Inside the Luxury Wellness Retreat Where Oprah Treats Her Friends
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
If you're going to look to one well-traveled celebrity for vacation inspiration, let it be Oprah Winfrey. The iconic talk show host is all about tending to her mind, body, and soul through transformative travel experiences—so much so that she has a new series on Oprah Daily dedicated to it. In the first installment, Oprah highlighted the best wellness retreat she has ever visited in her life: Palazzo Fiuggi. Since the Italian medical spa has her glowing stamp of approval, we've laid out everything you need to know about it—from its history to its guest accommodations. Take this as a sign to book your own stay, or let it inspire you to create a wellness experience in your own home.
The History
Palazzo Fiuggi was originally built in 1913 with a big ambition: to become the grandest hotel in Europe, according to the retreat's website. The Italian Art Nouveau–style structure soon became a historic hot spot and luxury destination that everyone from notable politicians and artists to European aristocracy frequented, including famous names like Pablo Picasso and Caroll Baker. In 1914, shortly after the hotel was built, King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy and his family spent an extended holiday at the hotel. During that time, the King signed a deed that sanctioned Italy's participation in World War I. An apartment was set up and furnished for that moment; it's now the hotel's Royal Suite, which guests can book today.
Fast forward to the 1930s when the hotel became one of the first in Europe to install a pool, making it a desirable summer getaway. The location eventually lent itself to many more historic moments. During World War II, the hotel flew the flag of the Red Cross to signify neutral and impartial assistance. The Palazzo later acted as the headquarters of the Allied Forces. By 2008, it was recognized by the Italian Ministry of Heritage and Culture as a site worthy of protection and conservation.
Today, the Palazzo operates as a wellness medical retreat spearheaded by Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO and general manager of Italian resort Forte Village and now the founder of the reinvented property. After a €30 million renovation, Palazzo Fiuggi reopened to the public in June 2021 as a temple for physical and spiritual recovery.
The Setting
Located in Fiuggi, a commune in central Italy, the retreat is set atop an ancient hill on a piece of land that stretches 8.5 hectares (around 21 acres). About an hour and a half from Rome, Fiuggi is known for the water that flows from its natural springs and mountains. Palazzo Fiuggi deems the water the "transformative life force" of its spa. The water has been sought after for centuries because of its healing powers. It's most famous for dissolving kidney stones, CNN reported, including those of Pope Boniface VIII and Michelangelo. According to Palazzo Fiuggi, the water contains a specific mixture of minerals that also makes it beneficial to patients who have inflammation of the urinary tract and "other clinical chronic conditions since its compounds can remove heavy metals and free radicals from the organism allowing a whole detoxification."
To preserve the natural environment, the retreat emphasizes sustainability. All products in its kitchen and bathrooms are organic and eco-friendly. Waste is composted to benefit the gardens.
The Accommodations
Generally, there are three types of accommodations you can book: a room, a suite, or a villa. Part of the retreat's main building, the luxurious rooms and suites feature a blend of contemporary furnishings with historic elements like original parquet flooring. Other desirable details—including Carrara marble, Murano chandeliers, and trompe l 'oeil artwork—complete the five-star experience. Each option is available to virtually tour.
For a more secluded experience, there's a seven-bedroom villa on the grounds. Called Villa Luisa, the 2,000-square-meter (roughly 21,500-square-foot) building is the epitome of an opulent sanctuary. Across four floors, which connect via an elevator and a Carrara marble staircase, the villa comprises two living rooms, nine bathrooms, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private spa with a steam room and sauna. There are four double bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, and one suite. Essentially, it's a dream hideaway for groups, whether it's a family or a relaxing bachelorette party.
The Programs
The main purpose of visiting Palazzo Fiuggi is to follow a medical or wellness program. Free time is built into each program so visitors can still explore the region's villages and vineyards or embrace the retreat's group activities, like yoga and meditation. All programs are highly personalized for each guest. That includes everything from treatments by the Palazzo's medical team to healthy personal menus designed by three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck.
The programs range from Deep Detox to Full Immuno Boost. The rates depend on which program you select and the length of your stay (seven, 10, 14, or 21 nights). Not including property accommodations, the starting rates for the most popular programs for a seven-night stay per person are €3,840 (about $4,178) for Aging Naturally - Menopause Reset; €3,950 (about $4,298) for Regenerate; €5,050 (about $5,495) for Optimal Weight; €5,600 (about $6,093) for Deep Detox; €6,050 (about $6,583) for Full Immuno Boost; and €7,650 (about $8,324) for Longevity and Rejuvenation.
While Oprah didn't specify which program she signed up for, she detailed a few of her experiences. They included a medical session with an endocrinologist, a customized workout designed by a personal trainer, a four-hand massage, a mineral-enriched salt pool, and the Welcome Hammam foaming salt scrub. So if you're itching to follow in her footsteps, you can seek out those activities. But remember: The experience is all about catering to your own mind, body, and soul, meaning certain experiences might serve you better than others!
Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Let’s keep up with them together.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
