A spa with a view of rolling hills is always preferable to being in the office, but watching one of the world’s most famous cultural landmarks whilst being pummelled is hard to beat. Venice's newest all natural wellness spa and boutique hotel, the Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa on Giudecca Island offers just this.

A unique spa with eight treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge that frames exceptional views of both the lagoon and Venice shores. It most definitely provides a postcard moment without having to drink overpriced warm wine in a tourist filled piazza.

The property was originally a sanctuary for unmarried women of virtue and style, and how appropriate that it now houses a space dedicated to beautifying oneself. The building is one of Andrea Palladio's famous Renaissance designs, and represents a piece of Venetian history that has been carefully restored. Overlooking St. Mark’s square, the spa offers a variety of natural wellness therapies for the entire body. Clients can soothe, de-stress, purify, cleanse or simply take in the incredible view.

Exclusive treatments include a “Venice beauty bath of milk and roses”, a relaxing and nourishing bath with honey milk and essential oils, a fresh lemon bath that is firming and detoxing with fresh lemon slices and Himalayan salt, or a “Laguna spice cocktail”, face and body moisturizing wrap with cucumber, lemon grass, eucalyptus and lemon oil, that reactivates the circulation and energises.

A series of water rituals offer treatments that are in harmony with its aquatic surroundings. A vitalis bath is based on Dr Joseph Vitalis' multi-bath system that respects the original essence of water and creates a personalised source of spiritual relaxation and benefits the detoxification process. Other baths include “Evening Primrose Oil” for relaxing and hormonal balancing, a “Mosqueta Rose Bath” that is anti-age and hydrating, an “Arnica Bath” that is energizing and a muscle relaxant, a “Juniper Bath” that offers anti cellulite and digestive benefits and finally a “Thalassic”, a traditional Dead Sea Salt Bath that has detoxifying properties. There is additionally an extensive menu of facials, massages, body cleansing and slimming treatments, and hand and foot therapies.

Should you not feel like moving post-treatment, the hotel houses thirty-seven elegant guest rooms and 13 suites, some with garden terraces or lagoon views. The spa is served by a complimentary, electro-solar powered boat, the BMare that shuttles guests to and from the spa offering a ride with beautiful views. Be warned however, the hotel closes from late autumn and re-opens in the spring.

Kerry Olsen

Source & Photo Credit: The Bauer Pallidio Hotel