Solo Spa Vacation in Italy

Arrive in Florence via the express train from Rome. Once you’ve checked into the Hotel Continentale, it’s time to grab a bite to eat at All’Antico Vinaio, the much-hyped panino shop. The hype is real and the panini are as big as your head, so it’s totally worth the wait in line. Take your hard-earned meal and walk along the riverfront, find a patch of sunlight and devour your score with the locals doing the same.

The massive sandwich should hold you over while you have your first spa treatment at The White Iris Spa located at Hotel Continentale. A tranquil ambiance glowing in white, flowing cloth, warm Tuscan wood and Italian stone, this spa is transformative. There is a wide range of treatment offerings to choose from, but I always prefer a massage for my first treatment upon arriving in my destination, especially if I have an itinerary filled with spa time.

Great! Now you should be in full “vacation mode”!

You’ll finish your treatment just in time to freshen up and join in on a classic Italian aperitivo at Caffè dell’Oro, at the Hotel Continentale’s sister property, Gallery Hotel Art. It's located just a few steps away, and is right on the bank of the Arno river, this swanky caffé is the perfect spot to melt into the sunset and watch the crowds stroll the Ponte Vecchio.

If you happen to be visiting in the summer, opt for your aperitivo on the rooftop of the Hotel Continentale, at La Terrazza, which overlooks the Arno and is one of the most coveted views in the city.

As the sun sets, take time to reflect on how fabulous and adventurous you are to be in such a gorgeous city on a date with yourself!

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio and peek at all the sparkling baubles flirting with you (and your pocketbook) as you make your way to Oltrano (the other side of the Arno River) for a romantic dinner for one.

Il Santo Bevitore is an intimate restaurant that serves delectable, Florentine classics with a modern finish. Try the ribollita, a Tuscan peasant soup made of bread, beans and tomatoes. It’s hearty and delicious. But everything here is delicious and thankfully, the portions are the perfect size for a party of one.

Head back to your room and curl up in the fluffy hotel robe, or relax in one of the many vibey common spaces waiting for you at your hotel.

Get ready for an active day with a shot of fresh juice at Base V Juicery.
After fueling up with green goodness, head over to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb the 463 steps to the top of the Cupola di Brunelleschi. It’s a great workout and a stunning view of the entire city of Florence. A must-do when visiting.

Be sure to purchase the Brunelleschi pass if you want access to climb the dome.

After that invigorating climb, keep your heart rate up by trekking across the river to the Piazzale Michelangelo for another epic view of the city. From this vantage point, you see the same view Michelangelo used for inspiration, and no wonder - it’s absolutely breathtaking!

Take a few minutes to stretch out and keep moving on your walking tour as you make your way to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. By purchasing the Uffizi PassePartout, you’ll have access to the Boboli Gardens, the Pitti Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery for 5 consecutive days.

Grab a table at Trattoria Boboli right across the street from the gardens and enjoy a bite and relax after all those steps you just got in!

When it’s time for dinner, walk through the Piazza della Signoria and follow cobblestone streets until you arrive at La Giostra restaurant. This romantic and cozy restaurant is known for its traditional Florentine cuisine as much as its rockstar, jewelry-clad owner, Soldano, who you will probably see roaming the restaurant making sure his guests are having a good time.

There are several gelato shops on the way back to your hotel, (if you’ve saved any room) but Gelateria Edoardo might be the most charming. Plenty of flavors to choose from with organic and vegan options served in a retro-style setting.

Start your day with a strong espresso and something sweet at Caffe Rivoire right on the Piazza della Signoria. Start early enough, while the square is still empty, and visit the famous sculptures on display. The beautiful square sits right next to the Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll find an impressive collection of ancient sculptures. Make sure to purchase the combined ticket, which grants you access to other must-see attractions, including the Palazzo Pitti and Giardino di Boboli, which is across from the Arno.

Spend an hour or so at the gallery then walk to Helvetia & Bristol for your next spa day. I booked The Great Beauty Aquamotus Ritual and the Roman Bath experience, but all the treatments sound absolutely divine! The ritual treatment is a very unique experience - a massage performed by water jets at various speeds and temperatures in a quiet room bathed in chromotherapy light. It felt like someone had left me out in a rainstorm. Then from there I went into the Roman Baths, a modern take on the ancient art of bathing in thermal waters. Here I got massaged again, by different pressured jets surrounded by moody landscapes projected on the stone walls. A wonderful and serene spa.

