Gold Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025
Architect / Designer:
Studio Apostoli
Studio:
Studio Apostoli
Design Team:
Alberto Apostoli
Daniela Spina
Marco Bertasi
Copyright:
Janos Grapow
Country:
Italy
Like the rooms, the spacious wellness area of Almar Giardino di Costanza also indulges the design philosophy and evokes ancient Sicily. Almablu Wellness & SPA thus becomes the place of choice for a multisensory journey, a mosaic of cultures, traditions and treatments that combine harmoniously in a tailor-made environment. In fact, the three thematic areas that compose it re-propose the typical elements of the most influential Sicilian dominations: Norman, Arab and Roman, both in the choice of finishes and shades and in the wellness treatments and amenities. The journey begins in the Norman world. Inspired by Constance of Altavilla, the last ruler of Sicily during the Viking domination, it consists of a medium-temperature bio-sauna – using dried herbs imported from Scandinavian countries -, Finnish sauna and the “ice room,” complete with waterfall and plunge, a cold-water pool invaluable for circulatory and energetic improvement of one’s body. Corresponding to the different areas, the design also evolves, with typically Nordic suggestions, geometric cuts, use of black wood at times burned and cold, soft lighting concentrated in specific cones of light. It continues in the large hammam of Arab-Roman inspiration, composed of the tepidarium – characterized by a large scenic fountain, the calidarium – a large space composed of heated benches, recognizable by its high steam saturation – and the laconicum – a high-temperature environment, in which there is a hot water tank, useful for detoxification of the body. Completing the hammam area are the emotional showers, with “rain” and color therapy effects. In parallel, the style, the selection of materials with extensive use of marble, travertine and decorative mosaics, and the warm, enveloping tones also evoke the atmosphere of the thermae, for a complete sensory involvement that also embraces the Tea Room and the relaxation room, the place where the journey ends. Linking the thematic areas, the rectangular-plan “Arabian patio” serves as an environment of decompression and symbolic passage between cultures: exotic-inspired wallpapers, illuminated water mirrors and gilded finishes accompany the visitor all the way to the saline Turkish bath. Finally, Almablu Wellness & SPA includes a large indoor pool complete with a lane for free swimming. Adjacent to the pool is a fitness area for cardio, Pilates and yoga activities and a large beauty area for treatments and massages inspired by Classical Chinese Medicine.
Studio Apostoli
Studio Apostoli is an atelier of Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, and Product Design with Wellness at the heart of every project. With over twentyeight years of experience and hundreds of works across the globe, the studio is internationally recognized for its creativity, expertise, and award-winning designs. Believing that the quality of life stems from the quality of spaces, Studio Apostoli embraces the culture of Wellness across spas, hotels, residences, retail, and offices. A global leader in SPA design, the studio also innovates through products, research, education, and strategic consultancy, supporting clients in positioning, management, and communication.