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LUXURY SPA IN PORTOPICCOLO

Alberto Apostoli designed the new SPA in Portopiccolo, jewel of the Gulf of Trieste.

In April 2017, in the elegant seaside village of Portopiccolo, the new SPA designed by Studio Alberto Apostoli and commissioned by Rizzani De Eccher and Bakel was inaugurated. Built in the abandoned Sistiana Bay quarry a few miles from Trieste, Portopiccolo is a contemporary eco-sustainable village including several sea-view residences, a harbour, one of the best Italian beach-clubs, boutiques, bars, restaurants and a 5-star hotel. The SPA complex is one of the last pieces of the village and spreads over three levels covering an area of 3,600 sqm. The spaces are collective and choral on the ground floor, becoming more intimate and private on the upper floors.

The seaside village of Portopiccolo, a few miles from Trieste.

The “fan” shaped ground level accommodates the reception, playrooms, conference rooms, hairstylist, training pool and changing rooms leading to the existing external pools.

On the first floor there is a relaxation area facing a wide in-out pool equipped with various kinds of water playing. The area also includes emotional showers, Kneipp path, hammam, saunas, salt cave, gym, bar, restaurant and conference room.

With a breathtaking view over the sea, the last floor is entirely devoted to the beauty SPA and includes waiting lounge, beauty treatments, private suites, Kneipp path, sauna, steam bath, emotional showers, relaxation rooms, cold water tub and saltwater pool.

The design idea follows the genius loci of the cliffs overlooking the sea, alternating natural-coloured stone with the transparency of glass aiming at intensifying the osmosis between the exterior and the interior. The curved colonnade is enhanced by the contrasting stoneware floor, imposing Corten steel portals and a series of timber laths built in the dropped ceilings. Apostoli’s expertise in the wellness sector allowed the most efficiency and reliability in the MEP design process and aimed at reducing energy consumption by using renewable sources.