A new era of wellness is dawning at the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast in Rapallo with the opening of a portion of the Eden Spa – Fitness & Wellness, an ambitious project designed by Studio Marco Piva. This first stage marks the beginning of a broader development program currently underway, aimed at enhancing the exclusivity of the hotel’s amenities and aligning them with the most advanced trends in the wellness sector.
The large SPA, articulated over multiple levels, has been conceived along two complementary design directives: on the one hand, a conservative restyling and enhancement of existing architectural elements; on the other, a spatial and functional expansion of the wellness facilities, with a design deeply inspired by the Ligurian territory, reinterpreting its forms, colors, and atmospheres.
The choice of materials pays homage to Liguria and its unique landscape, nestled between the crystal-clear blue of the sea and the lush green of the hills. The Verde St. Denis effect finishes, with veining that recalls the reflections and movements of water, have been used to highlight architectural elements and custom furnishings, while surfaces with a travertine-effect coating evoke the Ligurian beaches. The project also incorporates contemporary solutions such as glass, mirrors, and metals, which create plays of reflections and three-dimensionality, enhancing the feeling of immersion in marine vibrations and giving the spaces a zen-like atmosphere that restores harmony with the surrounding environment.
The fluid forms of the sea resonate within the interior architecture, with large portals framed in green marble surrounding the pool and expansive water-effect glass surfaces amplifying its visual depth. A majestic reflective mirrored dome crowns the space, accentuating the double-height volume and conveying a sense of wonder and lightness. Every detail has been meticulously crafted, realizing a truly bespoke project, from fixed furnishings to the full fit-out, establishing a unique and cohesive dialogue between aesthetics, functionality, and personalization.
Light was conceived as a fundamental design element, used to shape and enhance the architecture. Thanks to the SPA’s architectural configuration, which benefits from natural light in several areas, the use of artificial lighting has been minimized. Perimeter LED strips frame architectural elements, while focused spotlights highlight significant details. The lighting intensity is adjustable for optimal visual comfort, and the pool is equipped with an RGB lighting system for evocative visual scenarios.
Water, an archetype of life and a symbol of regeneration, takes center stage in the 68 sqm pool, suspended in a rarefied and atmospheric environment. This space transforms into a sanctuary of peace, where guests can rediscover new forms of well-being. Dedicated neck-massage waterfalls alternate with comfortable hydromassage seating, delivering a deeply immersive and multisensory regenerative experience.
The SPA is designed to meet every relaxation need with diverse and dedicated spaces. On the pool level, a spacious area with intimate proportions and soft lighting offers a private and relaxing environment, while a second area unfolds along the water’s edge. On the upper level, two distinct zones welcome guests: an exclusive panoramic area for couples, featuring an elegant day bed facing directly toward the sea and subtle visual partitions ensuring intimacy and privacy; and an area that overlooks the double-height volume of the pool, opening directly onto the seascape for a complete visual and sensory connection to the breathtaking landscape.
The wellness offerings also include a variety of saunas and steam baths, each designed to meet specific temperature and humidity preferences, complemented by sensory showers that amplify the overall wellness journey.
Construction is currently in progress to further enrich the offerings. Among future innovations, a marine salt-inspired relaxation area, accessible through a natural rock gallery, will lead to a space clad in salt walls radiating 30°C heat, creating a calming environment with a sea view. Another pioneering experience will be the hypersaline floating zone, where guests will float effortlessly in a highly saline pool, immersed in a warm, silent, and sensory-free environment.
The new Eden Spa thus confirms itself as a jewel of architecture and wellness, ready to redefine the concept of luxury and regeneration on the Ligurian Riviera.
