Orient Express La Minerva unveils new spa concept

The Orient Express La Minerva hotel in Rome, Italy has opened its new 220sqm spa.

Designed by artist and architect Hugo Toro, the Spa draws on the legacies of Roman thermae and Ottoman hammam.

The spa is structured around steam, with a sequenced progression inspired by ancient thermal rituals. There is a tepidarium, a calidarium combining pools and steam and an invigorating frigidarium.

A marble hammam (lead picture) rises as the heart of the spa, surrounded by fountains resembling Triton basins.

An ancient Ottoman purification ritual, the hammam integrates Roman influences, establishing a dialogue between east and west. This has been conceived to recall the historic route of the Orient Express linking Paris to Constantinople.

Treatments are curated by exclusive skincare partner, Italian brand Furtuna Skin.

Immersive rituals and ancient purification traditions

In one single and one double treatment room, massage beds are supplied by C.O.D.E. and heated marble beds for body treatments are by Starpool.

Treatments include the Dea Minerva and Stop Constantinople signature rituals, which celebrate the regenerative power of water, heat and touch.

Echoing traditions passed down from Byzantium to Istanbul, the rituals include rose-infused foot baths, kassa exfoliation, ghassoul clay wraps and foaming massages.

Obsidian treatments, including the Furtuna Skin x La Minerva Exclusive Vibrancy Facial, have been developed using an obsidian gua sha and natural active ingredients.

Agatha Relota Luczo, founder and CEO of Furtuna Skin, said: “The Spa’s reverence for ancient purification traditions and holistic restoration aligns with our own commitment to time-honoured botanicals and transformative wellness.

“Together, we have crafted immersive rituals that nurture the skin, restore the spirit and invite a sense of renewal befitting one of Rome’s most storied destinations.”

Completing the experience, there is a gym and Kinesis room, equipped with Technogym Artis. Spa software is by Book4Time.

Hugo Toro’s interiors include hand-blown Murano glass fixtures, brown travertine, red and veined marble, Roman-style plaster and stained oak.

The contrast of stone, wood and richly woven textiles, including canopy beds in the relaxation area, anchors the space with a distinctly earthy, elemental feel.

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