ELBA, THE ISLAND OF WELLBEING
A multi-year project for a quality tourism offer

“Choose to pamper yourself!”  This is probably the most appropriate motto to introduce the project launched by the Integrated Tourism Management Board together with Confcommercio Elba (Trade Association) and other relevant associations that propose a different way to enjoy the Island during low season. A diversified offer targeting one of the specific features of the insular environment, which should not be viewed merely as a ‘container’, but rather as a principal resource of sustainable development pivoting on post-materialist values that give priority to the quality of life.

This network project involves accommodation structures, holistic operators, public service providers and wellbeing sale points, with all of the stakeholders offering tourists a vacation on the wake of active personal wellbeing, a rejuvenating and meditative approach, detoxifying itineraries that embrace healthy and genuine food, all types of outdoor sport activities, to be lived either at a slow or fast pace according to your mood to breathe in the regenerating energies of the ‘iron island’.

This concept also engages the rich cultural life of Elba, whose bountiful proposals give food for thought, a key factor in achieving psychophysical balance. In this context, Counseling turns out to be an excellent support to develop one’s potentials and inner resources, triggering a path of personal growth. Odaka Yoga, practiced on the seafront by Monica Brandino, also helps balance one’s body, mind and soul, with gentle movements of the spine drawing inspiration from the soft rolling of waves; or the beneficial treatments of Shiatsu (Namikoshi method).

The craniosacral therapy of Dr. Roberta Adami acts in depth, returns balance and relief to the body, proving its efficaciousness also in pain management, battle stress and as an adjuvant in psychological therapies in case of traumas.

The Terme di San Giovanni spas represent a historical benchmark for rehabilitative physiotherapy treatments, for the healing of respiratory conditions, as well as for mud baths and seaweed treatments thanks to the natural resources of the hydrothermal basin. Dr. Alessandra Toscano, a marine biologist, is the owner of Universo Acqua, which offers the possibility of practicing naturalistic snorkeling: slow swimming at the water’s edge to become familiar with and enjoy the marvels of Elban sea.

Away from the waterfront, you can practice Nordic Walking escorted by certified instructors, or go on guided mountain bike excursions throughout the island with MTB Elba, and then rent electric or conventional bikes at Elba 4 Fun in Marina di Campo. In Campo nell’Elba, you will find Luca Giusti’s Somareria for a relaxing trek on the back of a donkey and environmental education activities. In Lacona, the Azienda Agricola Regali Rurali organizes didactic farms for children to view the processing of ricotta and other types of cheese with the milk from sheep bred by naturalist Sara Esposito.

The Roman Villa of Grotte in Portoferraio brings to mind ancient wellbeing practices in vogue on Elba more than 2000 years ago: archaeological remains are testimony to the Thermarium of this patrician villa dating back to the Augustan Age overlooking the gulf and offering breathtaking views over the city.

This and much, much more can be found on Elba Island. Many hotels offer targeted and customized packages, combining spa, wellness center (and fitness center, when available) services with variegated ancillary activities, such as counseling with a nutritionist, seminars focused on healing herbs, acupuncture, ozone therapy treatments, laughter yoga, relaxing painting and Mandala sessions.

Custom proposals are addressed to three customer targets: Active with pleasure packages for a holiday experience ideal for all ages, where light physical exercise is combined with relaxation and healthy tasty food; Energy packages for a younger sporty target, who regularly frequents gyms and is more used to intense physical exercise; Remise en forme packages for those who want to spend a week of vacation in a pleasant location practicing some physical exercise combined with a low calorie and detox diet to get back in shape.

An interesting project that corresponds perfectly to the marvelous environment of Elba; a true open-air gym that offers many leisure opportunities even in low season periods. Indeed, it is actually spring and fall that offer the most authentic flavors of the island, when nature, silence and quiet reign supreme and when many cultural and sport events are on schedule, in perfect tuning with the Elba Lifestyle.

OTHER FOCUSES

Elba: the island for sport, relaxation, adventure and well-being