An oasis of relaxation shaped by water and earth

Set in a breathtaking natural landscape just a short walk from the vibrantly coloured sea, this five-star resort seamlessly blends architecture with its surroundings. The setting itself played a key role in the design of the wellness centre, led by Studio Elsa Sanfilippo in collaboration with the client and with the technical expertise of engineer-architect Tommaso Lo Medico. The strategic location of Campofelice di Roccella near the city of Cefalù in Sicily, together with the distinctive courtyard layout of the Limen Wellness Hotel, underpins the spa concept as a space that fosters a deep connection with the natural elements and water, creating an environment dedicated to self-care and rejuvenation.

Architect Elsa Sanfilippo explains: “Water, in all its forms – whether the sea, the pool or the spa – is the central focus of this project. The L-shaped layout allows guests to personalise their wellness journey, choosing from an unparalleled selection of experiences: an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a Finnish sauna, a cold room, a silence room, emotional showers, a hammam and a private spa. The interplay between the architectural design, natural light and technological comfort generates a continuous stream of emotions, while the ever-present energy of nature permeates the space.”

The project unfolds around the hotel’s central courtyard, incorporating a 400-sqm spa area that occupies much of the ground floor. In this context, the ceramic surfaces supplied by Ragno serve as “canvases that embrace captivating plays of light and shadow”, enhancing the tactile and sensory experience. Their iridescent reflections shift according to exposure to natural and artificial light.

For the spa and pool interiors, the Stratford stoneware collection was selected in a 60×120 cm size with a Clay finish. “This neutral, matt surface with a contemporary texture not only enhances the interiors but also connects harmoniously with the garden at the centre of the spa experience,” continues Sanfilippo. Ragno’s innovative Body Plus production process achieves a striking concrete-effect texture by pressing naturally coloured raw materials mixed with micro-pebbles, flakes and grit.

“Bright colour accents and natural tones create the perfect ambience for massages and beauty treatments in the cabins and private spas,” the architect notes. This concept is reflected in the alternating greens and blues of the Look series, chosen in a high-gloss 6×24 cm lozenge format. The guest bathroom walls feature the vibrant tones of the Resina collection in Terracotta and Slate finishes and a 40×120 cm size.

The powerful visual presence of slate-inspired surfaces extends to the outdoors, where the walkways, poolside solarium and guestroom balconies are clad in large-format slabs from the Realstone Jerusalem collection in the colour grey and 60×120 cm and 30×60 cm sizes.