I worked up quite an appetite with all that relaxation, so I headed upstairs to the Cibreo Caffé for a quick bite and a refreshing glass of wine.

On your way back to the hotel, stop into the Museo Ferragamo, the most fabulous museum in Florence. Housed next to the Ferragamo store, it tells the story of Salvatore Ferragamo and his journey to become one of the most sought-after designers of the 20th Century. Be sure to bring your room key, you get free entry as a guest of the Hotel Continentale since it is part of the Lungarno Hotel collection, which is owned by the Ferragamo Family.


Have dinner right around the corner from your hotel at the indulgent Mangiafoco Osteria Tartuferia, a restaurant that specializes in truffles and Florentine cuisine. It is also mercifully, steps away from your hotel, so you can stumble home after stuffing yourself with truffles and super Tuscan wine.

As much as I wish I could get spa treatments every day, it’s probably a good idea to give yourself a rest, so I suggest you fill your day with a little retail therapy!

Start just a few steps away from your hotel at Ebario Toscana located on Via Por Santa Maria, a street filled with boutiques. This perfume brand is inspired by Tuscany and the region’s rich history and culture. Your next stop is around the corner, just off the Piazza della Signoria, at Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio, an apothecary filled with botanically based cosmetics and remedies. Created by a Florentine pharmacist, this family-run business is a pioneer in natural cosmetics. Pick up a fragrance or two!

From here it’s a few minutes' walk to your next two stops: Aqua Flor (for more perfume) and Scuola del Cuoio (for handmade leather goods at a steal!) Both of these ateliers are steeped in Florentine tradition and offer the highest quality craftsmanship. (Aqua Flor is also great for any souvenirs you might need to pick up.)

After all this walking and shopping you've probably worked up quite an appetite! Prep for a high calorie intake by walking across the Ponte Vecchio to Gustapizza in Oltrano (across the bridge.)

Now you’re all fueled up and ready to keep shopping! Pick up some posh fashion at Vintage Gallery and maybe another leather handbag at Roberta Firenze, a family-run leather goods store that’s been creating gorgeous bags for decades.

Top off all your sweet finds with a bit of sweetness at Gelateria Santa Trinita, just before you reach the Ponte SantaTrinita bridge on your way back to the hotel.


For your last night in Florence, have your concierge arrange for a table at Osteria Cinghiale Bianco, one of the best restaurants in Florence, they only take reservations via phone. I’m still dreaming of the onion truffle flan I had there - one of my favorite dining experiences in Italy to date. It’s a busy and frenetic restaurant but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Head to the Santa Maria Novella train station after espresso and breakfast. Catch the express train to Roma Termini station and get ready for a quick stop in Rome.

The Six Senses Rome is a destination unto itself - an urban oasis with a focus on wellness, this hotel is a true retreat from the bustling buzz of the Eternal City.
After checking into the hotel, consult the weekly activity calendar for complimentary wellness and fitness classes available and be sure to take advantage of the world class offerings during your stay.

Before heading into the underground spa sanctuary, refresh yourself with some healthy cuisine at the Bivium cafe, the casual in-house restaurant serving locally sourced, organic products and of course, exceptional wines and cocktails.

Unwind after your day of traveling with a few hours in the Roman bath circuit, sauna and relaxation lounge. The Six Senses Spa offers a robust menu of wellness services including biohacking, sleep analysis, and other high-touch and high-tech offerings.

Take an aperitivo from the NOTOS rooftop as the sun sets over the Eternal City, then venture out into the city for dinner at Eggs in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. This quirky restaurant celebrates everything egg-related, including creamy carbonara and cacio pepe. It also has a cozy bar you can sidle up to with a glass of wine.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel then head out for a self-guided walking tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

In the late afternoon, relax after an active day of sightseeing with a classic Hammam treatment and Six Senses Signature treatment, the Cocoon massage and facial.

It’s totally understandable if you don’t want to work too hard for the rest of the evening. Slide into a booth at the Bivium cafe for dinner at the hotel.

Start your last day with a healthy breakfast and a morning meditation class then stop by the spa and pick up some Seed to Skin organic skincare so you can keep yourself glowing at home.

Take one last dip in the Roman baths and sweat in the sauna before heading to the airport.