Sicily Ali
Terme, Italy |  | | Despite
Sicily’s proximity to the Italian mainland, Sicilians are fiercely independent
and intensely proud of their staggeringly beautiful, incredibly historic island.
The extraordinary history of the Mediterranean’s largest island goes some
way, perhaps, to explain this independent spirit as does the island’s strategic
location which made it a jewel in the crown of the many empires which left their
indelible mark – Greeks, Romans, Moors, Byzantines, Normans, French and,
of course, the Italians themselves. An array of ancient temples, medieval castles,
renaissance churches, fortified cities and centuries-old villages sit side-by-side
with spectacular mountain scenery, lush sub-tropical vegetation and more than
1,000 kms of beautiful coastline. It all makes for a superb destination to discover,
to savour and to admire. And then there’s Mount Etna, Europe’s largest
live volcano, which stands majestically some 10,000 ft above Taormina on Sicily’s
east coast and which regularly offers the most brilliant light show imaginable.
We’ve chosen the little village of Ali Terme (also on the east coast) as
our base to explore this magical island – small, unpretentious, utterly Sicilian
and ideally located between Messina and Catania – where summer life centres
on the beachfront promenade and where you can enjoy the simple, but very pleasurable
laid-back Sicilian way of life. The spas of Ali Terme have been known and used
since ancient times on account of their waters being rich in sulphur. They are
considered amongst the best thermal baths in Italy. | | The
family owned Terme Marino is located in the Sicilian village of Ali Terme, some
15 miles from Taormina on the island’s east coast. It is bordered by the
sea on one side and mountains on the other and is just a few minutes from the
village. The beach, a long stretch of dark volcanic sand and shingle, is just
a 5 minute stroll away whilst the little station, with local trains to Messina,
Taormina and Catania, is 15 minutes from the hotel. The autostrada, which links
Palermo (the capital) and Catania, is just behind the village and is set on an
impressively high viaduct. The hotel has its own thermal spa and health centre
and Travel One guests are welcome to use the facilities, including special sulphur
and mud treatments, with a discount (all bookable and payable locally). All the
Terme Marino’s airconditioned bedrooms are twins or doubles for sole use
and have a sh/wc with hairdryer, TV, telephone, safe, fridge and balcony or terrace.
The hotel has a large swimming pool, a sun terrace, sunbeds and parasols, a breakfast
room & small bar, an al fresco area for delicious evening meals (waitress
service) and a large orange and lemon grove through which runs a delightful "fitness
trail". It is all very, very Italian, completely uncommercial and ideally
located to explore this most beautiful of islands. | | Terme Marino thermal
spa & health centre | | Complete mud
bath & therapy (arthritis, tendonitis) – 30 euros; mud bath beauty (exfoliation,
cellulite) – 30 euros; face mud mask (skin cleansing) – 12 euros; massage
– from 15 euros. The thermal pool contains sulphur, iodine and salt and is
beneficial for all muscular and joint ailments. Please note these are 2009 prices
for guidance only. Other treatments also available. The spa & health centre
is also open to non-residents. | | |
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| 23 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 27 | 23 | | 15 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 15 | | | Resort Fact File |
| • Meal basis : half board | | •
Official rating : 3 star | | • Resort representative |
| • Welcome meeting | | •
Optional excursion programme | | • Hotel telephone:
00 39 0942 715031 | | • Sunday flights |
| • Transfer time from Catania airport : approx. 1 hour |
| | | | Click on picture to enlarge | | | |
