“Swimming in gold” – the unique Spa de Rome in Berlin's Rocco Forte Hotel

Berlin – Previously a jewel vault, and for the last two years the 800-square-metre spa of the Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome on Berlin’s Bebelplatz. Built in 1889 with around 400 deposit boxes for jewels, gold and cash, the space is now an oasis of calm and relaxation in the heart of the city.

During the renovation, the original details of the former bank were deliberately left intact, such as a striking green safe door with a large, golden handle. At the other end is a heavy, fifteen-centimetre-thick, anchored steel door - which offers a clear view of a former vault room with four large brass wall cabinets in which securities and stocks were deposited in the days when the building was a bank. Nowadays, however, this vault is home to what are probably the most secure hand towels in the world, and is a very special place for experiencing a manicure or make-up session. And an unusual location for small receptions for up to 10 people, or a romantic candle-lit dinner for two.

At the turn of the last century, the well-off people of Berlin would store their valuables here. Now, guests enjoy a 20-metre pool. The wonderful interplay of colour with the golden Bisazza mosaic gives visitors the impression they're swimming in gold and luxuriating in the past. The black marble tiles on the wall and floor were kept in the same format as the bank's deposit boxes.

A holistic approach, and consequently harmony of the body, spirit and mind, is the philosophy of our spa team. This approach is the foundation for well-being and relaxation. With this comes also the choice from the high-quality products:

Shiseido – the specialist for holistic beauty, exclusively in Berlin at Spa de Rome. Inspired by Shiatsu techniques and Oriental philosophy, the SHISEIDO massage method known as Qi introduces a holistic dimension to spa treatments and combines pressure on "tsubo" points with Western massage techniques requiring no less than 300 strokes. When combined with the use of SHISEIDO skincare products, it fully optimises their active ingredients to beautify the skin.

The Organic Pharmacy - the world’s only supplier of luxurious, 100% biological products. Inspired by the motto “BE GREEN BUT ALWAYS BE GLAMOROUS!”, there is a wide selection available of exclusive, organic care products that also includes a men’s range as well as a baby and children's range, and is supplemented by Organic Glam make-up.

The only one of its kind in a hotel spa in Germany is the “Tropical Hawaiian Essence”, a nourishing whole-body treatment based on a Hawaiian ritual using organic Ala Lani products from Hawaii including peeling, wrapping and subsequent Lomi-style massage.

The team also specialises in traditional Ayurvedic treatments, which can also be booked with 4 hands by two masseurs. Classic massages and beauty treatments with cosmetic facial treatments, manicures, pedicures and so on feature as standard in the spa's repertoire.

As well as six treatment rooms, the Spa de Rome has a fitness room with state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment. A personal trainer is available upon request. Pilates, yoga and personal nutritional advice are also available. A Finnish sauna with coloured light effects, aromatic steam bath, a tranquillity zone with comfortable chairs and a bar with fresh juices, organic teas, water and fruit round off the treats for guests.

In the summer, on the 5th floor, the spa has its own sun terrace with comfortable beds for relaxing in the fresh air.

Use of the Spa de Rome is free for hotel guests. It is open from 6.30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Appointments for various treatments are available between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Residents of Berlin and its surroundings are also welcome to use the Spa de Rome. As well as a daily pass, the spa also offers one-month trial and annual memberships.

For reservations and information, the spa team can be contacted on +49 (0)30 460 609 1160 or at spa.derome@roccofortehotels.com.

Accommodated in the historic, wonderfully-restored former headquarters of the Dresdner Bank dating from 1889 and boasting a stunning view over the imposing Bebelplatz, the Hotel de Rome is unique in terms of its combination of listed-building architecture and contemporary design.

The hotel boasts over 146 rooms and suites, the Italian restaurant Parioli, the Bebel Bar with a fantastic view over the Bebelplatz and five meeting rooms as well as the historic ballroom.

The Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome is located directly on the Bebelplatz and Unter den Linden, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Brandenburg Gate, the museum island and the city's other attractions. The nearby Friedrichstrasse is part of Berlin's ultra-exclusive shopping district.