May 22, 2008

Europe | Italy | Lake Maggiore

The Royal Treatment

By Sandra Ramani

And you thought fruit gelatin was only good for Jello shots?

view map

Once the home of a 19th-century navy admiral, and later a love nest for Liz Taylor and Richard Burton (on their first go), Villa Aminta has lured guests to Lake Maggiore, in northern Italy, since 2000 with the promise of a private beach and exclusive service. But there’s never been a spa — until now. After a six-month hotel-wide refurb, the boutique hotel debuts its Beauty & Spa Center this month. But it’s already piquing the interest of the pampered set with a spa menu that offers something a touch more hardcore than ruby-infused rubdowns.

Instead of the decadent route, you can opt for some “cutaneous measurement” or hyaluronic acid micro-injections (file those both under serious skincare), in addition to a little (economic-unrelated) “stimulus therapy.” Guests can even sign up for intense seven-day programs focusing on a particular body part, such as toning their legs with fruit gelatin compresses. It’s all performed under the watchful eyes of Aminta’s team of doctors, physiotherapists, estheticians and personal trainers.

The spa sanctuary is located in the hotel’s new Tower wing which, come June, will also house 21 new suites, all with private terraces, gym equipment and décor featuring various Italian aristocratic coats of arms. The Royal Suite, done up like a Venetian palazzo, also has a private pool and hanging gardens — perfect, no doubt, as a post-eyebrow dyeing hideout.