Located at Via Ricasoli 21, the Sorgiva Wellness Spa lies right past the university's pastry shop and restaurant, Fedora. With 22 different available services ranging from aromatherapy showers to manicures, the treatments offered make Sorgiva a competitive location for any Florentine student or local’s needs. 

“With our competitive pricing, we want to attract more people and foster interaction between students and the community,” said Valentina Monaco, Director of the Palazzi Community Center. “The resources are at their fingertips—taking care of yourself and your mental health makes a difference.”

Learning by Doing 

While all of Sorgiva’s technicians are licensed professionals, students enrolled in AUF’s Food, Wine, and Wellness program gain valuable hands-on experience by working in the spa’s hospitality sector. As a study abroad student coming from the University of Missouri, I couldn’t help but notice the similarity between the institution’s “Learn by doing” mindset, and the ‘Missouri Method’ of education, which emphasizes the same principle. Monaco noted that students at AUF “begin with a first-year common core focused on the fundamentals of food, wine, and wellness. By their second year, they can choose to specialize in wellness studies, engaging in hands-on practice to propel them into jobs in the wellness industry.” 

Students working at Sorgiva handle front desk operations and hospitality services, providing them with an opportunity to develop professional skills in a real-world setting. 

Sorgiva’s Expansion

Sorgiva was initially available only to students and staff, but after COVID-19, the spa expanded its services to the public. With a growing clientele, the spa has continued to enhance its offerings. Monaco said in an interview that plans are underway to add a third treatment room to accommodate more guests.

Currently, the spa is open Monday through Saturday, allowing visitors to customize their wellness experience by combining or “stacking” treatments, as Monaco explained. Customers can choose to receive a 30-minute foot massage, followed by a Swedish massage or a facial, or create their own combination. The most popular services at Sorgiva are the Swedish massage and the manicure, which Monaco said has been successful in attracting both students and Florentine locals. 

Sorgiva’s Approach to Holistic Wellness 

Sorgiva incorporates unique wellness experiences that set it apart, featuring a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a humid shower, all designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. One of the standout offerings is the ‘Emotional Shower’, which utilizes aromatherapy, colored lighting, and varying water pressures to create a multisensory experience that enhances both physical and mental well-being.

What’s next? 

Looking ahead, AUF and PCC continue to focus on integrating wellness into student life while strengthening community ties. Monaco, who coordinates events and courses related to wellness, works to ensure that students from various disciplines within the Apicus International School of Hospitality have opportunities to engage with the spa. This can be done through coursework, hospitality training, or simply enjoying a relaxing treatment themselves. 

With its combination of high-quality services, experiential learning, and commitment to holistic wellness, Sorgiva Wellness Spa is a cornerstone of AUF’s mission to educate and enrich the lives of its students and the wider Florence community.

How can I book a service? 

Students can utilize Sorgiva’s website, go inside and make an appointment at Via Ricasoli 21, or send an email to info@sorgivaflorence.it. This summer, the spa is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, or by appointment.