The timeless pleasure of being immersed in water

Opened in 2012 among the rolling hills of Valpolicella, the Aquardens spa park is now one of the largest thermal spa centres in Europe. Over the years it expanded from its initial size of 65,000 square metres to the current 110,000 square metres and acquired a growing number of functions, the next step being the construction of a hotel. Designed to offer an escape from reality with the benefits of thermal spa therapy, Aquardens is «an oasis where visitors should feel emotionally, visually and physically satiated, both inside and out», says Giancarlo Marzorati, who designed the architecture and is also involved in the project for the future San Siro spa centre housed in the former De Montel stables in Milan.
An oasis of tranquillity on the outskirts of Verona, the spa park is designed to respect and enhance the surrounding environment, as evidenced by the wall inspired by local stone from Cavaion complete with a scenic waterfall at the entrance to the park, a clear statement of the important role played by water. This invitation to leave the outside world behind is underscored by a red gateway which visitors pass through to enter the main building with its spectacular glazed façade looking out onto the park. This space houses the large reception hall and the interior spa areas, including the large calla lily feature with steam baths, a bar where guests can enjoy a drink seated in the water, and the spa area itself. Further attractions include cavern swimming pool, Turkish baths, relaxation area and one of the three wells with water that emerges at 47°C and is used at 36°C (the temperature difference is used to generate electricity). The park also features several types of saunas, including a landscaped sauna which doubles as a show venue, and a Russian banya built from Swedish timber.
Every space is specially designed «to guarantee users the timeless pleasure of immersing themselves in water», says Marzorati, whether this is spring water, jets of water, salt water, cold or hot water or flowing water, as in the case of the so-called «slow river» which runs from the main building into the outside area. This channelled waterway flows gently towards the two lakes, one hot and one cold, set in the green grounds dotted with airy structures housing saunas and relaxation areas. Different atmospheres and sensory effects are created through the use of colours, lights and finishes that stimulate the whole body, from the eyes down to the soles of the feet. Thermal spas have always been the realm of ceramics, a material that today guarantees the highest levels of technical performance coupled with unique versatility in terms of aesthetics, material and functionality. Mirage supplied tiles from several different collections for the various areas: outside, the Glocal collection for all the walls delimiting the slow river, the lakes and the green islands; inside, the dreamy, metallic effect of Lemmy, which guides visitors to the reception and sales counter of the spa area; the quartzite look of Silverlake for the sauna floors; and the special effect of Norr 2.0 in the changing room toilets, inspired by Ceppo di Gré, a sedimentary stone typical of the Lake Iseo region.