INSIDE: Spa Going in the Veneto 2 Roman Fashion Finds 4 Where to Buy Leather 6 Shopping for Jewelry 7
L’Albergo Della Regina Isabella Spa Where dream of to Shop in ® Rome “R ome, a lifetime is not enough”, the saying goes. But as cul- tured as you may be, sometimes you need a break from ruins, obelisks, and churches to partake in another Volume 9, Issue 1 www.dreamofitaly.com February 2010 aspect of Roman life. Need to see ITALY some shiny, crisp and new things? Rome is full of great stores, from the Italian Spas: most well-known designers to the can-barely-get-in-the-door work- Fango Mud and Wine Therapy shops. Here is a sampling of some favorite places to shop in the Eternal City: hhhhh…how I love Italian spas! release of toxins and relieves muscular A What amazes me is that most and arthritic pain, as well as aids in American travelers haven’t joined in exfoliation. Because the minerals that Antiques on these sublime treasures, while make up this mud vary from place to visitors from all over Europe flock to place, curative properties differ The main areas to find the best them. So listen up: Spas depending on where you antique shops are around Via Giulia are one of Italy’s best try it. So if you’re serious- (near Campo dei Fiori), Via dei Coronari bargains, where hotel ly in search of help with (near Piazza Navona) and Via del package deals for top- something specific, your Babuino (near the Spanish Steps). notch treatments cost a best bet is to consult a Even if you’re just window-shopping, fraction of what they doctor who can match it is fascinating to browse — particu- would back in the United your body’s needs to just larly along Via dei Coronari. Most States. Add to that won- the right mud. shops specialize in particular periods. derful food, wine and the The stores mentioned in this section warm, relaxed Italian atmosphere. In general, the top Fango Mud spots in are located throughout the city center These places become irresistible once Italy are to be found on Ischia, the and have been selected for both their you’ve tried one. island off the coast of Naples, and in originality and more affordable Abano, the town that lies east of Venice. prices. In addition to soothing baths, Italian Scientists are constantly perfecting spas feature Fango Mud, that precious, ways to mature and treat the Fango Alinari, at the end of Via Margutta slimy volcanic substance loaded with Mud in these places to best enhance its near the Spanish Steps, sells photog- minerals, that detoxifies and rejuve- amazing natural properties. Many raphy books and photographic prints nates. This special mud promotes the continued on page 2 continued on page 4 Ischia’s natural hot springs are world famous. Italian Spas continued from page 1 “I floated back to my room, step and watched the sun slide contend that Abano’s mud is best for addressing her as “thou spirit of hotel can arrange a boat rental. anti-aging treatments, while Ischia’s grace.” In the town of Forio, Lady Evenings get fancier, when ultra- has properties which fight obesity. Susan Walton, who came to Ischia in attentive waiters fawn over you with the 1950s, welcomes visitors to her French service, presenting refined Recently I experienced both places and award-winning exotic gardens, La dishes of fresh seafood. came back with these reports: Mortella. The Regina Isabella Spa and Medical ISCHIA: L’Albergo Anywhere you land you’ll find places Center is rated as one of the best in the to luxuriate in hot bubbling pools and world because the waters of this Della Regina Isabella Spa mud baths. My writer pal Maxine particular area are highly radioactive. Soaking in a Jacuzzi of warm mineral- Albert (a woman of exquisite taste) Radioactive sounded scary to me at rich water until your fingers get insisted I head to Lacco Ameno and first, but apparently this a good kind of pruney and your bones turn to rubber check into L’Albergo della Regina radioactivity that makes the baths is a divine way to bliss out at L’Abergo Isabella. The sprawling Spanish-style exceptionally therapeutic. Marine and della Regina Isabella in Ischia. Get a resort was built by film producer volcanic mud is matured in pools for room with a private terrace, where Angelo Rizzoli in one year, and the staff of 50 true from your outdoor tub you watch fish- the 1950s over professionals gives the huge facility a ing boats float by and the only sounds the ruins of crisp clinical feel. You can get anything are the lapping of the sea and the ancient Greek here, from cures for respiratory or occasional church bell. and Roman arthritis ailments to Reiki to anti-aging baths. treatments. Also popular, the Ultrashape procedures, a non-invasive February 2010 It immediately fat reduction and body contouring 2 became a hot treatment. spot for celebri- ties like Ava After a mud facial, my skin felt soft as Gardner, Gina a baby’s. The hot stones massage was Lollobrigida and sublime. “You slept for an hour,” the Anna Magnani. signora whispered as I got up from the L’Albergo della Regina Isabella These days it table in a most pleasant fog. I floated still has a back to my room, stepped out on the
