Italy: Nun Assisi

By:Kristen Oliveri

Tucked away in the small town of Assisi lies the elegant boutique hotel known as Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum. This boutique hotel boasts only 18 rooms, each elegantly executed with historically-themed furniture, inspired by the restoration of the St. Catherine monastery, built in 1275 to house Benedictine nuns.  There are a variety of sleeping accommodations to choose from—basic bedrooms to suites to large scaled suites perfect for entertaining.

One such example is the Privilege Suite—with stone walls that date back to the 1200s—that exemplifies the medieval essence of the town and hotel. Each suite is also designed with the most modern of technical innovations as well as amenities such as guests being able to choose from several custom wellness treatments and the utilization of two hydro massage swimming pools.

When guests arrive at the hotel, they have the ability to custom order their furniture to suit their every aesthetic need. The pieces are designed by local artisans to make sure not only does the guest have a very traditional experience, but that the design is also infused with a modern touch.

Additionally, run in conjunction with the hotel, is the Nun Spa Museum that takes the spa expereince to an entire new level. The building itself is crafted to resemble an ancient museum that offers a most unusual treatment experience known as the Nun Path (Tepidarium, Caldarium, Sudatorium, Frigidarium). Beyond all the typical spa amenities, the property includes a Jacuzzi, a multi-massage pool and a tea room.  One of its most intriguing features is the 1st century BC limestone pillars that are the base of the spa's structure that surrounds the pool—the spa's tranquil center. Treatments can be tailored for the guest's individual needs and they offer a variety of packages such as the "Breath of Wellness" that includes a night in a double room, breakfast, access to the Nun Path as well as a pro-energy body massage.

The hotel's food and beverage program also coincides perfectly with the traditional atmosphere of the property. Guests of the hotel can dine at Osteria Gourmet featuring the local Umbrian cuisine. The kitchen's philosophy is to source only the freshest ingredients from small, local farmers and each dish, whether it be a pasta dish, a baked goods or an ice cream for dessert, is made in-house daily.