QC Terme San Pellegrino (Review)

You have most certainly heard of San Pellegrino mineral water, but did you know that you can soak in it too?

QC Terme San Pellegrino beauty and resort spa in the province of Bergamo offers a nice day trip destination from Milan or Lecco or a weekend getaway. Pamper yourself and indulge in a relaxing spa day in hot pools and saunas with waters from the natural spring in San Pellegrino.

This is an independent review; the author did not receive any freebies.

A Day at the QC Terme San Pellegrino Spa

My sister was arriving from Manchester to Bergamo Orio Al Serio airport and I thought a visit to the Spa would be the perfect way to start her weekend visit. Only 29 km from the airport, it was the first stop before returning to my home in Lecco on Lake Como.

Locals and travelers have used the San Pellegrino natural springs for centuries. Noted for its curative properties, the area became popular in the early 1900’s and the San Pellegrino Company started bottling the water. A natural fountain is still standing today, but it is strictly prohibited to non-residents to drink or take the water.

Located just 100 meters from the Brémbo River, the spa building is a beautifully restored Belle Époque palace. They have modernized the pools and fixtures but a retro style entrance, wrought iron gates and banisters have been preserved setting an ambiance of yesteryear glamour. (The neighboring San Pellegrino Casino, only open for weddings and large conferences, is an elegant example of Belle Époque-Liberty architecture and décor.)

Spa Check-in

We pre-ordered our tickets online which made check-in quick and easy. At reception, you get a resort bracelet that not only shows you have paid an entrance ticket, but it also serves as currency. A buffet and cocktail happy hour is served at 5:30 pm, which is included with the day entrance. Any extra beverages or food orders and purchases such as spa products or treatments are charged by swiping your bracelet over a sensor, which directly debits your credit card.

The Spa

A pretty woman behind a counter hands out white terrycloth robes and transparent flip-flops. The changing rooms have large coin-operated lockers. The showers have large plate discs with predictably fantastic water pressure and are supplied with soap-gels and shampoo. In front of the mirror, you’ll find hairdryers and a beauty bar of creams and perfumes; all QC Terme signature products.

Me at the San Pellegrino Terme

An infinite hall with marble pavement, tall ceilings, and arched windows lead you to the spa area. A glamorous staircase and romantic fresco murals embrace and guide you to the wellness lounges. It is almost surreal seeing all the guests walking around in robes in this palatial mansion. It is as if everyone were actors on a film set, waiting for the wardrobe staff.

Salon style corners with cushy leather armchairs welcome guest to relax and wind-down. Perfumed oils and ambient fragrances are discreetly displayed with tester strips for guests who would like to recreate a spa atmosphere at home.

The spa pools, saunas, and therapy rooms are set throughout two buildings. There is a recommended path to follow but you are also free to roam, as you like. Aromatic teas and juices are served as refreshments. The QC is very spacious and offers a variety of facilities. If an area has other occupants, there are more rooms to visit. Beauty treatments and massages are also available (today we only visited the baths).

There are hot pools, cold pools, rock paths and power splash waterfalls. A stone paved path leads you to an outdoor pool and bubble spa.

We were there on a foggy winter day and while sitting in the steaming outdoor thermal bath, it started snowing. It was magical watching the surrounding silent trees collect snowflakes along the branches.

Happy Hour

At 5:30 PM in the grand café, a long table of handmade breads, local cheeses and fresh vegetable and fruit is set for all the guests. Prosecco and San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages are also served.

A full day entrance cost 45 euro, which included the aperitif at 5.30 pm.

Tip: Bring a colored ribbon or something you can pin to your robe to identify it. When you go into a sauna or pool all the robes hang on a wall hook and it is quite impossible to remember which is yours.

Accommodation

The QC Terme San Pellegrino now has a hotel facility just steps away from the spa (however, not in the same building).

QC Room San Pellegrino is the QC spa hotel located near the spa. The hotel is not on the premises but located in a nearby building offering views of the spa from the hotel.

There are other nearby hotels in San Pellegrino. Other hotels which are close are the Hotel Bigio (270 meters walk) or the Hotel Centrale (210 meters walk); both 3-star hotels within walking distance of the QC Terme San Pellegrino.

An alternative is to stay in Bergamo (22 km) or at Lake Como in Leccoat Lake Como(44 km).

Getting there

The QC Spa is located on  Viale della Vittoria, 53, 24016 San Pellegrino Terme .

By Car

We went by car. It was quite easy to find with the use of GPS.
From the Bergamo Orio al Serio airport, take the state road SS470 (about a 40-minute drive).
From Lecco, you’d take provincial road SP342 then state road SS470 (a 1-hour drive).
From Milan, you’d need to take the highway A4 then the state road SS470 (about a 1 hour 20-minute drive).

By Train/Bus

By train, go to Bergamo Station (45 minutes from Milan or Lecco) and then take the Bus B from the Piazza Marconi bus terminal (45 minutes). Get off at the stop San Pellegrino – Via Giov. XXIII (Bigio) and walk 250 meters. In all, it will take a little more than 2 hours. (Be aware: If you take a taxi from the Bergamo train station, it can cost up to 45-55 euro or more).

The QC Terme San Pellegrino Spa is open all year round.
For more information visit their website. (www.qcterme.com/en/san-pellegrino)

This is an independent review; the author did not receive any freebies. All opinions of the author’s experience are her own and have not been influenced in any way.

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