An outdoor pool, in the open air, under the stars or in the sun. Possible whatever the season in Bormio, even after a recent snowfall, perhaps following a day skiing.

How’s that? The nine naturally hot water springs on the slopes of Monte Reit mountain reach temperatures between 37 and 40°C, and Bormio locals throughout the ages have always known how to make best use of them.

The Bagni Vecchi, or “old baths” with their wealth of history, are located along the main road leading to the Stelvio. The Goth historian Cassiodorus praised their therapeutic virtues; Leonardo da Vinci mentioned them in his Codex Atlanticus.

Today, the facilities at this spa testify to its glorious past and evoke the names of famous guests: there are the Roman Baths, with their water rich in sulphureous mud, and the Medieval Baths, with a bio sauna dedicated to Queen Theodolinda, the Archduchess’s Baths, with their panoramic “tub”, and even the Imperial Baths with the Garibaldi pool.

However, the queen of them all is the historic open air pool, entirely dug out of the rock. In July 2017, it was turned into an infinity pool: an incredible stretch of water reaching out into nature. Meanwhile, the Bagni Nuovi, or “new baths” are on the main road heading towards Livigno.

Dating back to the first half of the nineteenth century they are without doubt “new” compared to the “old baths”, but however have their own romantic vintage atmosphere. The main difference from the Bagni Vecchi is the size of their outdoor facilities: the Gardens of Venus are home to a regenerating session consisting of 7 spa pools.

The other areas include Neptune’s Grotto with its detox session, Jupiter’s Baths with a revitalising session, and Hercules' Baths with saunas and hammam Turkish bath, for total relaxation.

The two Saturn’s Pools where sheep used to be washed before shearing, today have differentiated temperatures and underwater music therapy. Both the spa resorts, new and old, have splendid hotels surrounded by nature: the Hotel Bagni Vecchi and the Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi.

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE BORMIO AND VALTELLINA

1. The Trenino del Bernina, the UNESCO World Heritage red mountain train, offers amazing views. From Tirano to St. Moritz, via the Passo del Bernina mountain pass (2328 m) in two and a half hours.
    
2. On the road from Bormio to Livigno, the Premadio turn off will take you to the Cancano lakes, perfect for walks and mountain bike rides.
    
3. The Via dei Terrazzamenti, a 70 km cyclepedestrian path that goes from Morbegno to Tirano. Perfect for discovering how the vineyards have formed this land and how special Valtellina wines are.
    
4. The Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi park is home to the Valle del Bitto Eco/Museum. The trail is about 3.5 km long and follows the traces of rural life in the countryside in the old days.
    
5. For ski addicts (and not only) there is even summer skiing on the Stelvio glacier.