treated as one and the stay is designed to create a profound sense of lightness “leggerezza” while rebalancing one’s overall equilibrium.

Photography by Alex Filz

Although one could technically never leave the property with its sprawling grounds filled with pools, spas, saunas, fitness centers, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, and beaches– skipping out on the many excursions offered would be a shame. When in Rome (or Sicily) right? Only an hour away lies the UNESCO-listed Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) in the Selinunte archaeological park in Agrigento with 9 of the best-preserved ancient temples and ruins outside of Greece. My guide Salvatore also happens to be an archaeologist and explains the history and significance of the site in great detail. The venture culminates at a cooking class Casa Barbadoro, an ancient stone farmhouse below the temple of Concordia, where I was introduced to the Diodoros Project, whose aim is to produce and enhance the artistic, cultural, natural, and agricultural heritage of the Valley of the Temples. The protection includes various species of olives, pistachios, saffron, ancient grains, and almonds under the Diodoros brand. The brand is a tribute to Diodorus Siculus, the Greek historian from Agyrion (now Agira in Sicily) and author of the monumental universal history Bibliotheca Historica. Diodorus has successfully revived traditional, high-quality products, and cultural awareness about the rediscovery of traditional production methods. I begin by sampling fresh, warm ricotta and local pistachios and almonds, and wine and olive oil from the nearby valley before rolling out dough, and making pasta by hand “fatta a mano” served with a fresh herb pesto. The pièce de résistance was dessert – freshly made cannoli shells filled with warm ricotta and topped with pistachios. Chef’s kiss!

Photography by Alex Filz

Back at the resort during aperitivo, I noticed the striking artistic labels on bottles of Donnafugata wine and recognized the name from a Rosé collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. Lucky for me (and all resort guests on request) a tour of the Donnafugata Winery at the Contessa Entellina Estate was arranged. Located under an hour away from Adler, Donnafugata is a beautiful vineyard and family home beneath Cyprus trees amongst Olive groves and grape vines. Upon arrival, a glass of said D&G Rosé was poured in the charming, colorful courtyard, and I learned that Donnafugata “woman in flight” originates from one of my favorite novels, Lampedusa’s Il Gattopardo, and refers to Queen Maria Carolina who, fleeing from Naples, found refuge where the company’s vineyards are today. A story that also inspired the logo: the face of a woman with her hair blowing in the wind. Donnafugata is now a 5th generation wine-making making family founded by Giacomo Rallo and his wife Gabriella. “A deep love for one’s land has always been the soul of Donnafugata. A desire to produce quality wines that respect the environment. From the vineyard to the bottle, there is no quality without sustainability.” Based on their principles of sustainability and culture, it makes perfect sense that Adler partners with Donnafuta and serves their wine at the Sicily property. In fact, the Donnafugata Sommelier was hosting a wine tasting at the bar of Seaview restaurant at the resort that evening before dinner.

As I take my final dip in the pool, and glance at the sea, I realize the importance of water for wellbeing. It is purifying, rebalancing, refreshing, and renewing - perfect for soothing and healing the mind, body, and soul. As the famous Isak Denisen quote goes “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea."

Photography by Alex Filz

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA
Contrada Salsa, 92010
Siculiana AG, Italy
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