Location: El Spa, Rome, Italy
Category: Day Spa
Price Range: Massages ($75-$100) Facials ($40-$60) Body Treatments ($50-$110)
Signature Treatments: Hammam Ritual
Treatments Received: Therapeutic Body Massages, Soaking Pool
Summary: If you aren’t afraid of close quarters and a windowless, cave-like environment, El Spa will reward you with an intimate, cozily inviting experience. This low-key day spa is tucked away in the heart of a Roman neighborhood and easy to miss, even with the address in hand. The spa draws on the ancient wellness rituals of India (ayurvedic massage), Turkey (hammam-like steam bath) and Japan (shiatsu massage).
Most of the spa is underground, with only candlelight to guide you down a winding set of stairs into the relaxation lounge. Low banquettes piled with jewel tone cushions provide an exotic alternative to the standard chaise lounge and arm chairs found in more conventional day spa settings. Treatment rooms are also candlelit and include a deep soaking tub for use before or after a massage. The spa’s signature hammam treatment includes a full-body skin scrub in the steam bath, followed by a vigorous rinsing and an oil massage.
Language was an issue at this day spa. The spa owner spoke English, but some of the therapists, including mine did not. This made it challenging to share preferences on room temperature, massage pressure and special attention to problem areas. As a result, my massage experience was mediocre. Margaret had better luck with her Austrian massage therapist, Magdalena.
What was not mediocre was El Spa’s pool area. In true ancient Roman tradition, two small stone pools enriched with skin softening mineral salts of magnesium and potassium were available for a quick plunge or a leisurely soak. The spa attendant recommended alternating dips in the calidarium, or warm pool, and the frigidarium, or cold pool, for maximum benefit. Whose benefit? I’m guessing the attendants. How else would you keep yourself amused working in a cave all day? To say this was a stimulating experience is an understatement. The shock of the icy water triggers one of two reactions; it can take your breath away leaving you with lips flapping noiselessly, or it can produce a primeval shriek that would rival any scream from an actress in a B-class horror film. The warm water pool, on the other hand, was as comforting as the womb, and will leave you cooing like a child. It’s a place you don’t want to leave in a hurry, especially if you are still de-icing yourself from the cold plunge pool.
Category: Day Spa
Price Range: Massages ($75-$100) Facials ($40-$60) Body Treatments ($50-$110)
Signature Treatments: Hammam Ritual
Treatments Received: Therapeutic Body Massages, Soaking Pool
Summary: If you aren’t afraid of close quarters and a windowless, cave-like environment, El Spa will reward you with an intimate, cozily inviting experience. This low-key day spa is tucked away in the heart of a Roman neighborhood and easy to miss, even with the address in hand. The spa draws on the ancient wellness rituals of India (ayurvedic massage), Turkey (hammam-like steam bath) and Japan (shiatsu massage).
Most of the spa is underground, with only candlelight to guide you down a winding set of stairs into the relaxation lounge. Low banquettes piled with jewel tone cushions provide an exotic alternative to the standard chaise lounge and arm chairs found in more conventional day spa settings. Treatment rooms are also candlelit and include a deep soaking tub for use before or after a massage. The spa’s signature hammam treatment includes a full-body skin scrub in the steam bath, followed by a vigorous rinsing and an oil massage.
Language was an issue at this day spa. The spa owner spoke English, but some of the therapists, including mine did not. This made it challenging to share preferences on room temperature, massage pressure and special attention to problem areas. As a result, my massage experience was mediocre. Margaret had better luck with her Austrian massage therapist, Magdalena.
What was not mediocre was El Spa’s pool area. In true ancient Roman tradition, two small stone pools enriched with skin softening mineral salts of magnesium and potassium were available for a quick plunge or a leisurely soak. The spa attendant recommended alternating dips in the calidarium, or warm pool, and the frigidarium, or cold pool, for maximum benefit. Whose benefit? I’m guessing the attendants. How else would you keep yourself amused working in a cave all day? To say this was a stimulating experience is an understatement. The shock of the icy water triggers one of two reactions; it can take your breath away leaving you with lips flapping noiselessly, or it can produce a primeval shriek that would rival any scream from an actress in a B-class horror film. The warm water pool, on the other hand, was as comforting as the womb, and will leave you cooing like a child. It’s a place you don’t want to leave in a hurry, especially if you are still de-icing yourself from the cold plunge pool.
Facility: 4 Services: 5 Staff: 4
Highs:
- Lightweight, cotton robes with stitched on ties perfect against skin after a massage or steam
- Twinkling lights in ceiling above pool simulated a starlit night
- Dressing room cramped and lockers too small to hold clothing and purse
- Towels were hidden and only available by request