IN ACQUA VERITAS
THE NEW ROMAN TEMPLE
We are in Evora and it is here that we find one of the most breathtaking and unique spas I have ever visited, the In Acqua Veritas, right in the heart of the city. The environment recreates the spas and roman baths with all the power that the water offers. A unique experience that perfectly complements the therapeutic circuit of water, relaxing massage and gastronomic tasting.
Evora is a beautiful city considered World Heritage by UNESCO since 1986. In my opinion, a trip through Alentejo is always a good idea because we can easily find something that makes us enthusiastic. Perhaps it is the vast plains, the sky to lose sight of, the beautiful gastronomy, the adventure, the discovery of Portugal’s history or simply by the rest and tranquility.
And this is where the In Acqua Veritas spa comes in. Whoever enters, it is impossible to remain indifferent to the beauty and grandeur of the arches and vaults, the constant presence of the marble, the nooks and secrets well guarded and eternalized between walls, comfort and reconstruction faithful to the history of a building from the 18th century.
It is well known that the romans have been around for many centuries and the remains still today make the city an exlibris, as is the case of the Roman Temple of Diana, one of the most famous landmarks of the city and one of the most significant symbols of the roman presence in portuguese territory. This presence also served as an inspiration for In Acqua Veritas, which recreates the atmosphere of spas and roman baths, and the fundamental known relationship between water and health and physical well-being.
The environment is conveniently quiet and air-conditioned, where the lights and sound complement the experience. In the interior we identify three swimming pools, each one with a function and a different water temperature. Treatment includes alternate entry into each one of them.
Let's start by relaxing in the tepidarium, the pool of warm water, about 32ºC. Of the three this is the most pleasant and where I ended up spending most of the time. There are different types of water jets and some marble "beds" where we can lie down and let the water do its miracles.
Later, we then tried the caldarium, a smaller pool with very hot water, near 40ºC. The ideal is then to pass to the frigidarium with water at about 16ºC. The passage is a bit difficult because the temperature difference is very high but it will be worth it because the benefits are many: it improves blood circulation, contributes to the regeneration of the skin and stimulates the organism, among others.
We immediately feel an invigorating and bracing effect. But the experience does not stop here. Following is a relaxing massage that raises the whole experience to a new level with a hot and flavored tea at the end.
And because we are in a land with good gastronomy and delicious palates, the experience is complete with a careful selection of regional products ranging from bread, cheese, chorizo, wines, grapes and jam, where it cannot miss the regional wine of Herdade da Calada. All truly wonderful. After all the relaxing experience, being graced with these little wonders, is undoubtedly a very special bonus.
In the end, take time to wander the streets, contemplate walls and buildings practically unchanged throughout the centuries. This is an experience that we want to extend and that deserves a mandatory passage whenever we are in the beautiful city of Evora.