www.dreamofitaly.com Queen Isabella of Spain came to these mid-century terrace into that bubbling hot tub and springs in the 19th century, pregnant retro-vibe and is watched the sun slide into the sea, and needing R&R. Before her visit the one of the turning the sky pink. waters were named after Santa island’s most Restituta, a Christian martyr whose exclusive places, VENETO: body washed ashore nearby in the hosting a global third century, but the Queen’s stay was film and music festival every June, Grand Hotel Abano Terme apparently such a major deal they with outdoor movies and concerts. I came here for the “wine therapy.” became known as Regina Isabella in Wine therapy is not downing a bottle, her honor. The atmosphere is a comfy combo of having a good cry, and healing your laid-back resort by day and old-world inner child; rather it is a super Women have left their mark all over formality at night. In other words, you ingenious body treatment invented in Ischia. As you ferry in from Naples, pad around in your robe to the down- this place east of Venice. While all the you’ll see the castle of Vittoria Colonna, stairs seaside dining room for lavish region’s winemakers are using the a beloved Renaissance poetess, who breakfast and lunch buffets between vineyards to produce such favorites surrounded herself with an elegant ocean dips, spa treatments, and loung- as Prosecco and Amarone, these spa court up there. She later moved to ing on the dock with a good book. If scientists have different ideas about the Rome where she became Michelangelo’s you’re feeling more energetic, you can grape. soul mate and he wrote poems to her, stroll through the sweet town or the Parts of the film The Talented Mr. ped out on the terrace into that bubbling hot tub into the sea, turning the sky pink.” key Vegas.
Everything is neat and tidy, prettily landscaped with palm trees and other tropical plants. But there’s zilch old world ambience or fabulous art like you’ll find in abundance everywhere else in the Veneto region. The appeal here is the bargain deluxe digs, extraordinary spa treatments, and lovely service every step of the way.
It’s a great place to relax after an adventure in Venice, or to use as a base to explore the treasures of Padua, which is ten minutes away by train. Also, the hotel can arrange for you to get to prettier places in the nearby Grand Hotel Abano Terme countryside to go horseback riding or Which is why I am lying here as Lianna like wine, maturing in tanks so it golfing. paints me with slick goo from toe to develops algae that have unique anti- continued on page 8 neck. The goo is made from fermented inflammatory properties. And as for grapes and contains a prezioso ingredi- the grapes, it’s all about extracting that February 2010 ent: resveratrolo. Resveratrolo that will miraculous resveratrolo. dream of 3 exfoliate me, anti-inflammatory me, ® re-collagenize me, pump up my sero- The Grand Hotel Abano Terme is the tonins so my mood will be lifted. It’s only 5-star amidst the many hotel/spas ITALY the “aroma-emotional path” of The to choose from in Abano. Here the focus Kathleen A. McCabe Grand Hotel Abano Terme and I am on it. is anti-aging treatments. I winced as I Editor and Publisher put my 51-year old self in for it, being “Your miracles, Abano, give speech to from Los Angeles, land of the obsessive Copy Editor: Stephen J. McCabe Design: Leaird Designs the mute,” sang Claudian when he quest for eternal youth, where places www.dreamofitaly.com www.leaird-designs.com soaked in the waters here thousands of like this can get terribly expensive and years ago. Roman Emperors, thrilled to pushy. But there’s a kinder, gentler Dream of Italy, the subscription travel newsletter cover- ing Italian travel and culture, is published 10 times a find 130 thermal springs in the spirit to it here. The three-hour high- year. Delivery by mail is $99 in the U.S. and Canada and surrounding Euganean hills, built end wine therapy, that went from that $109 abroad. An Internet subscription (downloadable PDFs) costs $79 per year. Subscriptions include online baths. They slathered themselves resveratrolo to mud packing to access to over 70 back issues and regular e-mail updates. with mud and sang the praises of its massage, cost me about a third of what Three ways to subscribe: miraculous healing properties. They I’d pay for anything that would come 1. Send a check to Dream of Italy, P.O. Box 5496, indulged in their own version of Wine close to it back in the states. Washington, DC, 20016 2. Call 877-OF-ITALY (toll free) or 202-297-3708 Therapy, guzzling it and honoring 3. Subscribe online at www.dreamofitaly.com (Visa, Bacchus. They named this spot Abano, Why haven’t we Americans heard of Mastercard and American Express accepted) from the word aponos=without pain. this place, when the Germans and Editorial feedback is welcome. E-mail: [email protected] Russians are joining the Italians to fill it Advertising opportunities are available. Now what