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by Madelyn Miller

The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is the only luxury 5-star hotel in Bellagio, the world renowned resort on the shores of Lake Como. The New York Times recently described it as "one of the best hotels in the world in which to stay if you can afford it." Its fame has made it a "must" for visitors to Bellagio who go there to enjoy the town's history, culture, arts and above all, tranquility.

Tucked away from the bustle of the town and highway, the Hotel enjoys a special tranquility and offers its quests a timeless peace and quiet. Even more remarkable, the Hotel is situated right in the center of Bellagio, considered one of the most beautiful and peaceful resorts of Northern Italy's lakes region. The Resort offers visitors a rare and fascinating mix of arts, culture, history, open-air sports activities and memorable scenery. Guests of the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni have a unique opportunity to enjoy the pleasures and facilities of the town, yet at the same time being able to enjoy peace and relaxation by spending restful hours in the Hotel's lakeside gardens. Guests can indulge in long serene walks in the gardens, in perfect peace and tranquility, without ever having to leave the grounds of the Hotel. Or, they can experience a private lakeside beach, a private jetty or an extraordinary fitness center...Just some of the numerous features that combine discretely with the traditional comforts and style of the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

The more energetically-included are also more than catered for, with sports facilities galore against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como and the Lario mountain landscape.

To me, the best part of all was the health spa, Francesco Conti Club in the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Run under auspices of the Club Francesco Conti, one of Italy's best known gyms and health centers. The latest in exercise machines and accessories are complemented by saunas, Turkish and whirlpool baths, mud treatments, beauty spa therapy such as biolifting, massage and tanning salons. The two most unique treatments I've ever experiences, the Onda press and pressoterapia were at this spa.

The Onda press is a cross between a car wash and a medical cat scan. You lay in a warm, mineral-infused bath tub while a large cylindrical tube moves up and down your body. The tube has holes in it and jets of water running through them apply a massage-like pressure to your body. Looks strange but feels great. It is used to stimulate circulation in the lower part of the body in a safe and pleasurable manner. The tub exerts a smooth pressure on legs, thighs and hips which helps drain away detrimental and stagnating fluids. The treatment is especially beneficial for patients' legs, making them feel lithe and strong, free from unsightly swelling and cellulite.

Pressoteropia involves coating the lower part of the body with a seaweed-like paste and then wrapping the body in saran wrap. Next you jump into thick yellow quilted rubber pants that look like fisherman's pants. You lay on a table and the pants rhythmatically inflate and deflate squashing out the toxins and cellulites. This looks sillier and feels worse than the Onda press. But friends who were with me swore they could feel the cellulite disappearing. Some people will do anything for beauty, I'm more into personal pleasure.

In addition, the Center boasts squash and tennis courts, open-air pools, golf, and yoga, aerobics and other exercise classes.

Ensuring that this exercise and healthy living becomes a habit, the Restaurant at the Grand Hotel Serbelloni prides itself on its use of fresh, healthy ingredients in all its dishes.

The Centro Benessere E Bellezza is run by a team of medically-trained specialists who are on hand to devise personalized weight-loss plans as well as programs for controlling stress, cellulite and for general muscle toning. Their special "Programma Oasis" starts on a Monday following a guests expensive medical evaluation, and runs on six days from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A typical day's program includes: body shaping, regaining muscle tone, use of lotions, Onda press, water therapy using mineral salts and natural osmosis pump, pressoterapia, toning facial mask, lunch, stress relieving exercises, physical postures, sulphur gel mud baths and massage.

The "Oasis" program is an ideal opportunity for regaining one's peace of mind after a period of particularly hard work, whether at home or elsewhere, and general stress. The "Oasis" offers the very best equipment and methods for guests desiring a vacation in which they can recover their health and vitality and enhance their physical appearance.

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