Did you know that Italy is the only country in continental Europe that has volcanoes? This means that Italy has termes, or thermal resorts, used since Roman times to get the benefits of geothermal heat and mineral-rich waters.
Montegrotto Terme and Abano Terme are located at the foot of the Eugenean Hills where dozens of resorts, hotels and B&Bs welcome guests for therapeutic pool and spa experiences in an otherwise residential suburb just 15 minutes outside of Padova, or Padua.
Enjoy healing waters, mud baths, and all types of wellness rituals including inhalation therapy, massages, scrubs, wraps, and other targeted body treatments. Many hotels also offer impressive sauna complexes, which this article will cover.
A stay at a terme near the Eugenean Hills makes a pretty sweet weekend getaway or stop on an Italy trip when you combine your wellness stay with a day trip to Padova, one of Italy’s smaller but charming cities.
Where to stay? Montegrotto Terme vs. Abano Terme
It doesn’t make much of a difference where you stay, especially if you have a car. You’ll likely be at the hotel when not venturing into the city or the Hills.
- Abano Terme has a more walkable town center, giving it a slightly livelier feel.
- Montegrotto Terme has the train station that will take you to Padua or Venice, just 45 minutes away. Its smaller town center has a few Roman archaeological sites, but otherwise hotels are pretty spread out.
Abano Terme
Tritone Luxury Hotel Thermae & Spa
Experience retro opulence at Tritone with a Roman-themed physical therapy center plus a sauna complex comprising multiple saunas, steam rooms, and even a snow cave.
Special treatments include inhalation therapy and Eugenean mud baths. There is a 3-night minimum stay.
- Sauna rating: 🔥🔥🔥
- Day passes: No
Europa Terme Boutique Hotel
Understated elegance with contemporary touches, including a modern spa. Enjoy multiple saunas, steam rooms, and ice fountains, plus an adults-only sauna area with roof garden.
- Sauna rating: 🔥🔥🔥
- Day pass: No
Hotel Mioni Pezzato & SPA
Hotel Mioni is a luxurious option with multiple pool options over sprawling grounds. The spa opens late until 11pm and in addition to day passes, private spa rooms can be booked if you’re not a hotel guest.
Steam room enthusiasts can enjoy multiple Turkish baths, in addition to saunas and an ice room.
- Sauna rating: 🔥🔥🔥
- Day pass: Yes
Montegrotto Terme
Hotel Continental Terme
Hotel Continental Terme provides a good value with modern touches, five thermal pools including a Kneipp path path, and two full spa areas.
In addition to the standard offerings you’ll find saline experiences as well as inhalation and mud treatments.
- Sauna rating: 🔥🔥🔥
- Day pass: Yes
Esplanade Tergesteo Hotel
Esplanade Tergesteo Hotel is modern and luxurious, featuring a landscaped pool area plus two spa areas that stay open late until 11pm.
For an additional fee the Rooftop 54 gives you access to an additional area with a panoramic sauna, cold plunge pool, and views from its deck.
- Sauna rating: 🔥🔥🔥
- Day pass: Yes
Review: Esplanade Tergesteo Hotel
One of the best hotels in the Montegrotto Terme is Esplanade Tergesteo, a luxury resort with impeccable staff and an incredible spa.
Rooms
Rooms are simple but modern with everything you could need including a spacious balcony. A robe, flip-flops, and tote bag are included.
Pool & spa
The spa and pool is open late until 11 pm, unlike many others in the area. You can purchase a day pass if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Large enough for laps, the indoor pool flows continuously out to the hotel grounds surrounded by dedicated relaxation areas and jetted massage seats. The idea is for you to soak in the mineral-rich waters for its benefits and healing properties.
You can get a range of treatments at the spa, plus there’s two full sauna areas. The rooftop sauna complex not only provides nice views but has additional experiences such as the infrared sauna, panoramic sauna, and cold plunge. This rooftop area is not always included in the room rate; if it’s not you’ll have to pay an extra fee to access.
Food
You can find a large menu selection and large portions at the poolside bistro. We didn’t have full-board so didn’t try dinner at the restaurant, but the breakfast buffet was fabulous. Highlights include many fresh fruit and drink options and an impressive spread of baked goods.
Amenities
The hotel provides free e-bikes for exploring the Eugenean Hills. You’ll find vineyards, Medieval castles, and some of the best restaurants at restaurants in the Hills, so it’s worth it to grab dinner here or extend your stay to explore during the day.
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