A new wellness sanctuary has opened in Rome as the Orient Express La Minerva unveils its spa, a space inspired by the traditions of ancient Roman baths and the ritual culture of the Ottoman hammam.
Designed by artist-architect Hugo Toro, The Spa at La Minerva invites guests on a carefully choreographed journey through steam, water and restorative treatments. The concept draws from the structured ritual of ancient thermal bathing, guiding visitors through a sequence of environments designed to gradually warm and refresh the body.
The experience unfolds through three key stages rooted in the classical Roman thermae tradition: the tepidarium, a temperate room designed for gentle acclimatisation; the calidarium, a warm space combining steam and pools; and the frigidarium, where a cold plunge provides the final invigorating element of the ritual.
At the centre of the spa is a striking marble hammam surrounded by fountains reminiscent of Triton basins, echoing decorative elements found throughout the hotel’s guestrooms. The hammam reflects the cultural intersection that defined the historic Orient Express route between Paris and Constantinople, blending Roman bathing traditions with Ottoman wellness rituals.
Several signature treatments have been created for the spa. Among them, the “Dea Minerva” and “Stop Constantinople” rituals combine rose-infused foot baths, aromatic steam sessions, traditional kassa exfoliation, ghassoul clay wraps and foaming massages, alongside face and hair treatments.
The spa has partnered exclusively with Furtuna Skin, a skincare house known for regenerative agriculture and clinically tested formulations. Specialised obsidian treatments developed for the spa include the “Furtuna Skin x La Minerva Exclusive Vibrancy Facial,” which blends manual massage techniques with beauty tools such as an obsidian gua sha and natural botanical ingredients.
Beyond the bathing rituals, the wellness offering also includes a fully equipped fitness area open around the clock. The gym features equipment from Technogym, including the Artis line, along with a dedicated Kinesis Room for functional training.
Guests can also request personalised sessions with trainers offering tailored programs in fitness, yoga and Pilates, completing the hotel’s holistic approach to well-being.
By combining Roman bathing traditions, Ottoman influences and contemporary luxury wellness design, the spa at Orient Express La Minerva aims to recreate the spirit of ancient ritual bathing while delivering a modern, immersive retreat in the heart of Rome.