you find here is Termalismo up? Because the town of Abano gets a E-mail: [email protected] Moderno=Modern Thermalism—that grade of charm-minus. The forested Copyright © 2010 Dream of Italy, Inc. All Rights puts a cutting-edge style on what hills that surround it are lovely, but it Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without per- Romans adored in olden days. was built up for tourism in the 1970s. mission is prohibited. Every effort is made to provide information that is accurate and reliable; however, Thermal waters pump through hydro- Its streets are lined with concrete-block Dream of Italy cannot be responsible for errors that jets in curative Jacuzzis. Mud is treated multi-storied hotel/spas, like a low- may occur. ISSN 1550-1353 www.dreamofitaly.com Ripley were filmed on Ischia. “Need to see some shiny, crisp and Shopping continued from page 1 from the most well-known
(mostly Gallo is the place to go for socks, ties views of Fashion scarves, tops, swimsuits, in distinctive Rome) patterns and great colors. The central reproduced Amina Rubinacci designs woolen, Rome location is near the Spanish from the cotton and cashmere blends. All of the Steps, but there are many other archives of most important French stylists recog- locations throughout Italy, including the work of nize her elegance and the ease of wear stores in terminals A and C at Rome’s
Cornell Univ. Library, flickr.com Library, Cornell Univ. the Alinari of the woolen garments Amina Rubinacci Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Via Vittoria, brothers. The archives contain more produces. Via Bocca de Leone, 51; (39) 63; (39) 06 36002174 than a million glass-plate negatives of 06 6795354; www.aminarubinacci.it photographs taken by these famous Gente There are several locations of Italian photographers in the late 19th Bomba, near Piazza del Popolo, is a this boutique chain around Rome, century. You could spend hours here. concept store that opened in 1980. In which carries many top brands, Be sure to check out the store’s Web addition to the Bomba line, the store including Prada, Jimmy Choo, site and note that there is a branch in hosts other Givenchy, Fendi and Alexander Florence. Via Alibert, 16a; (39) 06 exclusive design- McQueen, to name a few. Via Frattina, 6792923; www.alinari.com ers, each one 69 (near the Spanish Steps) and four with a dedicated other locations in the city; (39) 06 Antichità Tanca, near the Pantheon, corner. In collab- 6789132; www.genteroma.com feels like a very well-heeled nonna’s oration with attic. In addition to a wide range of Cristina Bomba, Laura Urbanati is a lounge- and beach- antique prints, it has an excellent selec- these designers wear designer known for her delicate February 2010 tion of bronze, silver and chinaware, as create unique cotton prints 4 well as crystal, jewelry and paintings pieces especially and sexy dating from the 18th century to the for the store: bags, shoes, jewelry, bikinis. The turn of the 20th century. Salita de’ sunglasses, leather, hats and gloves. 2010 collec- Crescenzi, 12; (39) 06 687527; There’s a large collection of shawls and tion features www.antichitatanca.it scarves, and many one-of-a-kind pieces many shades in cashmere and silk. Closed all day of yellow and Antiquario Valligiano features furni- Sunday as well as Monday morning. pink. The ture with flair, mainly pine. When we Via dell’Oca, 39/41; (39) 06 3203020; shop is near Campo dei Fiori. Via dei
www.dreamofitaly.com went by for a visit, it was closed, but www.cristinabomba.com Banchi Vecchi, 50; (39) 06 68136478; that did not keep us from peering into www.lauraurbinati.com the windows for quite a while, spotting Caleffi, near Piazza Colonna, sells many large-scale wall units that would beautiful ready-made and custom- Les Challes by McQ The windows really make a big impact in someone’s made shirts for men. The price for a here are nothing that would intrigue home. (Via Giulia, home to many custom shirt is about 250€ You can you, but inside you’ll find a tremen- antique stores, is also one of the even order them online and have them dous selection of shawls and scarves, prettiest streets in Rome, complete sent to you. Via della Colonna many of them unique to the store, with a vine-laden archway designed by Antonina, 53; (39) 06 6793773; as well as men’s ties, handbags, acces- Michelangelo.) Via Giulia, 193; (39) 06 www.caleffi.net sories and a smattering of clothing. 6869505; www.antiquariatovalligiano.it You can also find unique gifts here. Via Ethic has great contemporary pieces Giubbonari, 29; (39) 06 6869044 that can go from work to evening at reasonable prices. You’ll find 12 Malo For 30 years, Malo cashmere has locations throughout Rome. Check the been made exclusively with natural Web site for details: www.ethic.it fibers, from Mongolia, and from duvet, the tiny portion of hair that combines 1 € = $1.36 at press time lightness, elasticity and resilience. Many small Roman shops are d new things? Rome is full of great stores, designers to the can-barely-get-in-the-door workshops..”
