Serenity in the City

Contrary to popular belief, a sense of wellbeing doesn’t have to follow a set formula. Rather, it’s simply the moments which bring you back to yourself. For some, it’s a morning swim followed by a restorative massage. For others, it’s curling up in a quiet corner with a good book, or a pause beneath a centuries-old fresco in a hushed church. In Europe’s capitals, these precious moments of calm are easier to find than one might expect. Whilst a city break is often imagined as a fast-paced affair, sometimes we discover more when we choose to stand still. 

Your Roman Retreat

The city of Rome rewards those who take their time. Whilst its famous piazzas are filled with activity, tucked away are corners of quietude. Step into the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pace, a baroque jewel behind Piazza Navona, and find yourself surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces, from Peruzzi and Raphael to the Cesi Chapel, designed by Michelangelo.

A morning stroll through Villa Borghese offers a distinct sense of stillness, before the city stirs to life and while the air feels cool and crisp. Nearby at Hotel de Russie, you’ll find the Irene Forte Spa, inspired by the tranquility of the hotel’s fabled Secret Garden. With its classic marble accents and terracotta flooring, this intimate hideaway is reminiscent of a sun-kissed Mediterranean garden. 

Where Sicily Meets Scotland

There’s something wholly invigorating about a trip to Edinburgh—brisk walks through the city, soaking up its creative energy, and indulging in hearty, local dishes. At The Balmoral, a new chapter for wellbeing unfolds with the UK’s first Irene Forte Spa. Rooted in Sicily, yet blissfully at home in the Scottish capital, this serene sanctuary evokes a relaxed, sun-warmed ambience, its tones and textures inspired by the gentle hues of the southern Italian countryside.

Days in Edinburgh can be filled with slower pleasures, wandering through the Scottish Poetry Library, tucked just off the Royal Mile and home to the works of Robert Burns, Edwin Morgan, and Carol Ann Duffy. Or browsing the shelves of independent bookshops like McNaughtan’s, where rare and collectible editions invite you to retreat to a quiet nook and lose yourself in your new find. 

A Restorative Side to Palermo

The Sicilian capital is known for its chaotic beauty, lively street food markets, and time-worn architecture. Yet beyond its heady, energetic character, pockets of calm are waiting to be found. Perhaps it’s while climbing the rooftop of Palermo’s cathedral for sweeping city views, or in long, languid afternoons spent along Mondello’s white sands.

The tiered gardens of Villa Igiea—with their oleander, palms, and pathways overlooking the sparkling Gulf—offer a peaceful respite. At the Irene Forte Spa, guests are welcomed by the uplifting scent of orange blossom and can easily spend an afternoon on the sun-dappled terrace. Here, relaxation feels deeply rooted in place: treatments are enriched with botanicals grown on the organic farm of Verdura Resort, just across the island, bringing the spirit of the Sicilian countryside to the heart of Palermo.

With Rocco Forte Hotels, seeking serenity in the city is about connection—finding spaces, experiences, and feelings that truly enrich and restore. Whether you’re on the path to Roman wellness, looking for tranquility in Edinburgh or restorative Sicilian rituals in Palermo, our sublime Irene Forte Spas offer an authentic escape for the senses.