Review – The Regenerating Programme at Almar Jesolo, Italy – We Check In
Almar Jesolo is gaining momentum as one of Italy’s leading spa resorts…
Overview
A chic hotel and ultra-modern spa, just 40 minutes from Marco Polo airport, Almar Jesolo is gaining momentum as one of Italy’s leading spa resorts. Perched in a prime spot on the glistening shores of the Lido di Jesolo – resort highlights include a private beach, 191 luxurious rooms and suites, a top-notch Italian restaurant, outstanding service and a gleaming, 2000 m2 spa and wellness haven.
The Spa
It’s no surprise that the awards cabinet at Almablu Spa is full to the brim – the state-of-the-art spa and “Soul of Wellness” wing houses an incredible hydrotherapy and thermal circuit with a multitude of facilities – including a Himalayan salt sauna, Kniepp therapy pools, multi-sensory showers and an array of steam and sauna experiences. A multi-jet hydrotherapy pool leads to a whopping 70ft indoor-outdoor lap pool. There are 9 treatment cabins and a private couples spa suite – complete with a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi and glorious sea views. Top tip: The spa tends to get busy in the afternoons – I visited at 9am most mornings and pretty much had the whole spa to myself!
The Almablu treatment menu marries holistic marine-inspired body rituals with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Thalgo facials. A partnership with a leading Italian laboratory has allowed Almablu to create its own impressive marine-based product line. Therapists are given top-up training sessions every month – and it shows – techniques are of an incredibly high standard.
The Programme
The Two-Day Regenerating Programme combines rejuvenating treatments and TCM with a gentle exercise plan, and aims to rebalance mind and body, leaving clients with a renewed sense of focus. There are no strict detox regimes or taxing fitness schedules, so the programme is pretty much suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The incredible staff at Almar Jesolo and the Almablu really go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, so it’s also a great retreat if you’re travelling solo.
A private Tai Chi session is included in the programme – I did this and a private Postural Training session and loved both – but you can also opt-in to the daily group classes – Pilates, Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga and Postural Training – personal training is also available on request. If you’re feeling particularly energetic there’s a great 15k jogging route along the seafront.
The Treatments
Treatments on the two-day programme include Regenerating Moxibustion – a Chinese medicine therapy used to encourage energy flow and balance. Heat is applied to energy points along your back through a burning cigar-shaped stick of mugwort leaves – it’s similar to acupuncture (minus the needles) and it’s actually an incredibly relaxing experience.
The Lightness Of Being Massage is another included treatment – the energy ritual uses a mix of pressure point, deep tissue and free-flowing massage techniques. My therapist Letitia tailored it to particularly focus on areas of tension in my shoulder and lower back. This treatment was wonderful – so good, in fact, that I had to ask who designed it. I left feeling like I was floating on air!
Other inclusions are:
“Soin Combleur Hyaluronic” – an illuminating facial by Thalgo that can also be tailored using the Almablu Skin range.
“Dusk at Light” – a lifting facial massage, a body scrub, energy massages and a Reflexology session.
A herbal ‘Regenerating’ tea is served after each treatment.
To Stay
191 rooms and suites span the resort and range from superior rooms and junior suites to deluxe suites with sea-facing roof terraces and private jacuzzis. Airy and bright with calming neutral palettes and sumptuous furnishings, most rooms have sea views. Roomy marble bathrooms – most with tubs and walk-in showers – are well stocked with Almablu’s own-brand products. Check in to the fabulous Loft Suites if you’re looking to impress.
To Eat
Sicilian Chef Salvatore Pullara heads up the Mediterra Restaurant and serves up moreish Italian cuisine, innovative salads and deconstructed desserts. There’s also a daily wellbeing menu – each is served with a smoothie shot. Wellbeing dishes are calorie counted and arrive with a card detailing the nutrients in each dish.
At breakfast, you’ll find a sumptuous buffet laden with pastries, fruits, a good selection of healthy berries and seeds and a choice of lactose-free yoghurts and gluten-free breads.
Don’t Miss
Almar Jesolo is a 50-minute car and boat ride from Venice, so a trip to The Floating City is a must and doable in a day. The concierge can organise private transfers or a taxi and ticket for the bus boat to St Mark’s Square.