The Spa occupies a two-storey building with pillared façade in the Giardino della Gherardesca, overlooking the outdoor pool. Designed by Pierre Yves Rochon, the Spa’s ground floor Lobby and Lounge is furnished with a simple and elegant cream and black design, accented by classic artworks, statues and ornamental pillars. Nine treatment rooms are situated on the upper level of the main spa building. Contemporary glass mosaic walls and floors furnish the wet treatment rooms; the remainder are decorated with glossy white walls and waxed oak floors. All rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with tall, white shutters. The Grand Spa/Couple’s Suite is situated in a separate building and features an opulent design of parquet floors, pillars, corniced ceiling, uplighters and fireplace. It is furnished with two treatment tables, lounge area and freestanding bath with views across a private area of the garden through floor to ceiling windows.
In recent years, herbal formulas have regained their ancient curative reputation and are now widely regarded as effective – and often preferred – alternatives to chemical-based treatments. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is proud to be working in conjunction with Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, aromateria and herbalists, with origins dating back to the 13th century – to offer a bespoke range of entirely natural products and treatments created by a select team of aromatherapists and herbalists. The chemical-free range is based on medicinal plants and herbs, cultivated using ancient methods and formulations in the Farmacia’s Florence headquarters. Because of its natural components, the range is particularly suitable for sensitive skin.
The Farmacia’s herbal products have long enjoyed a devoted international following, and effectively treat a wide range of health and beauty afflictions. Four Seasons customised treatments combine the Farmacia’s face and massage creams, skin tonics, hand and foot pomades, vitamin treatments, body lotions, bath oils and eaux de toilette with the expertise of a team of highly regarded international therapists.
History of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Women in Renaissance Florence adhered to a complex ritual of beautification. Many treatments and remedies were made at home from natural concoctions comprising botanicals, roots, herbs and even wine sediments. Their efforts – in direct response to the common Renaissance view that physical beauty was a sign of inner virtue – were supplemented by the creations of Florence’s many erboristerie, farmacie and aromaterie: shops where formulas, tinctures and potions based on medicinal plants and herbs were prepared and dispensed as treatments for a wide range of health and beauty ailments.
The oldest of these establishments, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella remains, to this day, one of Florence’s most renowned institutions. Officially founded in 1612, the Farmacia’s origins date back to a 13th century order of ingenious chemist-friars, upon whose formulary many of its preparations are still based. The shop itself is housed within the former chapel of the Dominican monks, its frescoed ceilings and hallowed atmosphere lending a refined beauty to the fragrant salesroom.
The Farmacia has been owned and managed by the Stefani-Bernardini family since 1866, when Cesare Augusto Stefani, nephew of the last Dominican friar, was made Director. Products range from the ancient Acqua di Rose – a refreshing tonic for red eyes available for sale since the second half of the fourteenth century – to the famous and much requested perfumes, still prepared following the formulas studied in 1500 for Caterina de’ Medici, Queen of France. These formulas were transported to Paris with her and later, to Cologne and are regarded as the foundations of Eau de la Reine and Eau de Cologne in the 16th and 18th centuries respectively. The Farmacia is also renowned for its potpourri – made from a secret formula of herbs, berries and dried flowers aged in terracotta jars – and liqueurs, including the Liquore Mediceo, favoured by the Medici, the rulers of Tuscany from the 14th to 16th centuries.
The monastery’s original infirmary and pharmacy remain intact in rooms adjacent to the shop and can be visited by appointment. Within these ancient museums, the glass scales, measures and pestles once used by the monks remain in their original cabinets along with bottles designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
