I recently visited 'body care' (what a name) as part of a smartbox gift from friends. We sort of…read morewaited until the very last minute to book something (woops) but I was pretty excited to see any sort of 'spa' in Florence around piazza liberta. What was included was a visit to the thermal pools inside, sauna, turkish bath and a face mask.
Walking in, it sort of feels like you've entered another dimension. One where many others are redeeming their smartbox offers too. We went to the bath and got changed (we were told to bring our own robes and towels) in a tiny dressing room and then were given a tour of the small pool and relax area. It was ok, just to pools with thermal water and hydro-massage, it would have been better for only two people, but there were women ahead of us so it was a bit tricky to enjoy our time there without accidentally 'thigh-hugging' a stranger. In any case, we did enjoy the sauna and turkish bath which are well-maintained.
The face mask is where things get a little murky for me. Typically in a spa setting, I am used to a little music, or quiet-time but the lady doing the face mask was intent on one thing, to sell me more spa treatments. The entire time she asked if I wanted to upgrade the treatment or book more, which was pretty uncomfortable when you just want to enjoy the present someone gifted. I stuck to my guns and said 'we shall see' which obviously displeased her.
All in all, our experience was three-star, not great, not bad - just ok. And I really think they need to lay off the hard sell. I was in the relax room where someone was also getting a face mask and the speal was happening their too, no one was allowed to get any rest. Also the face mask ended up having some sort of reaction on my skin, but that could have just been me..