South of Siena, the Val d'Orcia is a landscape of hills, cypresses and hilltop towns such as Pienza and Montalcino, with Montepulciano close by. In Bagno Vignoni, thermal water rises from the ground and still fills the old basin in the middle of the village. The selection mixes thermal hotels, a wine estate with heated pools and a village hotel with an indoor pool. I've selected 8 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel (9.7/10).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
8 places shown
The pool. Two heated pools in the heart of the borgo (one infinity pool, one quiet pool), plus private saltwater pools at 28 °C for the villas.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The borgo pools are open from 9.30 am to 6 pm; only the villas' private pools can be used at any hour.
The pool. Covered pool at the wellness centre, hot tub (no under-15s) and seasonal outdoor pool.
The hot tub. Hot tub at the wellness centre.
One traveller mentions the covered pool; I haven't found any reviews on the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get confirmation that the covered pool is heated on your dates.
The pool. Main thermal pool at the wellness centre, set in the hotel garden.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool's temperature isn't given: ask the hotel before you book, especially in winter.
The pool. Indoor pool open from 9 am to midnight, with sun loungers; access costs €5 per person per night.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Pool access is charged: ask them to confirm whether the water is heated.
The pool. Two outdoor thermal pools fed by a spring that emerges at 49 °C: one between 35 and 38 °C, the other between 28 and 32 °C. An indoor area is reserved for hotel guests.
On Kayak the pool scores 9.5/10 and the thermal pools often come up as a highlight of the stay, with no details on the temperature.
Guide's tip. The pools are also open to outside visitors: go early in the morning or in the evening for more peace and quiet.
The pool. Two thermal-water pools, one indoor and one outdoor, at around 36 °C; salt grotto at 38 °C by reservation; outdoor pool in the grounds.
On Kayak the pool scores 9/10 and guests find the pools and spa restful and well kept, without mentioning the temperature. On TripAdvisor the hotel scores 4.7/5 (3,097 reviews).
Guide's tip. The salt grotto must be booked in advance: request a slot as soon as you arrive.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor hot-spring pools advertised at 95 °F (35 °C), open from 10:00 to midnight; one indoor and two outdoor pools; four hot tubs.
The hot tub. Four hot tubs, plus one at the spa.
One traveller describes an indoor pool fed with thermal water; nothing more specific on the temperature.
Guide's tip. The thermal pools close at midnight: make the most of them in the evening, when the view is at its best.
The pool. Five indoor and two outdoor pools, including a floodlit outdoor thermal pool; thermal baths listed.
Travellers praise the quality and variety of the pools; none gives the temperature.
Guide's tip. The infinity pool is chlorinated: if you want thermal water, ask which pools are fed by it.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. Seasonal outdoor pool (heating not specified) and hot tub.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the hot tub is available out of season.
The hot tub. Seasonal outdoor pool (heating not specified) and outdoor jacuzzi in the garden.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. For a warm soak out of season, rely on the jacuzzi, not the pool.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel (Hotel), with 9.7/10 (88 reviews · Kayak). Next come Wellness Center Casanova Hotel e Spa (8.7/10) and Albergo Le Terme (8.6/10).
None of the places selected in the Val d'Orcia clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. Wellness Center Casanova Hotel e Spa, Albergo San Biagio and Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 28 à 38 °C at La Posta Hotel & Thermal Spa (ex-Posta Marcucci), 36 °C at ADLER Spa Resort Thermae and 35 °C at Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal SPA & Winery. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Wellness Center Casanova Hotel e Spa and Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal SPA & Winery also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Hotel Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais and Podere Brizio.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Terme San Filippo | Outdoor thermal pool closed for restoration, with no reopening date. | 7,8/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
Sources: Kayak, Terme San Filippo.
