Enjoying time off at Asmana
If you’re planning to relax while in Tuscany, a sure way to achieve that is to make a stop at Asmana Wellness World (read our presentation here if you haven’t yet)! The spa/wellness center located on the outskirts of Florence is super easy to reach by car wherever you might be staying in Tuscany. You do NOT need to plan for a certain day to go since they have something going on every day that will ensure you get the most out of your visit, departing feeling like new after you’ve taken some time out to pamper yourself.
Here are some examples of the many relaxing rituals you will find available within the sauna and hammam areas and across the center every day.
Aufguss, the Ceremonies of Wellness – every day
There are many Aufguss cerimonies or “ceremonies of wellness” which are rituals for wellness and purification carried out throughout the day in the Hammam area and saunas that last about 10-15 minutes. The “Aufgussmeister” or Master of the Sauna, uses rhythmic movements with a towel, with music in the saunas, to move the hot or humid aromatic air toward guests to create an intense and pleasing multisensorial experience. In the Hammam, you will be offered salts with herbs, cocoa or a “special” for the day to use as a body scrub while enjoying the ceremony. These ceremonies are free as they are included in the entrance fee, just make a note that it isn’t recommended that you do more than 3 saunas in a day. You can check the timetable of the ceremonies on the Asmana website or once you arrive as they take place every 45 minutes throughout the day across various areas.
The Hammam Ritual: Mondays through Fridays
For example, every day of the week day you can take advantage of the special Hammam ritual done for small groups (up to max 5 people). You should book your spot to get the best time for you: the rituals take 50 minutes and offer an authentic Hammam experience based on the Moroccan ritual for purification. The ritual at Asmana is completed like a beauty treatment: you start with a body scrub followed by a steam bath and end with a bubble soap massage, with warm herbal tea served in between. This experience is an extra service and costs € 35 per person, just as any other body massage or facial treatment you would like to enjoy within the center. I tried it, you can read more about my experience here.
If you don’t want the whole experience that this ritual offers, there are many other massages of various types on offer, you should find something you will enjoy. Extra services such as massages can be booked the day of, as soon as you arrive at Asmana.
Tibetan Sounds Ceremony: every day
Twice a day every day you can also enjoy a moment to meditate with the sound of Tibetan bells in the Temple. According to ancient Indian beliefs, the cosmos originated from sound and music. Vibration of sound and, in particular, of the Tibetan bells serves to awaken our consciousness of our self, which is sacred. Get in touch with the deepest part of yourself, purify your mind as well as your body during your day at Asmana by taking part in this ceremony.
Relax + dinner
Within Asmana, you will find a restaurant, a bistro and the Tropical pool bar where you will be able to find many options to take a break during the day and recharge with a light but complete lunch or with snacks. At the Bistrot you will find a wide selection of dishes and sandwiches prepared fresh while at the Tropical pool bar you can enjoy a cocktail or smoothies or juices: ask the barman to make your drink according to your tastes. At the restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal comfortably in your bathrobe along the pool, you can enjoy a relaxing moment in your day. Fresh dishes, prepared with seasonal ingredients and with fresh takes on Mediterranean cuisine with a glass of wine from the selected wine list. The restaurant has two indoor, luminous rooms which overlook the outdoor pools and when the weather permits it, there is also a loggia outside that permits dining outdoors. The beauty of this restaurant also lies in the many occasions to enjoy a special dinner with a theme, during the summer months there is a “Paella & Sangria” every Wednesday and and “AperiASMANA” every Friday. These end at the end of summer, so take a look at their Facebook page to see updated list of current events.
Your own special event – any time!
If you’re interested in having your own special event at Asmana, you can! The center has many areas and rooms, as well as special treatments, to enjoy with a group of friends, family or colleagues, offering any group over 11 people special discounts and the possibility to book a special menu for meals. Asmana is perfect for adult birthdays (remember, no children are allowed) and a special night out such as a bachelor or hen party, with the one being celebrated getting gifts especially for him or her! Contact Asmana for more details and total cost. Of course, if you’re less than 11, you can always still head over to Asmana to enjoy the spa center and activities together.
Ready to relax at Asmana?
To book any massage, treatment or plan your special event at Asmana, call 055-776771. Check out the events page on the Asmana website or their Facebook page to check what events are taking place on a certain day or at certain time to better plan your visit, especially during the summer when extra events are planned in the outdoors area. Most of all, prepare to relax and enjoy everything you do, whenever you do visit!
About Lourdes Flores
An American living in Florence for over 10 years, Lourdes continues to explore and discover new places in Tuscany with the eyes of a tourist but with the experience of living in Italy. She shares her experiences on this blog and website, particularly offering lots of travel planning help on the Forum!
