Tracey Woodward, an experienced expert in the beauty industry with over 35 years of expertise, has built an illustrious career spanning from her early days as a Clinique consultant to influential leadership roles at renowned global brands like Estée Lauder and Donna Karan. She has played a key role in establishing luxury beauty brands in prestigious retail destinations, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Currently, she is a board member and shareholder for ventures like Beauty Bulb and We Are Moody, while co-creating ventures such as Kalmar and serving as an Operating Partner for Cedar-Bridge Investments. Recently, she embarked on a rejuvenating journey at Palazzo Fiuggi, Europe’s premier wellness retreat, embracing its world-class approach to health and wellbeing.
It’s a cold winter morning in London, the day of my 59th birthday, as I board an early flight to Rome for my annual health retreat at Palazzo Fiuggi. My first visit in early summer 2023 was a transformative experience—one I was deeply grateful for, though I had no idea then that I would soon be diagnosed with womb cancer. That trip not only changed my life but may have even saved it.
I first fell in love with this hotel in 2000 during a romantic holiday with my second husband. Nestled in a magical valley less than an hour from Rome, Fiuggi sits 700 metres above sea level, surrounded by lush green forests. The town’s healing spring captivated me as I watched hundreds of elderly visitors filling their bottles, hoping to benefit from its renowned waters. Even today, Italian doctors prescribe visits to Fiuggi to reduce inflammation and promote regeneration. The sight of this brutalist clinic, with its moving escalators hidden among the trees, instills a deep sense of trust in the therapeutic power of these waters.
Fast forward to 2025, and Palazzo Fiuggi is celebrating its fifth year as a luxury wellness destination. Originally acclaimed as Europe’s most luxurious hotel in 1913, it now seamlessly combines historic elegance with state-of-the-art health and wellbeing programmes. The healing waters, now integrated into the Roman Spa, are rich in unique macromolecules known to reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, aid in treating UTIs, and support metabolic health.
See also: Palazzo Fiuggi: An Immersive Medical Retreat In Italy
I arrive, settle into my room, and take in the spectacular views of the new town and surrounding forests. With its unique microclimate, the warmth of the sun on my face feels restorative—this is undoubtedly a place of both emotional and physical healing.
My first stop is a consultation with my nurse, where my blood is taken, and my weight and overall health are assessed. We discuss my longevity plan for the next 11 days. I request some adjustments to my meal plan—liquid-only for the first four days, followed by a vegetarian diet at 1,800 calories per day.
I have three primary goals: to rebuild muscle and regain strength, to reduce tension, and to reconnect with my new self. Cancer takes more than just a physical toll—it drains you mentally and emotionally. The constant worry and anxiety can be exhausting. Quality of life means everything to me, and reclaiming control over my health feels empowering, especially with the expert support available at Palazzo Fiuggi.
I firmly believe that our bodies store anxiety and trauma, which, if left unaddressed, can manifest as illness. To support my healing, I book a course of treatments designed to reduce inflammation, release stress, and rebalance my energy. Developed by a leading expert in the wellness sector, these detoxifying treatments target areas of tension—mine being my neck, shoulders, back, and abdomen. The inflammation in my neck and face is also visible, which concerns me.
We all accumulate stress and inflammation from daily life, and acknowledging this allows me, through conversations with my highly skilled therapist, to understand that we are actively restoring balance. I surrender fully to the treatments, trusting in their ability to heal. Detoxing is not just about feeling better in the moment—it’s about long-term health, longevity, and overall wellbeing.
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One of the most transformative treatments is a deep lymphatic detox, designed to revitalise the lymphatic system while lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels. It’s an intense experience, especially when there’s significant detoxing to be done—which is certainly the case for me. Trauma, anxiety, and the effects of medication all need to be processed. Though slightly uncomfortable at times, the post-treatment relaxation and mental clarity are profound. After several sessions, I sleep more soundly, my energy levels rise, and my focus sharpens.
From there, I move on to the stress-release programme, which targets the shoulders, head, arms, and chest. Acupressure and specialised techniques work through deep layers of tension, releasing the fascia and opening energy pathways to promote relaxation. The treatment concludes with diaphragm release, abdominal lymphatic activation, and foot stimulation. According to Chinese medicine, this therapy engages key meridians—the Pericardium (PC), Kidney (K), Lung (L), and Intestine (I)—and I find it particularly beneficial for my gut health. My stomach feels noticeably calmer and more at ease.
In addition to these treatments, my doctor recommends thalassotherapy and hydrotherapy, complemented by therapeutic teas and the continuous consumption of Fiuggi’s healing waters to support detoxification. Each day, I meet with the HPM team, who assess my gait and balance. Knowing that I’m in good balance is reassuring, especially as ageing increases the risk of falls. Strengthening my smaller muscle groups is a priority, as they are essential for vitality, stability, circulation, and longevity. I also undergo my annual DEXA scan, which confirms that my bone density is that of someone much younger.
When you’ve faced cancer, the fear that your body’s weakened state could compromise your future health is daunting. My goal is to push myself—to be an athlete in my own right, to fear nothing. To achieve this, you must understand what’s happening inside your body, mind, and heart. Otherwise, fear takes hold, and you lose the courage to fight.
Each morning, I savour my breakfast in the beautiful ballroom. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed—some guests arrive in robes, others in fitness gear, ready for the day ahead. After breakfast, I set out on my usual hike, varying the route slightly but always seeking the grounding energy of the woods. The hills make for a stunning walk, and my goal is to exceed 25,000 steps daily. I also take the stairs exclusively—I’m staying on the third floor.
After my walk, I return to the Roman Baths, a beautifully designed, indulgent, and deeply restorative space. I then take time to meditate, allowing myself to fully absorb the benefits of each experience.
See also: Castelfalfi: A Luxurious Tuscan Retreat In The Heart of Nature
My thoughts turn to lunch and how nourishing it will be for my body—every bite filled with the nutrients needed to rebuild healthy cells. Each day, I burn more calories than I consume, and I make it a habit to walk after every meal.
Around 4pm, I head to a session with my personal trainer. We focus on small weights, stretching, and finish with 20 minutes of boxing—something I absolutely love. Manu, my brilliant trainer, understands that I tire more easily, so he constantly adapts the routine to keep me engaged and energised.
At supper, I often chat with other guests or the team, whose kindness and attentiveness make me feel truly supported and empowered. After my evening walk, I sit beneath the magnificent 500-year-old Redwood tree, gazing up at the stars. There’s something magical about this place. I often write my life notes under this tree—commitments I make to myself, promises for the journey ahead.
As the week draws to a close, I book in for the Kopido facials. These treatments are designed to target key areas of concern, toning facial muscles while lifting and defining the cheekbones and jawline. Combined with activating movements to increase blood and oxygen flow, the treatment instantly smooths fine lines, reduces puffiness, and boosts collagen production. With my body in a restorative state, my skin glowing, and my mind and body feeling renewed, I feel ready to return to the life I know and love.
I can honestly say that here, I have the best patient-doctor relationship with Dr Fabrizio Di Salvio. Our conversations are wise, thoughtful, and full of kindness. We’ve been on this health journey together since 2021, and I truly believe that trust is key. He’s an exceptional listener, and I enjoy learning about what is happening to my body as I age—absorbing knowledge and making small adjustments for longevity along the way.
We must all take equal responsibility for our health, and in my opinion, this is one of the greatest places to do that in the world of wellness—surrounded by history, wisdom, kindness, and the joy and wonder of nature and its miraculous waters. This is more than self-care; it’s a deeply personalised approach to wellness that nurtures every part of my being, guiding and educating me on how to live a long, healthy life.
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