European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 21, 2007, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 24 stars and stripes june 2007 Jim special to stars and stripes Parks and fountains contribute to the tranquil setting of the italian Village draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year with nine spas offering a full array of the elegant design of the oldest was designated a National Monument by the italian Italy Fountain of youth Village of Montecatino is a Center of Beauty and wellness by Jim Sajo special to stars and stripes italians Are recognized As among the most Beautiful people in the Ever wonder How they got so gorgeous or How they stay that Way one secret is their Devotion to Italy is full of luxury re sorts for youve probably seen ads for spas that can Drain your Bank account As quickly As the bile from your these hyper open Sive resorts Are usually found in a restored Castle or magnificent for those of us with a thinner a More affordable option is the Village of Monte Catini also called Montecatino terme just might be the foun Tain of youth for the Middle this Small tuscan town mid Way Between Florence and Pisa is becoming one of Italy to rated health an ancient Thermal source produces Mineral Rich Waters that scrub the clean the intestines and purify the the expansive natural Parks Are a quiet Sanctuary where visitors can fanciful Liberty style architecture the italian ver Sion of Art Nouveau reminds us of our potential to accomplish impressive i if s so the food Are of a recent surge in due to competitive i feet it is a nearly i which to explore the Montecatino is not a new roman statues found during expansion of spa facilities testify to the use of its curing Waters More than years fifteenth Century documents refer to the towns three one described As in those Baths were used to Correct digestive problems and relieve techniques Are different water therapy can be supplemented with mud Massage and a Range of Beauty but the therapeutic properties of the water Are the time spent in a spa is an investment in feeling and looking the modern Era for the health and Beauty Industry began in the Early 20th to keep up with increased the oldest spa called was when workers finished construction in the italian government designated the elegant building a National since All of the Cit managed spas have had a face Montecatino draws thousands of visitors from around the the nine spas offer a full array of More than 220 hotels accommodate any and for after treatment the countless pubs and restau rants Beckon with a variety that belies such a Small the Waters of Montecatino come from a source some 80 meters they Are enriched with minerals and filtered through Jas Courtesy of terme i Montecatino a special treatment at tet Tucio combines traditional Massage with High pressure Mineral water to soothe there Are four major types of water used by the each for different per and Clay As they Bubble to the that filtering eliminates impurities based on the course each of four exiting Springs has its own healthful Leopoldina also called improves intestinal tet Tucio purifies the liver and reduces Rinfret co restores Miner als lost through sporting Regina corrects the flow of bile from the liver to the All the Waters Are Clear and with a slightly Salty beyond drinking the visitors can select from the Vari Ous mud treatments that use different recipes of Mineral Rich material to provide benefits from skin softening to wrinkle removal or fat visitors can choose from a dizzying list of Massage including Hydro with warm Mineral Waters and a High pressure foot reflex Shiatsu or a classic Back and shoulder relaxation treat Thermal pools help loosen tight Muscles while invigorating the in the town has nearly 115 acres of Parkland Avail Able for runners or if bathing in a tub full of mud is not what you have in dont there is More to High above Montecatino is the tiny Village of Montecatino for the fortress Here controlled the Valley from Florence to sitting at a comfortable cafe or restau youll simply enjoy a fabulous to get take the Cable car from Montecatino up the Side of the if you Are looking for some thing a Little the Montecatino track runs an ambitious sched ule of horse races throughout the if you have a car and want to counteract the beneficial effects of those spa you Are not far from a wine re Gion called Chianti perhaps youve heard of it and its main see Pace 25