The Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa on Italy’s Amalfi Coast has some unique properties: Contained within a 17th century monastery*, its vaulted ceilings, ancient walls, and architectural details have been preserved.
And the hotel's spa has a private Spa Suite, a “Spa within a Spa,” where groups of four (maximum) can hide away from the world for several hours. (Think a long weekend girlfriend getaway, a mother-daughter bonding experience or honeymooning couples unwinding after their wedding.)
The 860-square-foot double-heighted vaulted space includes a Rasul, Steam Room, Double Wet and Dry Treatment Couches, Manicure/Pedicure Relaxation Lounge, Private Dressing and Grooming Space and an outdoor private Garden Space.
All of the treatments in the Spa use the products of Santa Maria Novella, which date back to the 14th Century of Italian monastic herbalists, who used local plants and flowers renowned for their healing powers. The aromatics range from summery oils of lemon, bergamot, petitgrain and iris to such sweet-smelling herbs as rosemary, lavender, sweet orange as well as the special fragrance of pomegranate created for Catherine di Medici.
Treatments range from Santa Maria Novella facials (including back facials and facials for men) to honey hair and scalp treatments, and from massages, aromatic scrubs and wraps to manicures and pedicures.
Some sample treatments:
Candle Massage uses an aromatic powder scrub of iris or bitter orange to soften and prepare the skin for a focused massage with Santa Maria Novella candle wax made of pure plant oils and prime emollient butters.
Iris Drizzle Hydrating Body Wrap Warm iris oil is drizzled on to the body and blended with iris powder. The idrasol body mask deeply enriches the skin during a scalp massage and layers in moisture and fragrance.
Polline Hydration Deep hydration with Crema Polline, a regenerating cream formulated with pollen and extra virgin olive oil to improve the appearance of a flat, dry, non-reflective surface and to inject skin lustre.
Amalfi Blue offers nearly four hours of treatments – Pomegranate Foot Bathing; a 60-minute Santa Maria Novella facial; Aromatic Powder Scrub and Spa Life Massage for 60 minutes; and a choice of a Manicure or Pedicure treatment.
For more information, visit www.monasterosantarosa.com.
*In English, “monastery” usually refers to a building for monks. In Italy, the term refers to a community of people, whether male or female, bound by vows to a religious life.