Spa Review: Diocletian Bath Ritual at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi in Rome, A Spa Built on the Ruins of Ancient Roman Baths
“The pool has fantastic views of Rome.”
On a recent trip to Rome, I stayed at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi. I originally chose the hotel because of its great location and reputation as a luxury hotel with impeccable service.
Once I had a little time to explore the hotel, I discovered that it had been built on the ruins of an ancient Roman baths, which were visible through lucite panels on the hotel’s ground floor. I also learned that the hotel’s spa took its inspiration from these ruins.
I quickly booked a Diocletian Bath Ritual, the spa’s signature treatment inspired by rituals once performed in the baths below.
Check-In
Check-In
When it was time for my treatment I made my way to the hotel spa. As soon as I opened the door, I immediately felt relaxed in the calm setting with dark wood and dim lighting.
I simply checked in at the front desk, answered a short questionnaire, and was led to the clean and big locker room to shower and change.
I arrived about 15 minutes early for my service, which was enough time to check in and change.
The Locker Room
The spa’s locker room is spacious, with an individual changing room and showers. There is also a towel warmer. I placed my spa-provided robe on the warmer while I got changed. Being enveloped in warmth helped me relax before my treatment.
The locker room has luxe amenities, including Aqua di Parma lotion and shower products. Unlike other spas I’ve visited, this one does not have a relaxation room. However, the spa creates a calm atmosphere as soon as you enter so I didn’t miss it much.
Treatment room
My Service
I booked a 120-minute Diocletian Bath Ritual. This service is inspired by rituals that were performed in the ancient Roman baths that once stood on the site of the hotel and spa.
The first step is an exfoliation with a mixture made from olive oil, honey, salt, and laurel. That was followed by a head-to-toe mud wrap made of olive oil, honey, sea salt, salt-pan mud, St. John’s wort, laurel, sage, and lavender. Next, I spent time in a private hammam (also known as a steam room), located in the treatment room. Finally, my treatment ended with a relaxing massage.
I enjoyed each step of the process. Normally, I get one or two services at a spa. It felt very indulgent to get a treatment that involved four distinct steps. I left feeling like I had experienced a small part of an ancient Roman ritual, and I emerged completely refreshed and glowing.
The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool.
The Pool
Spa guests have access to the hotel’s breathtaking rooftop infinity pool. The pool has fantastic views of Rome. It is adjacent to the hotel’s fantastic restaurant SEEN by Oliver and poolside service is available.
Treatment Options
The spa has traditional treatments like massages and facials, along with some treatments geared toward travelers. Some of the options that stand out are the Jet Lag Face and Body Ritual designed to help travelers recover after long flights; and the Urban Detox, which involves a 3-day course of customized treatments developed in consultation with the spa’s wellness specialist.
Dining Options
While at the Anatara for a treatment, guests can enjoy the hotel’s restaurants. INEO is a gourmet restaurant that serves Italian specialties and dishes inspired by the Executive Chef’s travels around the world. SEEN by Oliver is a Portuguese-inspired al fresco restaurant on the hotel’s rooftop with fantastic views.
Cost
As with most spas, costs vary widely depending on the service. My service cost 240 Euros. Although this isn’t inexpensive, I thought it was very reasonably priced for such an in-depth treatment. Breakfast with a 30-minute manicure or pedicure costs 100 Euros.
Special Experiences
The spa services inspired by ancient Roman baths are very special. It’s a great way to feel more connected to the history of the Eternal City.
Overall, my experience at the spa at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi was superb. If I ever make it back to Rome, I will book another service without hesitation.
Parking
There is a metro stop just outside the hotel. The main train station in Rome, Termeni Railway Station, is a few blocks away. The hotel also has valet and self-parking.
Insider Tips
Bring a swimsuit to enjoy the hotel’s fantastic rooftop infinity pool. Make a day of your spa visit by grabbing a meal at either of the hotel’s restaurants.
Hours: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 48-49 00185 Roma, Itália
Phone: +39 06 489381
Website: More information about the spa can be found on their website.
Instagram: See more images of the hotel and spa on Instagram.
Jamie is a travel, beauty, and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic, Fodor's Travel, Afar, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post and many other publications. She lives in Washington, DC with her family and can be reached at byjamiesmith@gmail.com.