Spa facilities include two pools, a tepidarium, caldarium and sudatorium / Photo: Stefano Scatà
An urban wellness sanctuary has opened in the heart of Florence, Italy, inspired by ancient civilisations and their tradition of communal bathing.
Italy-based spa and wellness consultancy bbspa_Group devised the spa concept for the five-star Helvetia & Bristol hotel, owned and managed by Starhotels. Spa management company Snow Group Italia, of which bbspa_Group is a shareholder, has been brought on board to helm the spa.
The team chose to channel a minimalist and modern vision of the historic Roman bathing tradition into its design. Regis Boudon Doris, CEO of The Snow Group Italia and bbspa_Group, told Spa Business this decision was due to the fact that the building is built on the foundations of ancient patrician Roman baths which, until recently, had been buried underneath a bank vault.
“Being in the heart of Florence is already magical – especially in a building with such rich history – but bringing the city’s ancient Roman baths back to life is what makes this project so unique,” he says, adding that the concept means that spa guests can view various period finds from the ancient Roman empire dotted around the spa.
“We’ve revived the baths to bring a fundamental pillar of spa culture into the 21st century. It’s been an exciting challenge and we’re delighted to bring this traditional offering to both hotel guests and local Florentines,” he says. “The property is the first spa in Italy to be added to a portfolio of 60 international properties managed by The Snow Group. There are also other projects in Italy in the implementation or contracting phase which form part of our ambitious development plan.”
bbspa_Group also worked with Starhotels’ architecture and interior design departments to execute the Florence project. The team collaborated closely with Starhotels architects Silvia Stoppacciari and Francesca della Rosa, as well as Starhotels’ president Dr Elisabetta Fabri, who influences the mood and design of each hotel in the group.
Wellness facilities
The 550sq m La Spa Helvetia & Bristol provides a Roman-inspired bathing journey featuring two pools with whirlpool functions, a tepidarium, caldarium, frigidarium, sudatorium and an aquae Jet Pathway. Guests can complete their experience by reclining in either of the spa’s two relaxation rooms.
In addition, the facility is home to two single treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, a hand and foot treatment room, a beauty room, a check-up space and a suite for water massages.
Shower system specialist Aquaform supplied all water technologies within the facility, while wellness equipment supplier Lemi Group provided the treatment beds and accessories.
Visitors are also able to upgrade their experience by choosing from a menu of Cinq Mondes spa treatments, including signature treatments and massages. A selection of fitness and movement activities are also available.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
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Spa facilities include two pools, a tepidarium, caldarium and sudatorium / Photo: Stefano Scatà
An urban wellness sanctuary has opened in the heart of Florence, Italy, inspired by ancient civilisations and their tradition of communal bathing.
Italy-based spa and wellness consultancy bbspa_Group devised the spa concept for the five-star Helvetia & Bristol hotel, owned and managed by Starhotels. Spa management company Snow Group Italia, of which bbspa_Group is a shareholder, has been brought on board to helm the spa.
The team chose to channel a minimalist and modern vision of the historic Roman bathing tradition into its design. Regis Boudon Doris, CEO of The Snow Group Italia and bbspa_Group, told Spa Business this decision was due to the fact that the building is built on the foundations of ancient patrician Roman baths which, until recently, had been buried underneath a bank vault.
“Being in the heart of Florence is already magical – especially in a building with such rich history – but bringing the city’s ancient Roman baths back to life is what makes this project so unique,” he says, adding that the concept means that spa guests can view various period finds from the ancient Roman empire dotted around the spa.
“We’ve revived the baths to bring a fundamental pillar of spa culture into the 21st century. It’s been an exciting challenge and we’re delighted to bring this traditional offering to both hotel guests and local Florentines,” he says. “The property is the first spa in Italy to be added to a portfolio of 60 international properties managed by The Snow Group. There are also other projects in Italy in the implementation or contracting phase which form part of our ambitious development plan.”
bbspa_Group also worked with Starhotels’ architecture and interior design departments to execute the Florence project. The team collaborated closely with Starhotels architects Silvia Stoppacciari and Francesca della Rosa, as well as Starhotels’ president Dr Elisabetta Fabri, who influences the mood and design of each hotel in the group.
Wellness facilities
The 550sq m La Spa Helvetia & Bristol provides a Roman-inspired bathing journey featuring two pools with whirlpool functions, a tepidarium, caldarium, frigidarium, sudatorium and an aquae Jet Pathway. Guests can complete their experience by reclining in either of the spa’s two relaxation rooms.
In addition, the facility is home to two single treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, a hand and foot treatment room, a beauty room, a check-up space and a suite for water massages.
Shower system specialist Aquaform supplied all water technologies within the facility, while wellness equipment supplier Lemi Group provided the treatment beds and accessories.
Visitors are also able to upgrade their experience by choosing from a menu of Cinq Mondes spa treatments, including signature treatments and massages. A selection of fitness and movement activities are also available.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
In a world where imbalance often accumulates quietly, Wildsmith unveils its newest
wellbeing innovation: Silent Loads, an approach designed to meet the needs of modern spa
guests with precision and depth. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Pearl Tree Pearl Tree was established in 2014 by Soraya and
Sarry Jouzy with a mission to champion
personal w [more...]
