Our absolute favorite way to relax and recharge in Italy! Aquardens offers 2-hour, 4-hour, and…read moreall-day access to a serious of warm pools. We usually go with the 2-hour entry because there's only so much lounging around in warm water one can do, ya know? Plus, it's only a few euro extra for every 30-minutes you run over, so even if you do linger a little longer, its not going to break the bank. Entry gets you access to their changing rooms and a locker to store all your belongings while you swim. Bring a bathrobe, towel, and flip flops unless you want to pay to rent them. There are a few other "extras" available you can charge right to your bracelet they give you at check-in... Including cocktails at the swim up bar! Heck yes, un altro prosecco, per favore! I'm also a big fan of the mud masks. The best time to visit Aquardens is a weekday, during the day. Weekends can be crowded, with lots of kids. Avoid holidays (New Year Day, for instance) at all costs. There are just WAY too many people there to enjoy the experience. Last but not least, pack a snack. I've never been too impressed with any of their food options.

There's nothing I can compare this to. It's not a spa, it's not really a pool, it's not a water…read morepark. What it is is a series of pools of different temperatures with jets and currents that leave you as relaxed and rejuvenated as a spa treatment. My understanding is that the water comes out of a natural spring that heats it to over 100 degrees F. We went on a weekday afternoon. It wasn't crowded, and the cavernous changing rooms were almost empty. You put on a swimsuit and proceed to the pools, going from room to room or indoors to outdoors. You can rent a towel, but everyone walks around in their swimsuit so there's no need for other clothing or equipment (although bringing a pool noodle would be a good idea). There are numerous lounge chairs if you want to lie down and dry off before leaving. The instructions are in English and easy to follow, and there are clocks on the indoors walls so you don't have to worry about when to leave or meet up. I bought a ginseng coffee that was delicious. In short, if you're open to it (i.e., not grossed out by bathing with others), this is a fun and relaxing break.