Rome is one of the most interesting and beautiful European capitals; a timeless city with contemporary verve, however, the words ‘Rome’ and ‘healthy break’ are not usually found in the same sentence. After all, aside from frequently being referred to as an open-air museum thanks to its abundance of ancient ruins and architecture; Rome is also famous for its carbonara, gelato and maritozzis. All that said, the ancient Romans would spend their days relaxing at bathhouses, where they were able to exercise, swim, bathe, and enjoy massages; which is not unlike what we do at modern day spas and you’ll find amazing spas in Rome. And it was the Romans who solidified the cornerstones of what is now referred to as a healthy Mediterranean diet, by choosing to eat simple dishes made with fresh and nutritious ingredients.
Plus, Rome is a city where you will walk, and your step-counter will be impressed with the number of kilometres you unwittingly cover. The roads are narrow and traffic can be slow, so walking is the preferred mode of transportation in the city centre.
Here are my top recommendations for a healthy break in the city, including my recommendations for some of the best spas in Rome.
Where to stay in Rome (plus hotels with spas in Rome!)
For Italian grandeur: Hotel de la Ville by Rocco Forte
Situated at the top of the Spanish Steps is the grand Hotel de la Ville by Rocco Forte, where you can expect a warm welcome from Manuelo and his team. The vibrantly stylish hotel is classically designed with modern fittings, and features plush rooms that you will not want to leave, spacious bathrooms, beautiful amenities, gorgeous lounges, a Michelin star restaurant called Mosaico (with the best maritozzis), and an unrivalled roof terrace where you will find the absolutely delightful Cielo restaurant. It also boasts a fully-fitted gym, running and cycling programmes, meditation lessons, in-house Irene Forte Spa, and during the warmer months, yoga classes are offered on the terrace with panoramic views across Rome.
To stay amongst the ruins: Radisson Collection Roma Antica
If staying right next to the ancient ruins in the heart of the historic centre is where you need to be, then Radisson Collection Roma Antica is where you need to stay. The hotel even sits atop of some preserved ruins, and is just a few hundred meters away from both the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Naturally, the surrounding areas are busy, but the hotel is a peaceful sanctuary amongst the tourist crowds, with big comfortable beds, lush in-house toiletries, and an all-inclusive mini bar stocked with plenty of refreshments and snacks. There is a small gym in the basement, a Turkish bath, steam room, and yoga sessions on the pretty roof terrace during the summer. The hotel staff are all warm and friendly, and were quick to hand me a refreshing glass of champagne on arrival, along with a small plate of freshly made cookies from their Modius restaurant chef.
For a boutique experience: Crossing Condotti
This discreet and chic hotel is for those in the know – thank you to The Hotel Guru for introducing me to this charming hidden gem. Crossing Condotti is centrally located, offering elegant and understated accommodation and L’Occitane bathroom goodies. The small hotel is decorated with interesting paintings and antique furniture from the owners’ private collection, and is managed by the helpful Gerald, who knows Rome inside out. Whether you are looking for running and walking routes, fitness classes, unique spas, or vegetarian restaurants, Gerald knows which direction to point you in.
Where to Eat in Rome
For traditional dishes on a glamourous rooftop: Cielo
This rooftop restaurant at Hotel de la Ville is an absolute pleasure in every way possible, from the food, to the service, ambiance, and setting; it truly is special and an opportunity to wear your most beautiful dress. Thanks to a well thought-out and discerning menu by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Cielo serves four courses of Italian dishes made from a gourmet selection of local, seasonal produce. Starters include healthy plates such as artichoke salad and raw sea bream salad. First courses like linguine with zucchini flowers, and Castellucio lentil soup will help you to settle in, before eating second courses including sea bass, and free-range chicken Milanese. The dessert menu is equally decadent with a mix of both indulgent and light options. For those on a more rigid diet, Rocco Forte Nourish menus, which include healthier alternatives, is also available.