There are other product lines but Malo means that its stock changes continual- passamanerie (lengths of ribbon, braided is still known best for its exquisite ly. The shop’s name is a reference to a cord and colorful tassels used as cashmere. Via Borgognona, 4/c; (39) 06 film by Roman director Nanni Moretti. trimmings for furnishings) in Rome for 6791331; www.malo.it Via del Boschetto, 92 centuries. Bring your fabric swatches if you want to shop seriously because Ilaría Miani sells contemporary and there are so many color variations Home Design modern housewares and furniture you’ll go mad without some reference. known for Via dei Prefetti, 37-40; Azzurra Alto Artigianato This their adapt- www.passamaneriecrocianelli.com Trastevere shop sells hand-embroidered ability and towels, tablecloths, and sheets as well functionality. Spazio Sette If you can manage to as handbags and other items. Via It’s a great tear your attention away from the Fratte di Trastevere, 44e; (39) 06 place to get frescoed ceiling at the entrance, 5806303 design ideas as you will find three levels of quali- well. Near Campo dei Fiori. Via ty designer furniture, kitchenware, C.U.C.I.N.A. specializes in kitchen- Monseratto, 35; (39) 06 6833160 ; tableware and gifts. Via dei Barbieri, 7, ware. It has a large selection of www.ilariamiani.it just off Largo di Torre Argentina; (39) stainless-steel items. Don’t be put off 06 6869747; www.spaziosette.com by the store’s not-so-helpful staff. Some Leone Limentani is a warehouse-style of the little things — like oil and vine- shop in the Roman Ghetto with an TAD is a “lifestyle concept store” with gar cruets, cheese graters (I got a really unbelievable choice of kitchenware a very hip clothing and design shop, as cool long one and carried it back), salt and tableware. Here you’ll find high- well as a small café. Their designers and pepper shakers, small décor items, priced porcelain and fine crystal excel in creating February 2010 kitchen gadgets, linens — are perfect to alongside bargain items. It also stocks moods in their 5 carry home. Via Mario dei Fiori, 65, plenty of Alessi products and a good vignettes, from and three other locations in Rome; selection of quality pots and pans. Via groovy to sophisti- (39) 06 6791275; www.cucinastore.com Portico d’Ottavia, 47; (39) 06 68806686; cated, you can www.limentani.com find pieces to Gioren Biancheria, near the Pantheon, match your style. sells beautiful linens, many at very Maurizio Grossi is the place for a You can even get a good prices. I recently purchased linen reproduction Roman bust, mosaic or haircut or mani-
kitchen towels suitable for framing. Via an obelisk for the mantelpiece. His cure here. Via www.dreamofitaly.com della Minerva, 2; (39) 06 6789027 marble objects for Babuino, 55a; (39) 06 96842086; interior decora- www.taditaly.com Home is a good place to find bargain- tion are cleverly priced kitchen utensils, candles, deceptive: the glassware, haberdashery and vibrant huge bowls of Food crockery. It also sells up market goods what looks like such as rustic antique-reproduction ripe figs and Confetteria Moriondo & Gariglio is furniture and oriental rugs. Largo di apricots are in fact an extraordinary sweets shop that has Torre Argentina, 8 heavy sculpted been in business since 1886. All of the mharrsch, flickr.com mharrsch, marble, hand- truffles, gianduja