UK-based architects, Reardon Smith, have secured all statutory approvals to turn a 15th century Italian convent into a luxury resort spa.

Situated in the southern Italian town of Amalfi, the property, called Santa Rosa, is a national historic monument located on a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) protected site.

The status of the building meant that Reardon Smith had to work very closely with Italian authorities to ensure planning permission for the site would be granted.

Offering accommodation in 25 rooms over six levels, the resort aims to dip into the lucrative super-luxury market.

Details of the spa facilities have yet to be finalised, but are set to include two swimming pools – one of which will flow from inside the building to the outside and around a 100-year-old olive tree.

Work will begin next month and is expected to reach completion by Christmas 2006.

James Twomey, associate director of Reardon Smith, said: “This has probably been the most challenging planning process we have ever undertaken.”

Reardon Smith has previously worked on a number of leading London hotel projects, including Grosvenor House, Claridges and The Connaught. It is also part of the team currently redeveloping the Battersea Power Station site.