Health Spas & Hammams
Spain: Europe's Spa
Spain with its privileged climate and strategic location has always been a melting pot. Successive peoples have inhabited the peninsula contributing to the rich cultural intricacies that we so enjoy today. The Greeks, Romans and Moors left behind the architectural remnants of a water culture that included aqueducts, irrigation channels, bath houses and enclosed hot springs. Our contemporary interest in wellness has led to a revival of "taking the waters," day spa sojourns and spa resort get aways.
Number one in the European Union for aesthetic medicine, Spain's wellness tourism is a flourishing industry and southern Spain alone attracts over 5 million visitors annually. Spain offers one of Europe's richest, most attractive and varied range of health-based resorts. The vast majority of historical spas are thermal centres which offer mineral-rich, medicinal waters and are situated in luxuriously beautiful natural surroundings, close to mountains, beaches and forests. Parallel to these historic health resorts are modern state-of-the-art spas designed to bring harmony to both mind and body.
Indulging in a brief period of replenishing relaxation or pampering yourself to a residential treatment can do wonders for the body and soul.
Traditional Health Spas
Years ago, balnearios, health spas, were the rage in Spain. Scattered across Spain there are hundreds of these traditional bathes, many of Roman or Arabic origin. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Spanish aristocracy swayed by the Renaissance interest in antiquity, rediscovered the virtues of the water culture and developed a passion for thermal hot springs, mineral enriched waters and mud bathes. In the 19th century the Victorian structures we associate with classic spas were built coinciding with the industrial revolution. After the Civil War many of these lovely centres fell into disuse, however, thanks to a lively economy and an increase in alternative health awareness many have been reopened and modernised.
carratraca spa resort : a mountain spa
A jewel of a spa is the Balneario de Carratraca which, after years of inactivity and oblivion, is currently being renovated to its original 19th century splendour. Legends have bathed in its ever so slightly radioactive waters: Lord Byron, Alexandre Dumas and Rainer Maria Rilke. Heart throb Antonio Banderas, whose family used to live in the village, has been spotted there. The sulphurous waters maintain a year round temperature of 18 degrees and are famous for their therapeutic benefits in the treatment of rheumatism, gynaecological and dermatological afflictions. Many people drive up from the Coast to fill bottles of drinking water which is famed for its crystal clear refreshing taste. Also being renovated is "Hotel El Príncipe," whose construction was originally ordered by King Fernando VII. Carratraca is a nice day trip and is located in the Guadalhorce Valley, 6 kilometres from Ardales, at a distance of 53 kilometres from Málaga.
balneario de torrox
The Tolox Spa is the second most famous historic spa in Málaga and has been continuously open since 1871. The Balneario's waters are famed to cure respiratory ailments and it is first in the world as far as child patients are concerned. Last summer over 1,500 children used the spa. The clientele is primarily Spanish, however there is an increasing trend in foreigners becoming regular visitors.
Located at 55 kilometres from Málaga and 45 kilometres from the Costa del Sol, the newly improved installations are open mornings and afternoons from May 1st through October 31st. A fifteen day, twice daily session is reasonably priced at 150 euros. The Balneario resort hotel has a capacity of 88 persons so with over 4,000 annual visitors, many of the summer guests rent local village houses.
Tel: 952 487 901
www.balneariodetolox.com
baños de hedionda
An unusual find is located in the municipality of Casares, just behind Manilva: Roman bathes open to the public free-of-charge! Dating from the 1st century BC local legend has it that Julius Caesar, while Governor of Southern Spain, cured himself of a skin complaint as a result of bathing in these sulphuric waters. The sulphur content does smell a bit like eggs gone bad and the water is a tad milky white, but once you get over these trifling details, the truth is that the water is spectacular for your skin! A five minute dip makes your skin and hair feel like satin. The baths are off the beaten path, in a secluded spot, and although busy at the weekend, mid week it is generally quiet. Take a towel, a friend and a picnic!
How to get there: A7/N-340 Coast Road - Between km 146 (Sabinillas) and km 145 there is a roundabout where there is a sales office for Andalucian Dream Homes. Turn inland signposted for Rastro Domingo (Sunday Market) and the Roman Oasis. The Roman Oasis/Inner Sanctum is located approximately 3 kilometres up this road on the right hand side (Camino Sabinillas / Casares) and the Roman baths are a bit further up on the right.
Wellness Culture
The majority of four and five star hotels along the Costa del Sol and inland offer complete health and beauty services to their clientele as an essential complement to their traditional services. Many of the hotels allow non-guests to use the gym/spa facilities on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
agh estepona
The hotel has an exclusive, modern and fully equipped Spa of some 2,000 square metres, offering the latest technology in beauty treatments and wellness. You can enjoy the many facilities such as the dynamic pool (volcano of water, waterbeds and chairs with therapeutic jets streams, spa circuit, area for body and beauty treatments and programmes designed for body and mind.) The holistic philosophy of the Spa has been created to achieve physical and mental equilibrium of the individual.