For Roman cuisine next to the ruins: Modius
This newly appointed restaurant is an up-and-coming stop for any foodie looking for delicious Roman cuisine that is made with quality ingredients. Modius delivers marvellous food by Chef Simone Frezzotti, and a relaxing ambiance combined with wonderful service. Diners can choose to eat in the ground floor restaurant or up on the stunning rooftop terrace. The kitchen is also behind a panel of glass at the back of the restaurant, so you can see the chefs at work. There are many mouthwatering dishes to choose from that it is best to share them, then you can try a little bit of everything. Highlights include aubergine parmigiana, carbonara, cacio e pepe, and fish of the day. Make sure you save space for dessert too as the semifreddo with hazelnuts, chocolate, and caramel is amazing; you would be amiss to skip out on it.
For Asian fusion and a lively atmosphere: Seen by Olivier
The Rome branch of Seen by Olivier is situated on the roof terrace of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi. The lively restaurant delivers a buzzy atmosphere with a DJ, expert mixologists, and a diverse menu by Chef Olivier da Costa that caters to a wide range of tastes, featuring everything from Asian-inspired dishes to Mediterranean specialties. While there, I was served by a lovely waitress called Manuela and can highly recommend the homemade egg tagliolini with truffle and the black cod, both were beautifully presented and really delicious. The Tart Seen with homemade vanilla ice cream dessert is also very tasty and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Best Spas in Rome
For a luxurious setting: De La Ville Spa by Irene Forte
This luxurious spa in Rome offers an enticing menu of treatments, which pays homage to Italy’s rich and fruitful history. You will struggle to pick between Trapani Sea Salt Body Scrubs, Sicilian Earth & Sea Toning Treatments, and Mediterranean Nourishing Treatments. After much deliberation, I choose to try a Sicilian Aroma Relax Massage and it was excellent! Compliments to my masseuse, Micaela, who gave me a faultless deep, slow, and aromatic massage; using massage oils and aromatic infusions created from the sun-drenched flora of Sicily, which promote healthy skin and restore the body’s physical and emotional balance. Following the massage, I was able to soak up a little more goodness in the Roman thermal spa and relaxation area. Finally, the spa uses the most divine Irene Forte Skincare products, made with ingredients from its own organic Verdura farm in Sicily – they smell incredible. As far as spas in Rome go, this one is a must-visit.
For a swim and spa in Rome: Anantara Spa at Palazzo Naiadi
Impressively, this exclusive spa in Rome is built above the ruins of the fourth century Diocletian Baths, which was the largest ancient Roman bathhouse ever built. The spa has peaceful treatment rooms, a wet spa (including tepidarium, frigidarium, Kneipp path and sauna), and access to a picturesque rooftop swimming pool. Its treatment menu is inspired by both local Roman rituals and Anantara’s roots in Asia, providing guests with a well-rounded holistic experience. I sampled the Hot Stone Massage, which utilised warm volcanic stones and aromatic oils. The stones were placed on different pressure points across my body to balance energy flow, and then I was massaged with lavender oil. It was dreamy to say the least and by the end, I was on cloud nine.
For an express facial: El Spa
This Hammam spa in Rome is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Besides offering a menu of soothing full-length spa treatments, which are perfect after a day walking around Rome’s cobbled streets, the spa also recognises that some guests may be short on time and can pamper you with a 20-minute Shiva Facial designed to perk up your skin, or a 45-minute Vitamin Facial to purify your skin. These treatments are perfect for fitting into a busy Rome schedule, ensuring your can pamper without missing out on the sights.
What to pack for a trip to Rome
- The centre of Rome is made up of cobbly and narrow streets, so do not forget to pack comfortable walking shoes. I also took my trusty Thule backpack, which made both getting around the city and flying so much easier than if I had taken a suitcase.
- As Rome is one of the prettiest cities in the world, make sure you take a statement dress to pose in. I packed my BAÍAH zebra-print dress, which folded up into a tiny square and did not need ironing.
- Since cabin air can make skin dry and dull, I took a small sample of Inlight Super-Food Mask, certified by Soil Association, to use on my first night and it was an absolute skin saver.
- And, of course, if you’re planning to head to one of the spas in Rome – don’t forget your swimwear!
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Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and wellness writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield.
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Looking for a way to ensure your break is relaxing? The concept of ‘soft travel’ can help! Read more here.
