Aquardens — Italy’s Largest Thermal Spa with a Soulful Sauna Surprise

In the hills of Valpolicella, between Verona and Lake Garda, lies Aquardens, Italy’s largest thermal bath complex — and perhaps its most innovative. Spanning a sprawling 60,000 square meters, this wellness park is far more than a series of pools. It’s a place where cutting-edge hydrotherapy meets elemental rituals, and where sauna culture is not just respected, but celebrated with theatrical flair.

After winding through a network of indoor and outdoor pools — saltwater lagoons, grottos, waterfalls, and rushing rivers —I made my way to the spa treatment rooms, where Stefana delivered a massage that exceeded the usual “thermal spa” expectations. Without my needing to say a word, she zeroed in on the tightness in my neck and hips, skillfully using a combination of Active Release Technology techniques and intuitive pressure work. Natural light streamed in as soothing world music played, and I left the room feeling completely reset.

The Sauna Village is a destination in itself — and access is worth every euro. While smaller than the main bathing area, it’s meticulously designed for immersive relaxation and sensory experiences. Picture a thermal pool with a swim-up bar, an upstairs lounge deck with cozy beds and views of the Veronese hills, and a full calendar of aufguss rituals.

Aquardens is proudly hosting the 2025 Aufguss World Championships, and construction is underway for what will be the world’s largest sauna, a 300-seat arena for performance sauna events. We previewed what’s to come with two unforgettable sessions:

In the Celtic Sauna, the “Relaxation Aufguss” used gentle herbal oils and ambient music to guide us into a meditative calm.

Then came the spectacular Fantasia Aufguss in the Contemporary Sauna — a three-performer sensory show that felt like Burning Man meets spa ritual. Think towel acrobatics, billowing scents, forest soundscapes, and a narrative journey through nature.

Each session ends with a brisk reset in the Siberian Water Room, where icy jets wake up your nervous system and invigorate your senses. Other highlights include the Kneipp foot path, Banya Russa sauna, and the scenic Bellavista terrace.

Aquardens is more than a wellness retreat — it’s a complete spa universe where innovation and ancient tradition coexist. Whether you're soaking in the salt-bromine-iodine waters or floating under the stars in the lagoon, this is wellness as Italy intended: expansive, experiential, and effortlessly elegant.