On to House of Rituals and the indoor Restaurant Rouhi in the heart of Amsterdam
Rituals, the now globally known yet very Dutch brand (we think it's cool), is known for its luxurious and accessible products. Always a lifesaver when you no longer know what to give to your mother-in-law, girlfriend or that one nice colleague.
But... Not just for others: we also love all the Rituals stuff for ourselves. From blossom to orange, instant spoiled. Went into the store feeling stressed and left feeling zen. That's Rituals, right? And, What a surprise: Rituals now has its very first flagship store opened in the heart of Amsterdam. The dream, that's it. This shopping plus is located on the Spui in the heart of Amsterdam at number 10. House Of Rituals is, of course, the name. A mega store from A to Z dedicated to the brand's philosophy: The Art of Soulful Living.
Good, better, best: the beauty club has extended that philosophy to one one of a kind 'city spa' (with that term we actually do not do justice to the third floor of the building) and a real 'Mind Spa' on the top and fourth floor: everything to really relax and relax yourself. Yes, also for meditation dummies such as yours truly. What the undersigned really appreciates comes into its own in the fantastic new restaurant where Rituals' philosophy can also be found in the smallest details: Restaurant Rouhi. It doesn't smell or taste better anywhere.
House Of Rituals, Amsterdam, yes. And then you might think that you are entering a Very Large Rituals store... No, no, no! Wrong. House Of Rituals stands for just a little bit (much) more: in addition to all Rituals products and you trusted collection, luxury collection, which you will of course also find there, the house is truly an experience. Immerse yourself in Rituals, that's what you do there. Literally thanks to the delicious and comprehensive fancy city spa. A Mind & Body Spa Rituals calls it one treat yourself dream place spread over two floors. If we take you along, you will find on the ground floor what you have come to expect from Rituals and more: the extensive beauty collections, a tap to tap your own shampoo and the best gifts out there. What stands out are the unique items, certainly also for the home - that's right! They have all been developed especially for Rituals for sale; just check those lights. Floor two goes a little more 'into depth'. Here you put together your own scented candles and perfume (doing it - it's crazy!) and there is a laundry department (yup).
Another escalator up and you arrive in part I of the Mind and Body Spa. Here mainly the 'body' part, a spa that is understandable to everyone where you can enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures (of the best kind by the way, tried and tested). Go. And also explore the last floor, because this is where things get really interesting and different from everything you've seen before: the Mind Spa. That's difficult to explain, you really have to do some cheating yourself. Then you will find a yoga and zen studio between the rustling treetops of the Spui, cabins where you learn to deal with your breathing in a very special way (very interesting) and the 'brain spa', a little meditation for dummies. Can't miss and is really an experience that you want to experience again and again.
But can we also talk about Restaurant Rouhi in detail here? You can have a delicious lunch and extensive dinner there, in the most beautiful spot in Amsterdam. But yes. It immediately makes us zen.
Rouhi meets Rituals. What to expect? Simple: food for the soul. If you join us, you can expect a full afternoon or evening program (maybe, but not necessary) with various rituals at your table. Your tea is served at the table in Japanese style, to name just one thing. Chef Renaud Goigoux (who works at restaurants Breda, RIJKS* and Madame Cyclette) makes the most beautiful and tastiest dishes where east and west come together.
Restaurant Rouhi (that's the Arabic word for 'my soul') cooks with the four elements of nature: water, fire, earth and air. The resulting dishes include fermented Miso Ramen, Jerusalem artichoke and dashi or grilled yakitori with garlic butter and thyme. We love and we can't wait. Not hungry? No problem. Just checking in for a special 'tea experience' is also allowed. Welcome Rouhi!