Figure two days in the mountains and a cuddle that tastes like nature: simple as a nice gesture. Add to the picture a walk through the meadow and local wine sipped with good company: simple as a nice gesture. Final touches with a warm shower that smells like Antica Erboristeria: simple as a small gesture.
On the occasion of the re-launching of a line of hair products that’s more and more complete, with two newcomers, the Shampoo&Conditioner 2-in-1 and an unreleased duo of Conditioners, the brand-epitome of genuineness and sustainability gave me the chance to feel special, for two days, spent among the mounts, animals, and good food of the marvelous Ferdy farmhouse, in Lenna, near Bergamo.
Day 1: Val Brembana, Essential Oils, and News from Antica Erboristeria
Once crossed the small bridge that leads to the farmhouse, the eye-catcher just goes without saying, with the breathtaking landscape of the Alpi Orobie backgrounding a natural esplanade dotted with flowers, trees, wild flora, horses, hares, dogs, milk cows, and a series of wooden and stone bungalows, each dedicated to one (fundamental) function: restaurant, accommodation, wine & cheese tasting, creative lab, sop, wellness center.
Between a slice of cheese, a glass of wine, and greetings to the animals in the stables, Antica Erboristeria tells us about the latest news in the house: the Ortica conditioner, with the sebum-regulating action of nettle, the nourishing and illuminating Rosa conditioner (containing roses), and the two new Shampoo&Conditioner 2-in-1, the nourishing one with almond milk and acai berries, and the hydrating one with rice milk, each with an optimized formula and a new sustainable packaging, made of 99% recycled plastic. The inebriating smell and iconic bottle, now a guarantee of reliability and quality, make us wish that it was always showering time, cuddle time for our hair hurt by the evil air of the 21st century. Once released all tensions in the historic stone bathtubs coming from the Grand Hotel of San Pellegrino Terme, filled with warm water and red pine essential oil, and under the expert hands of Ferdy’s massage therapists, after an abundant evening banquet with tastes of the best local products, the night comes.
With the stars and the alps beyond the windowpane, I go to sleep with a full belly and an indelible smile, in line with the mantra of the brand: power to the “simplicity of small gestures, those that are good, not only for our hearts.”
Day 2: Flower Experience and Farewells That Taste Like ‘See You Soon’
It’s true that Antica Erboristeria takes full advantage of the powers of the plants to formulate every single product: for the haircare line, roses, chamomile, and lavender are in the front row, with their respectively nourishing, soothing, and illuminating properties. With these gifts of nature, under the expert guidance of florist Consuelo Ferrandi, on the second and last day at Ferdy farmhouse, we create beautiful and super personal flower bouquets and bracelets, enriched with eucalyptus leaves and twigs of wild myrtle. Who would have ever guessed that a flower composition can also say things about people’s spirits? Watching us create, Consuelo understands us, identifying the party animals and the wallflowers, and “attributes” one flower each, according to our colors and the vibes that we give her, during those couple of hours spent together freeing our minds with the healing power of flowers.
In a heartbeat, it’s our last lunchtime: as the food is served at the table, veils of sadness layer one after another on our faces, to the thought of having to say goodbye to the new and old friends and leave that oasis of peace and pureness to go back to the chaos of the city and everyday life. However, one thought softens the blow: Ferdy farmhouse will always be there waiting for us in its timeless bubble, and Antica Erboristeria will always and forever be able to reproduce, in various shapes, formulas, and fragrances, the very same genuineness that we’ve been lucky enough to touch by hand.
Thank you, Antica Erboristeria. Thank you, eternal simplicity.
