History | Gardens | Infinity Pool | Fitness
“Officina Profumo—Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella” is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, dating back to the 13th century. Originally established by Dominican monks in Florence, the friars began cultivating medicinal herbs in their gardens to prepare medications, balms, and ointments for their monastery’s small infirmary. As the fame of these extraordinary products spread throughout Italy, in 1612 the first pharmacy opened to the public endorsed by the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Today, tradition is perpetuated with the world-renowned Santa Maria Novella products utilizing the highest quality natural raw materials, still following the artisanal procedures established by the Dominican fathers. And how appropriate that the Monastero Santa Rosa selected these uniquely Italian ancient recipes derived from religious sources for their authentic spa housed in a former nunnery’s walls… a fated fusion.
Santa Maria Novella’s range of soothing lotions, healing creams, and balms offer a multitude of benefits from the intrinsic plants and flowers of Italy and the Mediterranean. Each of Officina’s products have their own peculiar history such as “Acqua della Regina,” an essence created especially for Caterina de’Medici with a unique fragrance of pomegranate.
The aromatic oils of Santa Maria Novella capture the summer scents of lemon, bergamot, and petitgrain, the deeply warm iris oil, as well as the fragrant herbs of rosemary, lavender, and sweet orange. Delighting the senses, all of these wonderful aromas are woven into the timeless yet fresh treatments evoking a sense of vitality and rejuvenation. Each treatment is totally distinctive to Monastero Santa Rosa and has been created by Howard Spa Consulting’s highly regarded Beverley Casely-Hayford to perfectly fuse the concept and sense of place in this spa of natural historic authenticity.
Santa Maria Novella Products
The products used during your treatments are available from spa reception for purchase, making ideal gifts and souvenirs with true Italian heritage. To order products, or discuss your requirements, please call 089 83 21199 or email us at spa@monasterosantarosa.com. We are pleased to deliver any products directly to your room.
