THE HOTEL: Brothers Saverio and Andrea Quadrio Curzio founded QC Terme in 1982 with a mission to modernise thermal balneotherapy, the ancient practice of bathing in mineral springs. Today, the five-star Resort QC Termeroma is one of nine hotels and spas in the QC Terme family, which has grown to become the largest Italian group in the wellness sector. Other properties include Termechamonix in France and QCNY in New York.
Just a 30-minute Leonardo express train journey from Rome and a 10-minute shuttle taxi drive from Fiumicino airport, QC Termeroma is set in 3000 square kilometres of stunning landscape in the Oasi de Porto natural park, punctuated by sky-climbing palms, classical cypress trees and flat-topped Roman pines. After the hubbub and heat of the Italian capital, the resort is the perfect place to catch your breath. The cluster of buildings, originally a 1920s farmhouse, retains many charming features – the beautiful rustic-chic burnt orange exterior walls, for example – but have been elevated to a higher standard throughout.
THE CHECK-IN: We were greeted by efficient concierge, Barbara, who gave us a brief orientation and explained the Wellness Pathway, a simple way to navigate the impressive spa offering. The ancient imperial tradition of salus per aquam, health from water, has been invigorated with modern wellness technology in a warren of underground historic buildings before emerging into the dappled sunlight of the park, home to the rest of the health facility.
THE ROOM: Our 38m2 suite on the first floor, one of 50, featured stunning original geometrical floor tiles in the large white marble bathroom. Super-fluffy robes, slippers, spa shoes and every toiletry under the sun were provided. The king-size bed offered a firm-ish mattress and the separate living room had a sofa bed to accommodate another two guests, plus a wall-mounted flatscreen TV. The mini-fridge was a little understocked compared to other five-star hotels, offering only a limited selection of soft drinks and possibly the world’s teeniest tiniest chocolate bar (for €5, even Bilbo Baggins would feel short-changed!) But the delicious silence and cocoon-like vibe more than compensated for this minor quibble. The hotel offers five different levels of accommodation, including seven duplex buildings, and classic, comfort and superior rooms.
THE BUSINESS: While the focus of the resort is leisure, there are two compact meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 10-12 people each, and one large meeting room for 40 people, perfect for team-building days and private events. QC Termeroma’s close proximity to the airport – a shuttle taxi can easily be booked for a small fare between 8.30am and midnight – makes it an attractive option for travellers with business meetings in Rome. Seamless free Wi-Fi all over the property is also a stress-free experience.
THE FACILITIES: For us, the headline act of the hotel was the bubble-tastic, open-air ‘health farm’. Time evaporated as we tried out the myriad therapy pools, each featuring differing water temperatures and muscle-massaging jets. The sweet fragrance of white dog roses, entwining on pergolas and creating natural walls between zones, further transports you away from the stresses and strains of modern life. For the fearless (or foolhardy!) a wood-fired sauna followed by a dip in the cold-water infinity pool is a must. We finished with a blissful sleep in the Veranda of Laurels, which features gently swinging round beds, shaded inside from the sun’s rays. Heaven. A full menu of massages and treatments is also available to reach peak relaxation.
QC Termeroma is also pet and child friendly, and guests gather for a unique ‘happy hour’, still clad in their spa robes, from 5pm – 8pm for free-flowing prosecco, soft drinks and a selection of tasty Italian snacks. Dinner in the restaurant must be booked ahead and the menu offers a decent choice of dishes.
THE VERDICT: A perfect place to unwind and replenish after either hectic sightseeing or a busy business day. You’ll feel seriously refreshed ahead of your flight home and ready to take on the world once again. Day spa passes are also available, starting from €44.
THE DETAILS: Resort QC Termeroma, Via Portuense 2178/a • 00054 Fiumicino, Roma, Italy (Tel) +39 02897 47209, qcterme.com. Rates from €318 a night for two people including breakfast and spa access.
By Rachel Roberts
