The island of Elba may be best known as the historical place of exile for Napoleon but today it, along with much of the Tuscan Region, is known for its thermal spas and resorts. The richness in thermal and mineral waters, combined with the mildness of the climate and the beauty of the scenery has made it the center for "health care tourism". During the last century many hotels with extensive facilities have grown up around spas, which, today, have an international reputation. Tuscany, which includes Elba, is the region of the thermal springs. Waters that relax and cure all sorts of pathologies with springs gushing at high temperatures are surrounded with modern facilities. The surrounding environment aids the beneficial effects of the waters. On the other hand, these spas are not just therapeutic centers, but also a source of general psychic and physical regeneration; the beneficial effects of the water restore wellbeing to the body and soul, offering health and relaxation. They are also legally sanctioned.

The San Giovanni Spas are situated in the Gulf of Portoferraio in an organic iodine and sulphur mud area and is specialized in the use of mud, algae, sea plants and seawater. The wards are equipped with aerosols, jet inhalations (where bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis and lymphatic diseases are treated), and a section specializing in mud therapy. The mud is used to treat cellulites and skin diseases such as acne and psoriasis. The application of mud and then water therapy and massages are used to treat rheumatic diseases and fracture rehabilitation. This is the only establishment that practices talassotherapy (seawater bath with extracts of algae and marine plants) and they clients are also offered physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Ioniophoresis, electro-stimulation, galvanotherapy, marconitherapy and radartherapy equipment are all-available for use for physiotherapy. The spa operates within the National Health Service and the clients pay only a small fee for the mud therapy, water therapy and the inhalation treatment.

There are also other types of treatments available at this spa. The anti-stress treatment is for people of any age whose intense lives cause physical and psychological stress. The treatment consists of peeling, six bubble baths with marine algae extracts, six massages, diuretic infusions and a medical check-up. Skin treatments are available for people with acne, eczema and senile skin. These treatment include vaporizing with marine algae extracts, six face applications of thermal mud, AZ treatment, six facial massages and a medical check-up. For people with limbs with circulatory problems, water retention and people with exudative cellulites, the Spa's Slim Treatment is a good way to keep fit. The treatments consolidates the skin. This is useful for people who want to loose weight. Peeling is done as a pre-treatment; followed by six hydro-massages with marine algae extracts, diet tomogram, diuretic infusions and a medical check-up. Finally, there is the Anti-Smog treatment for rhinitis, bronchitis and sinusitis. This treatment consists of six jet inhalations with different types of mud, six bubble baths with marine algae extracts and a medical check-up. This is a two-week treatment.

While in Tuscany, after enjoying all of the wonderful sights, wineries, restaurants and museums, take a trip to Elba to end your vacation with therapeutic, healthy rejuvenation.