| ALBANO, ITALY, IS A SPA WITH A DIFFERENCE
IN EUROPE BAD MEANS GOOD
Most spas have the prefix of Bad for example Baden Baden in Germany or Bad Regaz in Switzerland, or they may have the suffix like the Czech Republic's Marienbad. There is no Bad attached to Italy's, ABANO GRAND HOTEL AND SPA. And since I have a serious case of Spa-itis, I could hardly control my glee when I finally arrived in the Grand Hotel & Thermal Spa and hotel.
Located in the town of Abano (AH-ban-oh), it is known for thermal waters and is one of the largest thermal spa town in Europe, even considered the largest in the world. The emphasis is entirely placed on well being, rebalancing, diet, reducing skin and cellular aging and anti -stress programs.
THE HOTEL
Although this 180 room hotel was built in 1998, it could easily be mistaken for a hotel from 1898, as the decor is traditional European- style. After most dinners, there is special evening entertainment. And with my Chanel tote on my arm, I felt right at home for a fur and jewelry fashion show.
SPA SCHMA..THERE ARE DIFFERENCES
There are differences in philosophies between European and North America spas, but they are getting closer to each other as people travel more and have new spa adventures. European spas have always placed emphasis on wellness with on-site doctors who exam and then hand out personal programs. North American spas are prepared to pamper their guests with Yoga and Pilates and feathery, stroking oil massages. I like my massages to feel like a good exercise treatment that I feel the next day. Most spas are giving Fango treatments where treated sterile mud is heavily layered on your torso then wrapped in plastic and covered with a cozy blanket reminding me of a sushi roll.
At Abano, I had memorable 2 hour, Belle Epoque, luxury treatment, which revives and renews skin and the vegetable collagen had immediate effect.
DIET WHILE ALL THE TABLES WERE LADENED WITH FOOD.
After my consultation with Dr. G., I opted for low cal meals.
It's always such an effort to decide to diet or to dine. The selection in Pietro d'Abano Restaurant, with fine white linens, china dishes and silver flatware, went well with the white and gold, pillared, ornate dining room. Three hors d'oeuvres tables looked delectable as the not-so- slim clients rushed to be first. No question, it was a hardship to walk by. My menu was much reduced leaving out all starches and sweets and keeping the main courses to a minimal size.
One meal was a small bowl of pea soup followed by a palm size, very tender, very tasty, fillet of veal on a bed of braised fennel ending with what became a favourite, a glass of fruit or veggie smoothie. Kamil, the wonder waiter, promised not to tell Dr. G. but could I get seconds. We immediately bonded. Without starving I lost over 1.5 kilos on the short stay.
NEW PALS
The table given, is your 'placement' for the entire time of your visit. As more and more travelers are solo, a clever a well thought out niche, centrally placed, was the designated area for singles. It's where I met an interesting female doctor. Originally from Romania, she is now lives in Frankfurt. Later, we added a Dutchman who lives in Nice.
MY FACIALS
Marica, took charge of all my treatments, including different facial massages to regenerate. My favourite was the soft exfoliant with jojoba beads, mineral extracts and left a very smooth effect. However, I didn't know that this also had snail mucin and barley malt extract. It worked wonders.
ZEN ZONE RING IN THE BELLS AT THE METROPOLE
It's here where Oriental experiences are a specialty. Fabio, my therapist, had lived and trained in Nepal and Tibet, these so called relaxing sessions, at first, were unsettling as clanking bells and chime ringing were supposed to leave me feeling relaxed. This had a negative effect and left me feeling as though I had been hit me over the head. Then standing in a copper bowl which hunky Fabio, hit heavily with a hammer look-alike, sent quivers from foot to forehead. Equally exotic was the Ayurvedic treatment (which I have had in Goa, India where it was developed) where warmed oil is poured over my face, skull and body. This called for an immediate appointment with the hairdresser.
End result? I was quite sprite with fresh looking skin and perfect coiffed hair. That evening, I took a very energetic walk through the small, lovely pedestrian shopping area.
LOST IN A SHOE BOX
Being somewhat directionally handicapped, I got lost, (but I get lost in a shoe box) and a woman, older than myself, walked me to the street entrance. I couldn't keep up with her. There's something that the air, and water in Abano and the spa, that makes one energetic.
Abano Grand Hotel and Thermal Spa will remain unforgettable.
After all, new experiences and adventures are why we travel and love it.
Barbara Kingstone
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