Cult facialist Susan Ciminelli’s Venice retreat

Four days of indulgence at Aman’s 16th-century palazzo

For beauty devotees around the world, the name of New York-based facialist Susan Ciminelli is mentioned in hushed awe – and her private phone number jealously guarded. But later this year and in 2017, there will be four chances (in November, December and March) to spend four days (from €6,540 per person) with Ciminelli at the 16th-century palazzo Aman hotel in Venice, where she will give consultations, treatments and insights on achieving and maintaining the “Ciminelli glow”.

The trip includes several group classes, as well as one private class. One of the standout treatments is the Terme di Salsomaggiore Lissagio, exclusive to Aman Venice, using waters and white salt from the thermal spa town of Salsomaggiore, which are transported to the hotel and mixed with olive oil for a deep detoxifying and toning massage. The Salsomaggiore spa salt is also available for the daily healing in-room bath, included in the retreat.

But it is not just about the face and body. Each day, walks to see Venice’s sights are designed to bring beauty to the senses and the soul – from the Guggenheim art walk, which takes in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, to the Accademia art walk, which explores the monumental estate of Accademia Galleries, to a walk through the lacework of canals, domes and gilded spires of the Veneto capital.

Good to know too that the spa also offers a foot treatment with Himalayan salts specially designed to restore feet tired out from a day exploring Venice, while restorative meals are packed full of healing and purifying ingredients, and wines are organic.