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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.