As we find ourselves emerging from our quarantine cocoons, destressing and self-exploration are more important than ever. What better place to reconnect with ourselves than inside an old monastery? Don’t fret—these former monasteries are now luxury hotels and they embrace their monastic pasts in interesting ways, like offering meditation in former cathedrals or food using ancient herb gardens. Here are four luxe hotels in former monasteries.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa:
A 17th-century monastery-turned hotel in Southern Italy, Monastero Santa Rosa now has a stunning infinity edge pool overlooking a cliff with panoramic views of the Bay of Salerno and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The 20 rooms in former nun quarters have original vaulted ceilings and arched windows. Grounds include tiered gardens, historic herb garden, and a 12th-century chapel.
Le Monastére des Augustines:
This former 1639 cloister in Quebec City is now a wellness retreat with 33 authentic minimalist rooms and 32 contemporary rooms. Daily activities and retreats focus on holistic health and the on-site restaurant serves clean and nutritious meals. There’s also an informative museum on the history of the Augustinian Sisters.
The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv:
Located in the walled city of Jaffa outside Tel Aviv, this 120-room hotel’s extensive restoration was led by British designer John Pawson. Formerly the School of the Sisterhood of St. Joseph, the neoclassical building has a central courtyard, remnants of a 13th-century Crusader’s bastion wall, and a restored chapel-turned nightclub. Damien Hirst paintings, an L. Raphael Spa, and F&B by the group behind Carbone’s in NYC lend a modern feel to the historic property.
Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, Cusco:
Dating back to 1592, this monastery-turned-national-monument in Cusco is now a five star hotel. Colonnaded arches surround multiple courtyards, the original chapel remains, and the 122 rooms are adorned with dark wood furnishings and antique artwork. There are also four stellar F&B outlets on property.