chocolates and fruit Io Sono un Autarchico, in the Monti painted to resemble fruit. Via Margutti, jellies are handmade on the premises. area, a fun area full of real Romans, 109; (39) 06 36001935; Near the Pantheon. Via Pié di Marmo, shops and restaurants, is a tiny shop www.mauriziogrossi.net 21; (39) 06 6990856 full of interesting housewares such as a mini hand-held foamer for your morn- Passamanerie Crocianelli has bundles ing cappuccino (the ONLY time to drink of fringes and cords piled from floor cappuccino). The shop’s high turnover to ceiling. Shops have been selling continued on page 6 closed on Monday morning. Shopping continued from page 5
Forno La Renella If you’re strolling in just for the glassware, photo frames and scarves. Trastevere, stop by this wonderful ambiance. Via di (39) 06 5817145 bakery and grab a piece of pizza to go. Torre Argentina, Via del Moro, 48; (39) 06 5817265 15 (near the loca- Poggi dal 1825 is an absolutely fabu- tion of Caesar’s lous art supply store, considered Guiliani For about 60 years, chestnuts assassination); among the finest in Europe. Even if have been transformed into the glisten- (39) 06 6879493; you’re not an artist, the range of colors ing confections prized by Romans. www.anticaerboristeriaromana.it is a pleasure for the eyes. Visit the Web Candied in hot sugar and water for site for the list of locations around 15 to 20 days, these marrons glacés are Campo Marzio Design Writing home? Rome: www.poggi1825.it ideal gifts for friends back home. The Visit this store to find the most beauti- store is located in the Prati neighbor- fully bright, leather-bound journals Polvere di Tempo The name means hood, not far from the Vatican. Via and writing accessories in all of the “sands of time,” and here you’ll find Paolo Emilio, 67; (39) 06 3243548; colors of the rainbow, along with walls reproductions of ancient tools for www.marronglaces.it of notebooks and pens as well as measuring the hours — sundials, stamping wax. With stores all over candles numbered to burn through the La Bottega del Cioccolato sells deli- Italy, this popular shop is a charming hours, hourglasses of all kinds, even cious chocolates, including ones in the stop and a great place to find gifts. cufflinks. At this Trastevere shop, shape of a Fun, fun, fun. Via Campo Marzio, 41; you’ll also find charming objects with Vespa and the (39) 06 68218832; an ancient look: globes, maps, Roman www.campomarziodesign.it compasses, leather-bound notebooks Colloseum. and unusual souvenir items, such as February 2010 The specialty La Chiave is something like an Italian architectural drawings of Rome’s 6 chocolates version of Pier One stocking reason- monuments. Via del Moro, 59; (39) 06 make great ably priced, imported handicrafts, 5880704; www.polvereditempo.com gifts to kids in your life, but really, including textiles, rugs, small décor those of any age will love this choco- items and some furniture. This is a Stilo Fetti, near the Pantheon, has a late. Via Leonina, 83; (39) 06 4821473; good source for tables, small cabinets, wide selection of antique and new www.labottegadelcioccolato.it baskets. The store also offers an fountain and ballpoint pens, as well as excellent selection of Turkish kilims, writing desk sets and diaries. Closed Quetzalcoatl Chocolatier For you many of them fine vintage pieces. all day Sunday and Monday morning.
