US-based destination fitness and wellness retreat operator The Ranch is partnering with Palazzo Fiuggi Wellness Medical Retreat in Italy to launch its first permanent international programme.

Already operating two Californian retreats in Malibu and Sonoma, The Ranch is launching in Italy with a retreat blending its signature Malibu programme with the services of the Palazzo Fiuggi team.

Palazzo Fiuggi launched in 2021 and is a comprehensive medical wellness retreat located in a historic spa town renowned for its healing mineral waters. The destination was founded by Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO of Sardinia’s iconic spa and wellness destination, Forte Village.

The retreat schedule

The Ranch Italy will include a seven-night, eight-day stay and a daily schedule of a four-hour morning mountain hike, nap time, afternoon strength and core training classes, yoga and a daily massage.

Guests will also have the opportunity to undergo diagnostic and blood testing plus a consultation with a Palazzo Fiuggi physician for a more complete understanding of their current health status.

The Ranch and Palazzo Fiuggi have realised the retreat to help guests leave with a greater sense of self and feel rested and rejuvenated while having lost weight and gaining muscle.

The experience will be complemented by a plant-based menu with an Italian flair devised by Palazzo Fiuggi’s three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck, with guidance from The Ranch’s executive chef.

Limited to 25 guests each week, the experience will launch on 15 May.

"We’re long overdue in expanding to another location outside of California and Palazzo Fiuggi embodies our values in every aspect of their guest experience,” says Alex Glasscock, founder and CEO of The Ranch.

“It’s an extraordinary, private sanctuary, with world-class fitness and spa amenities and easy access to spectacular hiking trails.

“There’s nothing like our programme in the European market and we’re excited to introduce The Ranch’s philosophy to a new region.”

Similar to Malibu, hikes will be done for time rather than distance, with a varied trail each day. Guests will scale elevations over 2,000 metres as they hike the Apennine Mountains which surround the Lazio region in which Fiuggi is located.

During their stay, guests will have access to the retreat’s 4,300sq ft fitness centre, complete with Technogym, Pilates, Yoga equipment and Reaxing Training equipment. They can also enjoy the property’s panoramic indoor and outdoor pools featuring views of Fiuggi old town.

A highlight of the experience is Fiuggi’s spa, which features a fountain connected directly to the fountain of Fiuggi waters.

Treatments include hydrotherapy and Thalasso pools featuring the ancient healing waters of the area. Additional medical services and the Roman Thermae can be experienced during the week for an additional rate.

The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi is offered at a starting rate of US$9,100 (€8,102, £6,782) per person for double occupancy and US$10,650 (€9,482, £7,938) for a single room (Sunday-Sunday).

Pricing includes accommodation, evening elective nutrition talks and a return airport transfer.