A Relaxing Weekend in Carnia: My Experience at Borgo Gortani in Arta Terme, Between Spa, Nature, and Tradition

With the arrival of summer heat, as cities begin to feel stuffy and the need for fresh air becomes more urgent than ever, I decided to treat myself to a break in the mountains.
My destination? My beloved Carnia, more precisely Arta Terme, a little gem nestled in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Arta Terme: a place steeped in history and wellness

Arta Terme is one of those villages that seem frozen in time. Known since Roman times for its thermal waters, this town has preserved the authentic charm of Friulian mountain life. Here, the pace slows down, the scents are more intense, and your gaze gets lost among forests and peaks.

Waiting for me on this return visit was Chiara Gortani, the heart and third generation behind Borgo Gortani, a property that this year celebrates a major milestone: 100 years of history.

From Grand Hotel to Borgo: a century of transformation

As soon as I arrived, Chiara told me the story of the property’s evolution. Forget the classic “Grand Hotel” idea, because Borgo Gortani is so much more: it's a real hamlet where hospitality takes on new forms.

Alongside the historic hotel, there are residence-style apartments that offer more independence while still enjoying every comfort: breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant, and full access to the wellness spa.

And what a spa it is!

Wellness and pampering: here, well-being has a soul

The Terra Mater Wellness Center at Borgo Gortani is a small corner of paradise. An indoor pool bathed in light thanks to panoramic glass windows opening to the garden, an outdoor Finnish sauna, and an indoor area with a bio-sauna, Turkish bath, and a second Finnish sauna that hosts Aufguss rituals led by the Maister Chiaradell’Aisa Italia.

And yes—you read that right: her name is also Chiara. In fact, the host, the sauna master, and the esthetician all share my name. Coincidence? Maybe. Destiny? Definitely!

Dream treatments… and they really did send me dreaming

Curious, I chose a treatment with a heated water bed and chromotherapy, combined with a full-body scrub performed with great care and professionalism.
The result? A feeling of deep softness and well-being that stayed with me all day.

Noticing some back tension (thanks to my always overpacked bag and constant travel), Chiara suggested a hot stone massage—pure poetry. The muscle tension melted away in minutes, leaving only one wish: to never get up from that bed again!

Lunch? In a bathrobe, under the sun

As soon as the rain cleared and the sun peeked through, the garden called to me. Outdoor lunch, in a bathrobe, fully relaxed.
The offerings? Fresh salads, vegetarian toast, and even sweet Cjarsons—one of my favorite dishes from Carnia.

A vibrant hamlet full of activities

But what makes Borgo Gortani so special is that you’ll never get bored. The weekly calendar is packed with activities for everyone: aqua gym, live music, guided hikes, and much more.

I chose to explore the area by bike, thanks to the e-bikes provided by the property and the expert guidance of Marco, who took us on an easy route along the bike path from Arta Terme to Tolmezzo, passing by the Roman forum of Zuglio and the fascinating fossil museum at Piani d’Arta.

And if that weren’t enough, we enjoyed a musical nature experience in the woods: Marco, who is also a musician, guided us through the forest accompanied by the sounds of a handpan and Tibetan singing bowls, in a sensory journey I’ll never forget.

And in the evening… more indulgence

After a generous and delicious dinner, I ended the day with a classic cocktail while enjoying live music by Loris, all in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Borgo.

A constant evolution, with an eye to the future

Although most of the hotel has already been renovated (with just a few rooms and common areas left), the services offered are truly four-star level—a recognition the property officially received this year.
Next year, a new residence with six apartments and a dedicated spa will open.
Here, everything evolves—but never loses its connection to tradition and authenticity.

A place for everyone

One last thing—or maybe two: Borgo Gortani welcomes children and families, is pet friendly, and is also accessible to people with disabilities.
Special care is given to dietary needs: intolerances, celiac disease, allergies... here, everyone is welcome.

I hope I’ve managed to share even a bit of the magic I experienced during these three days.
Borgo Gortani is not just a place to sleep—it’s an experience to live, to feel on your skin and in your heart.

And now, as I often say… you just have to try it for yourself. Happy holidays!

Foto Luca de Angelini