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ОглавлениеLipari
The largest of a chain of seven Islands in the UNESCO-protected volcanic archipelago that straddles the gap between Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, Lipari dates back to around 20,000 BC.
Natural pumice reserves, Lipari.
Lying about 30km (18 1/2 miles) off the northeastern coast of Sicily, the rugged volcanic terrain is still considered active, although the last recorded eruption occurred in the 5th century when a slew of airborne pumice deluged Roman villages on the island. Steaming fumaroles are still present on the island and hydrothermal activity causes hot, bubbling pools of mineral-heavy waters to form. Huge reserves of pale-grey pumice have long been the economic bedrock of Lipari. Under the Roman Empire, the rocks were used in the construction of the Pantheon’s huge dome while the island was used as a bathing retreat (its hydrothermal waters are still used for baths today). Now, the pumice is harvested and shipped around the world to be used in wellness therapies. Few materials are as effective as an exfoliating skin softener, complexion enhancer, dermal cleanser, hair remover and buffer of dead skin layers, calluses and corns as pumice.
Beach and Bath
Stretching 10km (6 miles) at its longest point with a width of just 4km (2 1/2 miles), Lipari is immortalized by postcard snaps of the creamy-alabaster waters of Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), one of the most beautiful on the island and named for the sediments of pumice that have fallen into the sea over time. Close by, the Cave di Pomice di Porticello is a pale-water bay by a number of now-empty pumice quarries and workshops. Deposits of unwanted, extracted pumice now hardened by time form mounds along the shore – passing bathers simply help themselves to exfoliate in shallow waters, covered in white silt.
Pumice Treatments
Wellness therapies at the Hotel Tritone Lipari take place overlooking the sea and scenic Aeolian gardens. Many of the creams and cleansers contain crushed pumice stones to provide a gentle exfoliating agent on sensitive skin. Pumice is also evident in a range of luxurious pedicure and manicure treatments, loosening the cuticles and softening hardened soles. Used in conjunction with rich, nourishing emulsions, careful rubbing with a pumice stone in slow, circular movements can work wonders on dry, cracked rough skin – and can even remove those annoying wisps of unwanted toe hair by rapid, light movements back and forth. Natural hand made soaps composed of extra-virgin olive oil enriched with pure essential oils, flowers and volcanic lava are also used.
3 things you must not miss
1 Fresh Catch Join the fishing folk on the harbourside in the early-morning sunshine to snap up the best of the daily catch, from squid and octopus to swordfish and mackerel.
2 Take a Boat Cruise Seas that once carried ancient Greek traders and Roman warships are today the cruising ground of the rich, famous and fashionable in million-dollar yachts and schooners. www.arcipelagoeolie.it
3 Escape on a Scooter Explore the countryside with its rolling hills, awe-inspiring mountains, sandy coves, lemon groves and whitewashed villages. Visit the tourist information office at Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 202, for advice.
INFORMATION
HOTEL TRITONE LIPARI t +39 090 981 15 95
Year-round special well-being packages offer an array of therapies such as the Weekend Wellness Break (from €515) including different massages, leisure and fitness activities and relaxation treatments.
Sheltered bays and the fertile terrain of Lipari’s ancient landscape.
