In the spa department of the Hotel Tritone, care for guests is manifested through precise gestures, ancient rituals and a profound knowledge of the properties of mud and water. Let’s meet Victor and Magdalena, two mud therapists from the spa team, to discover the passion and dedication that go into each mud therapy treatment.

When did you start working at the Hotel Tritone and how did your interest in the spa world come about?

“Victor has been working at the Tritone since 2021, while I, Magdalena, arrived in September 2024. Our interest in the spa world stems from a desire to help people feel better about their bodies by preventing or alleviating minor physical problems. We are fascinated by the idea that mud, a natural and unique element of the Abano-Montegrotto thermal basin, can make a concrete contribution to people’s well-being.

What was the training path to become a mud therapist and what attracted you most to this profession?

“We both attended the Thermal Assistance Operator course, recognised by the Veneto Region: a course of one thousand hours of theory and practice. Every year, we also attend the compulsory refresher course, because continuous training is essential. We were attracted by the possibility of working in a welcoming and human environment, in close contact with the guests. At the Tritone, tradition is respected in every detail: the entire mud/balneotherapy treatment is carried out using the classic method, with buckets and towels, in true spa tradition.”

What does your daily work consist of in concrete terms? How does a typical day of yours unfold between preparation, application and guest care?

“Our days start early, around five in the morning. After preparation in the treatment rooms, we contact guests to remind them of their mud therapy appointments. When they arrive, we check the prescription and accompany them to the treatment room, where we apply the mud according to the instructions of the medical director – Dr Forestan – and leave it to work for about twenty minutes. After the necessary time, we guide them to the shower and ozone thermal bath. We follow every step carefully, because precision and attention are what makes the experience truly effective and enjoyable.”

Thermal mud is a natural but delicate element: what care does it require to ensure maximum benefits and safety for those who use it?

“The mud is alive and must be treated with respect. The temperature must always be precisely controlled, staying between 39 and 40 degrees. It is equally important to comply with the doctor’s prescription and application times. Each person has their own needs, and we make sure that the treatment is always suitable and safe for each guest.”

What are the most important human and professional qualities for someone working in this role?

“Empathy, kindness, politeness and helpfulness are essential. But flexibility and organisation also matter, because we have to manage several people every hour without ever making anyone feel neglected. The goal is to put every guest at ease, to make them feel welcome and listened to: only then can they truly indulge in well-being.”

Your work is closely linked to the rhythms of nature and the properties of water and mud: how important is your knowledge of the raw material and its evolution over time?

“It matters a lot. Guests are increasingly curious and want to know where the mud comes from, how it matures, and what benefits it offers. It is important for us to be able to answer and inform them accurately, because behind every treatment is a long natural and scientific process. It is good to see that people are not just seeking well-being, but also knowledge.”

Working in direct contact with others can also shape your personal journey. How has this profession changed or enriched your life over time?

“This work has enriched us greatly, on both a professional and human level. Every day we meet different people, listen to their stories and share a moment of well-being with them. The greatest satisfaction is seeing the guests happy, relaxed, and grateful for the results. It is an emotion that repays us for all our efforts and makes us feel part of something important.”

What is the biggest challenge associated with your work and what aspect brings you the most satisfaction?

“We don’t consider our work difficult: when you do something you love, it doesn’t weigh you down. Every day brings new challenges and new people, but also a lot of gratification. The real challenge would be not being able to do what we are passionate about.”

Are there any experiences or guest interactions that you remember with particular fondness?

“We are always pleased to see guests who return several times a year or who return season after season. Some have even followed us from other facilities, which is a source of great pride. It means that a genuine human relationship has been created, which goes beyond mere treatment: it is mutual trust.”

How do you work with the rest of the spa team to deliver a consistent, high-level guest experience?

“The collaboration with the medical director and the SPA manager is crucial. We receive all the necessary information from them to customise treatments and adapt them to the needs of each guest. Each session therefore becomes a unique, tailor-made moment. The harmony of the group is also reflected in the guests, who immediately feel the serene atmosphere of the department.”

In a luxury spa like the Tritone, what are the details that make the difference during a mud therapy treatment?

“The real value lies in the team and the harmony. When a department works in harmony, guests feel it immediately: they relax, trust and embrace the experience more deeply. And, of course, care, cleanliness and precision in every gesture make a difference. Every detail, even the smallest, contributes to the overall quality of the treatment.”

In your opinion, what makes the Tritone mud really special compared to other spas?

“The process of maturation of the mud, the traditional method by which it is applied and the care taken in cleaning each room. Here at the Tritone, nothing is left to chance: from the treatment room set-up to the way we prepare and store the mud, everything follows very high standards. It is this focus that makes our work and the results truly unique.”

Does working in a place dedicated to care and well-being also influence the way you live? Do you carry this balance into your private life as well?

“We take home the satisfaction we read on people’s faces after the treatments. Seeing a guest feel better, receiving a smile or a sincere thank you are the greatest rewards. This work teaches us to live more calmly, with more listening and with the knowledge that caring for others is also good for ourselves.”