Abano Ritz Hotel Terme ★★★★★

I could sense my sibling's mood lightening as we got off the plane at Venice airport. Who would fail to feel light-hearted arriving in such a city? Abano Terme is a town whose healing thermal waters have long attracted the poorly and the well-to-do. We crossed picturesque farmland to get there, while a grid of vineyards, charming medieval towns and scenes of bucolic idyll paraded past us. The whole trip was planned as a surprise and so each step of the way my sister was like an enchanted kid. But the best look on her face came as we pulled up to the Abano Ritz Hotel Terme. I am sure she totally forgot what's-his-name in that moment.

The Poletto family have run this luxury wellness centre for generations and the devoted team of staff offer a rarely found warmth and friendliness, with an emphasis on tranquillity and exclusivity. We certainly felt as though we had been enfolded in a very happy dream, where some invisible benevolent force was working to ensure we were comfortable and contented at all times. Aesthetically the hotel is beautiful, with grandiose architecture and the original features of the heritage building brought into the present with the best of contemporary design. It was like an aristocratic mansion, with beautiful grounds, chandeliers, regal furniture and original features, put through a contemporary colour wheel and given a good polish. It was totally stylish and totally Italian.

We went for a junior suite so we could have that extra space. The room captured the elegance of Venetian design, with intricate ornate detail woven into the upholstery and the gilt mirrors. The cream and white colour scheme created a calming and luxurious ambience, and we were even offered a choice of pillows and mattresses. Our bathroom was like our own mini spa and I was impressed by the PC and Internet included.

Once we'd settled in a bit, we went to meet a therapy advisor. The wellness hotel doesn’t just rely on its famed waters but goes that extra mile to provide a bespoke therapeutic package. Time is taken to explain the therapies available. There are treatments from all over the world on offer, including massages, facials and aromatherapy. There are acupuncturists, osteopaths, naturopaths and nutritionists, so you can enter as deeply into a healing regime as you want, and not forgetting the personal trainers and a fitness studio. The swimming pools and treatment areas are peaceful and pretty spaces.

After a few days of great food, a beautiful environment, being stretched, prodded and preened to the bone, we both felt that our cells were singing. On the way home I was thinking about how if I mentioned the eight golf courses at Abano Ritz Hotel Terme, there may be a way I could get my husband to return with me! And I have a feeling that my sis was thinking of other things than you know who.