Venice clearly is the place to be. Only weeks ago the ancient city played host to Karl Lagerfeld and his ever obedient fashion followers, chivalrously holding back the tides long enough for girls swathed in black and cream (
Chanel’s Cruise Collection 2010) to safely walk the length of its grey shores. Now it is home to the contemporary art
Biennale, not surprisingly attracting even more designers, editors, models, actors and their entourages.
Having been there recently myself I am all too aware of Venice’s allure. And while I was not cavorting with fashion folk of that calibre I did visit their playground, getting a taste of what it might be like to be rich, famous, fabulous and with time on my hands.
Tucked away on the island of Guidecca (across the lagoon from San Marco Square) is the Bauer Palladio Hotel housing the luxurious Palladio Day Spa. Specializing in restorative treatments – perfect following a hard day on the celebrity circuit – the spa has eight rooms, a Turkish bath (hamam) and a relaxation room. And if the experience wasn't memorable enough, rather than taking the vaparetto (the perfectly adequate though far from luxurious waterbus) to get there, the spa can be accessed via the complimentary, electro-solar powered private boat.
Not far from the Bauer Palladio is the Molino Stucky Hilton. Featuring a “wellness and fitness centre” with jacuzzi, Turkish bath and five treatment rooms, the most spectacular element of this spa it the rooftop pool, which boasts one of the best views in Venice. Treatments include an array of facials and massages plus a chocolate or honey scrub – the ideal holiday tan preparation.
No doubt in between galas and gawk-fests the likes of Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Angela Missoni, Patrick Demarchelier, Natalie Vodianova and Carine Roitfeld will choose to freshen up, if not unwind, in one of Venice’s luxury day spas. If only I could have afforded more than just a look/see.