Venice Island has a brand new jewel of a shop tucked away in an elegant pedestrian breezeway off Miami Avenue. It is called Cleopatra’s and offers a truly amazing array of bath and body products.

Cleopatra’s store window presents an intriguing sampling of the objects of tranquility, relaxation and utter indulgence that are for sale inside. “Do Not Disturb” reads a thirsty white bathrobe and towel on a lounge chair, creating the illusion of a luxury spa. Many other beautifully packaged items also catch the eye: By the Sea potpourri and candles, Tahitian Vanilla body lotion and scrubs, and Shower Syrups by Jaqua in deliciously decadent flavors like Tuscan orange, chocolate, buttercream frosting, and caramel cappuccino.

Inside, the shop is just as lovely, with a delicious but not overpowering aroma of exotic scents. Cleopatra herself would have been proud to own this beautiful shop, but it is owned and operated by Irene Bremert, a knowledgeable and creative lady with many years of experience as a stylist and beautician. Irene and her husband have traveled the world, lived in many different countries, and have been living in the United States for over 15 years. They settled in Venice, and “absolutely love it here.” Irene takes great pride in her shop, her repeat customers, and the high level of individualized customer service she is able to provide. She will make every effort to find the right products for her customers.

Cleopatra’s products are of superior quality. Some of Irene’s best sellers are Côté Lavande bath and body products, made with only the highest quality essential lavender oils, and Mineral Care Dead Sea Products, filled with natural treasures – the best nature has to offer.

Irene carries Appalachian Hand Repair Soap and two products for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy: Homeopathic Castile Soap, and Recovery Cream by Quessence. She also carries Jardin de l’Olivier, a French unisex olive oil line popular with her male clients. Irene has aromatherapy diffusers, infant massage kits, all natural sisal brushes, super-absorbent microfiber towels for drying human coiffures, and even similar ones for our canine friends.

Cleopatra’s is full of innovative surprises. In one corner, there is a “soap bar” filled with natural, colorful, fine handmade soaps, displayed in large rectangular chunks. Customers can select a particular soap and with a wire slicer, cut off a piece, as you would a piece of cheese!

Another surprise is a colorful display of large glass bowls filled with fragrant Pacific Bath Salts from San Francisco. Just scoop crystals of your favorite scent, like citrus crush (tangerine and ginger), or vanilla coconut! The bath salts can be gift wrapped to suit any occasion. Whimsical touches include faux Chinese take-out containers with fortune cookie “fizzers” that dissolve in the bathtub and contain words of wisdom and inspiration.

Just for fun, there is the “Kiddie Corner,” which features lots of entertaining items like soap-filled sponges called Spongeables, and Modeling Soap which will amuse children while they wash!

Variety, product quality, and personal attention are all alive and well at Cleopatra’s. It’s a must-see spot for anyone seeking a truly unusual gift.