www.dreamofitaly.com gourmands, Ida Petrillo and her son Largo delle Stimmate, 28; (39) 06 Via degli Orfani, 82; (39) 06 6789662; turn out striped and polka-dotted 6830884 www.stilofetti.it chocolates in a variety of flavors, including sesame and chile pepper. Officina della Carta, in Trastevere, Near the Spanish Steps. Via delle sells stunning hand-printed paper Leather Goods Carrozze, 26; (39) 06 69202191 objects, such as storage boxes, photo albums and diaries. It is a tiny hole-in- Canpanile, on Rome’s most famous the-wall place but produces superb shopping street, offers four floors of Gifts merchandise and can make to order shoes, belts, bags, with enough notice. Via Benedetta, 26b, luggage, briefcases Antico Erboristeria Romana Savor the just off Piazza Trilussa; (39) 06 5895557 and other leather warm glow of aged wood, fragrantly goods Very high saturated over time with the aroma of Pandora, in Piazza Santa Maria in quality and conse- herbs that have been a part of this Trastevere, is where you’ll find quently, very high place for about 300 years. They have unusual costume jewelry from around prices. Via more than 40 types of teas from the the world, in particular, gorgeous Condotti, 58; world over, essential oils and aro- necklaces made from Murano glass. (39) 06 6783041 matherapy items. Worth stopping in The shop also sells ceramics, some rsepulveda, flickr.com rsepulveda, In the summer, many stores in R ome close on Saturday afternoon.ome close sonable prices.Piazzadi variety ofliningsatrea- and more gloves witha er. Purchase gloves,gloves leather glovemanufactur- world’s mostfamousfine Sermoneta www.calzoleriapetrocchi.it (39) 066876289; ready-made shoes.Via del’Orso,25; the old-worldtradition,aswell hand-crafted customshoes,madein Petrocchi Steps; www.biasia.com Via DueMacelli,62,neartheSpanish Argentina, 7,nearthePantheonand less expensivethanothers.Via diTorre designs are originalandthepricesare luggage andfunumbrellas. The fake fur, andaccessoriessuchas leather, ponyskin,leopard skinand leather wallets,handbagsinpatent Francesco Biasia (39) 066798780 famous favorites.Via delleCarozze, 28; Many ofthelooksare adaptationsof less thanatothercomparableshops. at somewhatreasonable prices,atleast Fragiacomo www.ffitalia.it bags. Via Vittoria, 53;(39)0669190882; thoroughly affordable lineofhand- FFI 6786536; www.dalco-roma.com expensive! Via Vittoria, 65;(39)06 these shoescost,thentheyare too footwear. Ifyouhavetoaskhowmuch and Audrey Hepburnlovedthis measure shoesare ready. Ava Gardner and withinaweekyourmade-to- Three dayslater, return forafitting, gentleman appearstotraceyourfoot. store, butwhenyoustepinside,a Dal Co’ (Fatta FabbricaItaliana)sells looks likeanordinary shoe is theplacetogoformen’s is perhaps the offers high-qualitygoods sells classicsoft-
kaitlyn rose, flickr.com www.tods.com 52/53A; (39)066991089; like, butalittlehipper. Via Condotti, their drivingmoccasins.Ralph-Lauren- begin around $225.Theyare knownfor expensive inItalythantheUS.Shoes Tod’s/Hogan www.sermonetagloves.com Spagna, 61;(39)066791960; family. Theshopoffers goldearrings, operated since1938bythe jewelry, visitthisstudio,ownedand For spectacular18th-and19th-century Studio GioielleriaR.Quattrocolo delle Carrozze, 64;(39)066797085 antique coinsandgemsingold.Via ful andunusualjewelrybysetting Siragusa Jessica Biel.Via delBabuino,115 Timberlake and include Justin celebrity clients and ‘50s.Recent from the1940s American jewelry Cartier) and Arpels and by Van Cleef& century tothe1960s(includingpieces jewelry datingfrom themid-19th collection ofveryexpensivevintage Nicola Boncompagni Jewelry Scrof, 54;(39)06 68801367 every itemintheshop.Via della exquisite workmanshippresent in the mostrepresentative ofthe mosaics. Themicro-mosaics are jewelry, cameos,andmicro- stones, aswellEtruscan-style made from thefinestprecious bracelets, necklacesandpins creates exceptionallybeauti- Tod’s isquiteabitless kotomigd, flickr.com has acharming Quattrocolo www.fabrianoboutique.com 173; Babuino, Via del stylish. very cases are travel leather pens. Thehand-blockedstationeryand color aswellpaperjewelryand Airport. You canfindpaperofevery Steps andatLeonardo DaVinci store hasanoutpostneartheSpanish Fabriano Via dellaStelletta,27;(39)0668802053 in apaperfeaturingdaintycherries. adorable recipe holderfoldercovered give this?Imustbuyit!”boughtan saying toyourself,“To whomcanI is sure todelightyouandhave shops youfindonlyinItaly. This place printed paperandisoneofthoselittle made boxescovered inbeautifully Daniela Rosati Goods Paper (39) 066877007 Navona. Dior andBalenciaga.Near the ‘50sand‘60s,created byChanel, the 1930sandcostumejewelryfrom century resin brooches, Bakelitefrom Art Decoperiods.Piecesinclude19th- on piecesfrom the Art Nouveauand from 1880to1970,withanemphasis tion ofvintagecostumejewelrydating Tempi Moderni Rosanne Cofoidruns Via delGovernoVecchio, 108; This ultra-coolstationery 1
