Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa In Sardinia : Experience The Best Thalasso Spa Treatments

Sardinia’s connection to the healing power of water dates back to the Nuraghic civilization of 1800 BC, which practiced water rituals aligned with lunar and astronomical cycles. This ancient reverence for the sea was later embraced by the Greeks, thalassotherapy, derived from the Greek words thalassa (sea) and therapeia (treatment), and the Romans who established renowned healing hubs like the “Terme a Mare”, still visible at the archaeological site of Nora, one of Sardinia’s most significant historical landmarks, located just a stone’s throw from Forte Village.

The island’s deep respect for seawater’s healing properties has been reimagined and expanded at Forte Village, with the creation of a unique thalassotherapy circuit designed by Dr. Angelo Cerina in 1990. Drawing inspiration from ancient salt pan techniques at the Saline Conti Vecchi near Cagliari and the unique marine characteristics of the Gulf of Santa Margherita di Pula, this patented circuit remains unmatched on an international scale and represents an exclusive approach to holistic health that combines traditional wisdom with innovative treatments delivering the best therapeutic outcomes.

The concept originated from Dr. Cerina’s exploration of psammotherapy, a branch of thalassotherapy, and his study of the French school of Quiberon. He refined these principles by harnessing the distinctive environmental and climatic advantages of southern Sardinia and created an innovative circuit of 6 pools with different gradations of temperature and varying concentrations of magnesium and sodium salt that continues to position Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa as a global pioneer in wellness treatments, offering comprehensive programmes that integrate thalassotherapy with complementary practices such as yoga and Ayurvedic healing methods based on centuries-old traditions.

Microclimate advantage: the Forte Village area benefits from a unique microclimate, with temperatures averaging 3–4°C warmer than Cagliari and its surroundings This warmer environment enhances the therapeutic benefits of seawater, creating ideal conditions for thalassotherapy that remain optimal from dawn to night, allowing guests to experience the healing properties of the sea throughout their entire stay.

Exceptional seawater features: the seawater in the Gulf of Santa Margherita di Pula, right in front of Forte Village , is dynamic, not static like in Quiberon, and shielded from extreme winds. Year-round, seawater temperatures range between 10°C and 25°C, even during winter These conditions result in a saline density of 1.5–1.8 Bé (Baumé scale), with 95% sodium chloride and 5% magnesium salt. Nearly double the salinity of the Mediterranean Sea, providing an extraordinary natural resource for based-on-nature therapeutic interventions.

Process: collected about 100 metres offshore and 10 ten metres deep, the water undergoes a treatment process inspired by salt pans. This enhances the saline density to 10–11 Bé, nearly twice that of the Dead Sea. Through this process, sodium chloride transitions into a magnesium-rich solution with minimal residual potassium salt, resulting in the creation of “Sea Oil”, a powerful, therapeutic, magnesium-rich solution offering exceptional detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Sea Oil or Magnesium in solution is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and detoxifier. Its unique properties include:

Detoxification: it facilitates osmosis, reduces water retention (20-30 minutes of immersion is enough to eliminate excess fluids), and eliminates toxins. The draining effect of the first two pools is also beneficial for hypertensive individuals, as the loss of fluids helps stabilise blood pressure.

Rehabilitation: Sea Oil supports recovery from surgeries, edemas, and thrombus conditions. Its buoyancy makes it ideal for physiotherapy. The first two pools act as a "natural room" for physiotherapists, providing an environment conducive to muscle and joint recovery, where specialised massage techniques can be applied with enhanced effectiveness due to the water's unique properties.

Endorphin Boost: In addition, immersion in the Olio di Mare facilitates the production of endorphins, turning out to be powerful natural support also from a psychological point of view. In menopause, for instance, symptoms like hot flushes, insomnia, lowered libido and mood swings weaken from just the first 24 hours of therapy. It acts on osteoporosis as well antagonising the bone calcium and supporting muscle relaxation.

Skin and Joint Health: The combination of salt, water, and sun exposure contributes to the healing of dermatological conditions like psoriasis, without the need for additional therapies. Additionally, transitioning from the heated pools to colder ones induces a vasodilation effect, enabling a natural and effective muscular workout.

Immune Strengthening: Combines detoxification, endorphin production, and anti-inflammatory effects to reinforce immune defences.

Each of the six pools in the Acquaforte Thalassotherapy Circuit offers a unique wellness experience, meticulously designed to harness the healing power of seawater and renowned as one of the most powerful natural detoxifiers.

The First Pool: Sea Oil
Temperature: 37°–38°C
This pool features a high concentration of magnesium salts, allowing the body to float effortlessly. The buoyancy relieves tension in weight-bearing joints and deeply relaxes the muscles. The water's high temperature stimulates tonifying effects, dilating blood vessels, improving metabolic exchanges, and promoting detoxification and drainage.

The Second Pool: Sea Oil with Aloe Vera and Mint 
Temperature: 37°–38°C
Here thalassotherapy meets phytotherapy. Sea oil is combined with aloe vera, known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects, and mint, valued for its refreshing properties. Together, they deliver a deeply relaxing experience, stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural "happiness hormones."

The Third Pool: High Saline Density Pool
Temperature:36°–37°C
This sodium-rich pool intensifies the beneficial exchanges between seawater and the body. It helps eliminate toxins, introduces vital minerals, and reduces pressure on the joints while relaxing the muscles. The water’s warmth enhances psycho-physical relaxation, and the pool's private location and buoyancy make it ideal for the spa’s signature thalasso massage.

The Fourth Pool: Pure Seawater Pool
Temperature: 35°–36°C
 Equipped with hydromassage jets, this pool targets specific areas of the body, including the soles of the feet, abdominal muscles, and dorsal muscles. The motion and pressure of the water promote cell turnover, eliminate toxins, and drain excess fluids, amplifying the effects of the previous pools.

The Fifth Pool: Pure Seawater Pool
Temperature:30°–32°C
This pool offers a contrast bath experience to improve blood circulation and stimulate vascular activity. The gentle hydromassage provides a mild but effective stimulation of the skin, aiding in the elimination of metabolites and muscle toxins. It also promotes diuresis, reduces the onset of fibrosis, and improves tissue elasticity and firmness.

The Sixth Pool: Pure Seawater Pool

Scientific Research: Aquaforte Thalassotherapy Published In The Journal Of Physics