"S" is for La Serra Spa

This is Day 19 for the

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

for 2013.

Today's topic is a lovely spa in the Italian town of Sorrento called La Serra.

La Serra is part of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, situated high on the cliff tops above Sorrento.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento

To reach the spa we walked through the hotel's lush private gardens.

Hotel Gardens

Then we arrived at the former 19th century greenhouse which is now La Serra (greenhouse in Italian). We were served a welcome tea in the reception area before beginning our spa treatments.

Welcome Tea at La Serra

The Sorrentine Penninsula is known for its citrus fruit, especially lemons.

Lemon Tree, Sorrento

The zest of the lemons is used to make a liqueur called limoncello.

Limoncello

Orange trees are also found along the streets of Sorrento.

Orange Tree, Sorrento

So of course I had to choose the spa's signature Orange Garden treatment, which included an orange oil massage, scalp massage, and a jacuzzi orange bath. The fresh scent of oranges was uplifting.

La Serra Spa Treatment Room

Blissfully relaxed, we met out on the terrace for a foot massage and more refreshments – freshly squeezed orange juice and dark chocolate.

Terrace, La Serra Spa

We'd endured seven days of rain while travelling through Italy, but finally here in Sorrento the sun was shining, the birds were singing and the umbrella pines towered overhead.

Blue Skies at La Serra

My visit to La Serra was the perfect ending to my travels.

Next:  "T" is for Trompe l'Oeil