There can be but a few names in the world of luxury wellness retreats that have captured the imagination, not to mention the pocketbooks of the celebrity circuit, quite like the Ranch Malibu brand.
A veritable who’s who of the showbiz and celebrity world has embraced its charms over the past decade or so. Known for its strict “boot camp” style, a cell phone free, 200 acre-spread in Malibu, it offers a healthy cuisine of only 1400 calories per day diet that eschews caffeine, dairy, soy, and gluten. And if it is famous for anything outside its exclusive circle of clientele, it is perhaps best known less for the range of cookbooks and products that it has spawned but for now infamous six-almonds per day snack, which has become a knowing joke both within the “Ranchers” circle and with critics alike.
And so, given its reliance on restrictions, no-frills attitude, and straight-forward cuisine, some might question the brand’s decision to open its first international outpost in Italy, a country synonymous with fine-dining and beautifully extravagant food, pasta, mozzarella, and aperitivo. But, as of 15th May, Palazzo Fiuggi will boast the first-ever Ranch Italy.
“We are overdue in expanding to another special location, and I think guests are eager to meet and spend time with our expanding globally diverse Ranch family,” Alex Glasscock, CEO and co-founder of the Ranch, said when interviewed about the new venue. “This new destination embodies our values and sensibilities, and Palazzo Fiuggi is an extraordinary private sanctuary with world-class fitness and spa amenities.”
Located only an hour outside the Italian capital of Rome, the 20-acre park sits atop the rolling hills of the region, nestled amongst gorgeous countryside and medieval villages and offering magnificent views across the countryside. And once inside, its interior is a far cry from what you might expect from your usual wellness centre. Alongside the expected world-class offerings and facilities, which include an in-house medical and diagnostic centre state-of-the-art gym, there are plenty of opulent touches such as elegant marble and ornate chandeliers, as well as a menu created by three-Michelin star chef Heinz Beck.
Housed in a former palace and offering the chance to indulge in the natural mineral spring waters whose wells and pools are believed to date back as far as the 14th century, it is believed that none other than Michelangelo used to visit the region to take in the waters relaxing and restorative powers. Good company, indeed.
As luxurious and opulent as the building is, it should not be forgotten what d is built on. The day starts with a 5.30 am wake-up call, stretching to get your body prepared for the day, a light breakfast, and then a four-and-a-half-hour hike through the Appenino Mountains. Also, part of the program is mandatory naps, afternoon strength and yoga sessions, and daily massages.
And exclusivity is the name of the game as the eight-day stay is limited to only 25 guests per week. The cuisine is based on an Italian take on Malibu’s “nutritionally dense” organic and plant-based diet. You won’t find many of the classic Italian dishes on its low carb, high fibre menu, but that isn’t the point of your stay here; to make up for such feasts, guests can dine alfresco and instead feast their eyes on the grandeur of the surrounding mountains and medieval town of Fiuggi which lies below the resort.
And leaving the final words to Alex Glasscock, he sums things up perfectly. “Italy is a very special country. The culture, as we know, values balanced living filled with time in nature and slow and joyful eating. We also love the attentiveness and kindness that Italians exhibit toward their guests, along with their detailed and caring focus on five-star hospitality. Let’s not forget, Italians are just plain cool!”
