Spectacular Spa

Hi Readers,

This week, we are presenting a beautiful spa that has won many accolades for its wonderful design and astonishing ambiance. We believe spas are the places for rejenuvation, which means they need to have the most serene environment, mostly natural and earthy tones suit the spa interiors. This spa is slightly different yet it leaves a magical feel. Have a look.
Located approximately 175miles southwest of Rome, the Amalfi coast streches for 15miles along the Sorrentine Peninsula. The Spa that we are talking about is part of the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel which is located 10 miles from the town of Amalfi.
The beauty of this place lies in its location., The Amalfi coast mountains, the sunrise and sunset views, the colour of the waters, everything add up to the beauty. Originally this places was a monastery and hence the name.

The Spa opens up with a neat reception area. Well crafted beige coloured reception chairs in wicker along with complementing wood stand-up cabinet, the candles and wall texture, everything seems so welcoming

None of us want to miss the sauna experience when visiting a spa, the stoned wall and lighting concept are unique here.

The thermal room, with pale yellow mosaic flooring reflects the dull lighting and brightens a warm light, the texture of the wall which is quite earthy, the row lights along the warm pool are all part of the spectacle.

The name given to this space is tepidarium, which is nothing but a heated bathroom, inspired by the Roman baths. The floor has underground heating, which comes out through the walls and floors...these walls are perfect for the Roman styled bath.

The lovely outdoor spa with a awesome view, the blues of the waters and skies bring in great relief to the spa goers. The rafters and roof of the shelter are more natural and earthy.
We love those turquoise bowls on the corners too. :)

 Apart from the pampering at the amazing spa, if you want to soak in the sun, therez a terrace place to enjoy the view and enjoy the bright sunlight. If you notice, the terrace is also done in natural stone.

Here comes the gorgeous dining space for you to enjoy some sumptuous greek salads(may be), after all its about going natural.

Finally, to have some sound sleep, with a bedroom done in most simple yet elegant interiors. The headboard and the footings are very interesting. Can't ignore the window and the reading desk by it.

The infinity pool view in the day time...surreal isn't it?

The infinity pool view by the night....Ethreal!!!

We hope we took you on a great spa ride through this post.

[Photo Courtesy: MonestaroSantaRosa]
Keep visiting

J & R

Tuesday Tour: Surya Samudra Resorts, Kerala

Hi

This Tuesday we have chosen a beautiful place in God's own country, Kerala. We have chosen Surya Samudra Resorts in Kovalam, Kerala which was designed by Swiss architect Karl Damschen. 

The ethnicity of this place will definitely surprise us as the architecture seems very traditional and rooted but not done by a localite. A foreigner who adopted and appreciated our architectural styles had put his efforts to turn this into a magical land. 

Karl Damschen is a famous restoration architect based in Kochi. He had worked on several hotels and resorts, one of such is Surya Samudra beach resort. Karl in words said that he was dismayed to see Kerala's traditional architecture using wood as prime element being replaced with concrete. Hence he started taking up restoration architecture retaining the traditional tharavadus. 

This is the inside courtyard with water ponds and dim lighting ( reducing the light pollution that many hotels generally attempt) The huts give the very natural country side look to the place while the terracota tiles for the roof brings the ethnicity out.

This place doesn't seem like a resort, it gives a very warm home feel that lot of resorts lack. Kerala famous for this kind of homes with the coconut trees around is a refreshing vacation land for sure.

We personally love this overview of the beach from the bedroom. We think the lighting chosen makes a huge difference for this kinda place.

The inside courtyard attached to open bath with the banyan tree, a deity's statue which we often find underneath in many countryside places. The pillars of the courtyard are made of stone just as we get to see in our old temples. The small elements are the key reason why we think this place is one of its kind.

One of the major reasons lot of us visit Kerala is to get a best spa treatment, ayurvedic massages. This place with the stone clad walls and beautifully lit candles around is a place that one waits to get soaked into. The window grill chosen for this place is worth mentioning as these type of windows are almost extinct in modern architecture. 

Canopy beds for the bedrooms with wooden heard boards takes us back to the historic eras. The wooden flooring is an added asset for the beauty of this bedroom.

  The pool overlooks the beach, seems like an infiniti pool...doesn't it???

 The evening view of the place, isn't it very serene?

The central courtyard stages the bronze nandi statue in the wooden truss frame supporting the roof, one of famous ancient architecture styles adopted here. And with the sunken base in the central area called as Manduva, could be an inspiration for this courtyard. 

We hope this tour had inspired to pack your bags n rush to Kerala to enjoy the stay. We were definitely inspired by the eco-friendliness and blend of traditional elements with modern technicalities of this resort. And salutes to the ace architect Karl Damschen for doing this marvel!!!

Cheers

J & R