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 Marienbad. But nevertheless, no Bad, Italy’s, ABANO GRAND HOTEL AND SPA was superb .
Grand Hotel Thermal Spa and Hotel, in the little town of Abano (AH-ban-oh) Italy is know for thermal waters and is one of the largest spa towns in Europe, even is considered the largest spa town in the world,Love the emphasis on well being, rebalancing, diet, reducing skin and cellular aging and anti -stress programs . Experienced technicians certainly knew their ‘stuff’.
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.
Usually there’s a pianist at the connecting bar filling the air from classics to American Song Book, while after dinner there is special evening entertainment. And with my Chanel tote on my arm, I felt right at home for a fur and jewellery 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 all the time 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 present the personal various programs. While North American spas are prepared to pamper their guests.
What I don’t want is the feathery stroking oil massages at the pampering spas but like a good exercise treatment, I want to feel it the next day. Also one of my fav. is Fango treatments where treated sterile mud is heavily layered on your torso,then wrapped in plastic and covered with a cozy blanket making me feel like a sushi roll
The memorable 2 hour ritual Belle Epoque luxury treatment, revives and renews skin, and the vegetable collagen had immediate affect.
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’ouvres tables looked delectable as the not-so- svelte clients rushed to be first. No question, it was a hardship to walk passed but I used all my discipline . My menu was much reduced leaving out all starches and sweets and keeping the main courses to a minimal size.
One meal was a bowl of thinnish pea soup followed by a plate of a small, 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. I told Kamil, the wonder waiter, not to tell Dr. G ., but could I get seconds. We immediately had a bonded and 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 stay. As more and more travellers are solo. Clever, there’s a wonderful niche, centrally placed, which seemed like a designated area for singles. It’s where I met a interesting woman, originally from Romania now a resident of Frankfurt. Later we added a Dutchman who now lives in Nice. So the conversations were part English, part German, part French. Also heard was Russian and that was ‘nyet’ for the three of us.
MY FACIALS
Marica, took charge of all my treatments, including different facial massage to regenerate. The soft exfoliate had jojoba beads, mineral extracts and a thermal water peel had left a very smooth effect. However, I didn’t know that this also had snail mucin and barley malt extract. It worked wonders. Two more were on my facial menu.
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 tinkling bells and chime ringing were to leave me feeling relaxed. These 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 where a specially created oil was poured over my face, skull and body. This called for an immediate appointment with the hairdresser.
End result? Feeling quite sprite,so that I took a very energetic walk through the small but 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, water and ambience 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.
#ABANO GRAND HOTEL #www,indulgedtraveler.com #zenzone #mudwrapabano #www.meng08.com
Via Valerio Flacco 1,
35031 Abano Terme-Padua Italy] Tel. 390498248100
Fax 390498669994
Email Abanograndhotel@gbhotelsabano.it