THE SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN

There is a certain something that has quickly made the Mandarin Oriental in Milan (inaugurated just a year ago) the favorite hangout of the Milanese society; that mingles for drinks in the cool Mandarin Bar and for fine dining in the Seta restaurant, where the chef Antonio Guida (one Michelin star) never ceases to surprise with inventive dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. It might be its exceptional location, in the heart of Milan, between the fabled “Triangle of Fashion”, the Dome square, and the artist’s area, Brera; or its original layout (it is a former bank) and the elegant modernistic décor by Italian architects, creating a residential, intimate atmosphere. Equipped with an indoor pool, a luxury in the centre of town, the cozy Spa reflects the guest-oriented credo of the house. Every soin of the wide range of holistic rituals, including treatments inspired by the city (like Exquisite Milan and Opera of the Soul), and beauty treatments using products by the clinic of Brazilian plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy, are custom-made according to each guests needs. The novelty? The anti-aging and whitening facials by Natura Bisse, the iconic Spanish brand loved by celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce’, and Madonna. The Life Infusion facial (90 minutes, € 260) using products of the famous Diamond line, and including exfoliation with glycolic acid, leaves the skin glowing and pearly white. To complete the makeover, a visit to the just inaugurated Hair Salon by star stylist Massimo Serini, responsible for the shiny locks of Hollywood stars like Julianne Moore, Salma Hayek and Kristen Dunst, is a must. A new reason to visit Milan (www.mandarinoriental.com/milan).