€ zephyrbunny, flickr.com = $1.36atpress time specializes inhand- ( stocks alarge selec- www.ladolceviatravel.com —Rosanne Cofoid La DolceVia Travel Piazza )
www.dreamofitaly.com February 2010 7 Italian Spas continued from page 3
The Grand Hotel Abano Terme is amusing touch. Right off the lobby is a The stellar thing about the Grand grand in an Empire Louis XIV meets a formal glassed-in smoking room — Hotel Abano Terme and the other spas Sheraton of the 1970s type way. There yes, in a spa! Opposite is a matching in town is excellent treatments for are chandeliers dripping with crystals room furnished with felt tables for card excellent prices. When I arrived home all over the place, my room is humon- games, where I got a nostalgic hit, a week after my wine therapy, and met gous with all mod-conveniences and a thinking of my mother’s bridge club my friend Monica for a welcome back beautiful bathroom done up in marble. when I peeked in to see a senior-citizen glass of wine, the first words out of her The meals are lavish buffets, loaded foursome enjoying themselves. At mouth were: “You’re glowing!” with fresh fish, lots of nicely prepared dinner, there was a fashion show, —Susan Van Allen vegetables, and the finest Veneto where sleek-haired goddesses with wines. legs up to their ears strutted around Frequent Dream of Italy contributor modeling furs-a big business for Susan Van Allen is the author of the new book, 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go. There are also corny details to add an designers of the area. Visit her Web site at www.susanvanallen.com The Details
Note that many Itailian spas are closed from sive and exclusive option nearby. It’s much smaller ABANO November through February. than the Regina Isabella (59 rooms as opposed to Grand Hotel Abano Terme Regina Isabella’s 128), and is set on a promontory Via Flacco, 1 ISCHIA overlooking the sea, so you’re in a beautifully land- (39) 049 8248100, L’Albergo della Regina Isabella scaped haven. At the Regina Isabella you are just www.abanograndhotel.it February 2010 Piazza Santa Restituta, I steps away from the village of Lacco Ameno, Rates: The sample package “Magical Moments” 8 Lacco Ameno whereas at the Mezzatorre you take a shuttle bus includes accommodations and half board for two (39) 081 994322 from the property to mingle with the natives in the people as well as a bottle of Prosecco, anti-stress www.reginaisabella.it village. massages and a thermal spa card for 780€. Rates: A double room, with breakfast and use of the pools and fitness center, ranges from 250 to Or if you’re taking a day trip from Naples or For a beloved bargain, try— 800€ per night depending on the season and the the Amalfi Coast, check out Negombo Spa Antiche Terme Ariston Molino view. Treatment packages start at 130€. Park, a lush oasis featuring 16 different pools, Via Cornelia Augure, 5 where you can spend the day soaking and (39) 049 8669062
www.dreamofitaly.com Also consider— being pampered— www.aristonmolino.it Mezzatorre Resort & Spa Rates: A double room with half board and use of Via Mezzatorre, 13 Negombo Spa the pools ranges from 59 to 97€ per person. Forio d’Ischia Park The guest rooms at this family-run 4-star are (39) 081 986111 Baia di San smaller than the Grand Hotel, the level of service is www.mezzatorre.it Montano also not as high but the package deals are much Rates: The “Speciale Lui & Lei” offers couples four (39) 081 986152 less expensive than at the Grand. nights of accommodations and a handful of spa www.negombo.it treatments each, as well as special discounts on Negombo further spa services. The package ranges from 930 To stay longer, to 1,434€ per person, depending on the room type get in on a bargain deal next door at the and time of modern, sleek hotel whose half and full-board year. rates include entrance to Negombo–
The Hotel della Baia Mezzatorre Via San Montano Ariston Molino Resort & ( 39) 081 986398 Spa is a Rates: A double room with half board starts at more expen- 135€ per person. € Mezzatorre 1 = $1.36 at press time
The international dance festival Abano Danza is held every summer.