Tel: 952 889 040
www.aghhoteles.com
almenara golf hotel, elysium spa - sotogrande
The Elysium Spa is situated on an impressive 46,000 square metre private estate of lush gardens with vistas of the Almenara Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Package visits range from one to six days. Pampered with beauty treatments, hydro massage and anti-stressed you can also work out to become more physically fit. A popular treatment is "Beauty & Relax" - a six-day package, including daily Turkish bath, "Sissley" facial and a special mineral salt bath.
Tel: 956 582 000
www.hotelalmenara.com
atalaya park golf hotel & resort - estepona
Sauna, Turkish baths, jacuzzi, therapeutic massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, indoor outdoor pool, hydrotherapy, complete beauty salon treatment with hairdressing, facial and body treatments. Membership begins at 60€ monthly or 15€ per visit.
Tel: 952 889 000
www.atalaya-park.es
beatriz hotel - fuengirola
Thalassotherapy Centre with three different zones: The Hydrothermal Circuit has hydromassage pools, jacuzzi relax, seawater spray cave, cold water tub, waterfalls, ice spring, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, etc. There are cabins for therapeutic and aesthetic treatments: Shower "Vichy", nasal shower, jet shower, thermal shower, hydromassage baths, treatments with machines, etc. Offered individually or in groups; alternative therapies like yoga, tai-chi, chi-kung, shiatsu, meditation, etc.
Tel: 928 826 126
www.beatrizspa.com
hotel la bobadilla - loja, granada
60 kilometres from the city of Málaga is the Bobadilla Hotel, acclaimed by the highly regarded Johansens guide from publishers Condé Nast as the "Best Hotel in the Countryside in Europe 2005". The Spa is for guests only and has a gymnasium, heated counter-current swimming pool, thermal deckchairs, dynamic swimming pool with neck hydromassage and hydrotherapy, contrast hot-cold shower, scent shower with colour therapy, sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage bath, private suite with two hydromassage baths; relaxing or stimulating, with colour therapy. Pressure hydrojet treatment, 5 massage and beauty cabins, solarium, and foot bathetic.
Tel: 902 101 001
www.barcelo.com
caledonia golf - los flamingos - marbella
Located near Cancelada this hotel has a fully outfitted gym and spa including sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish baths, aromatherapy, heated indoor pool, hydrotherapy, full body chocolate treatment, wine and fangotherapy. A wide variety of massages are available: reflexology, therapeutic, stone, foot and shiatsu. The hotel beauty salon is open from 11:00 to 20:00 and offers hairdressing, facial and body treatments. Hotel guests only.
Tel: 952 889 999
www.hotelcaledoniagolf.com
hotel las dunas - estepona
The newly renovated Serenity Spa has stunning treatment suites, including one for couples and features two saunas and a hammam, Kneipp showers, several whirlpools and beauty treatments using the best cosmetic brands, such as Ligne St. Barth and Kanebo. The Hair Lounge is managed by David, the Coast's most famous hair stylist. The hotel's Fitness Centre is furnished with the latest training equipment and has three heated outdoor swimming pools.
Tel: 952 809 400
www.las-dunas.com
gran hotel benahavís spa - benahavís
The spa is quite complete with three jacuzzis (at different temperatures) a steam room with chromotherapy /aromatherapy, Finnish sauna, mist showers, Vichy shower, fangotherapy, full body chocolate treatment, plunge pool with 3 massage decks, hydrobath, Thai & Swedish massage, reflexology, dynamic pool, a gym and a beauty salon that offers hairdressing, facial and body treatments. Gym / spa memberships from 58€ monthly or 25€ per visit (treatment prices includes spa visit)
Tel: 902 504 862
www.granhotelbenahavis.com
gran hotel elba estepona & thalasso spa - estepona
Stunning views of the sea from the terrace-garden! This leading European thalassotherapy centre is fully equipped with dynamic pools, counter currents, jacuzzis, water beds, saunas, Turkish baths, thermal pools, contrast and aroma showers, relaxation areas with heated seats, Japanese garden, eco-bar, etc. State-of-the-art thalassotherapy technology, including tubs, jets, underwater shower massage, seaweed wraps, parafangos and massage rooms.
Tel: 952 794 308
www.hoteleselba.com
gran hotel guadalpín marbella & spa - marbella
Centrally located in Marbella, this fully equipped spa is a great hit! An individual treatment area with hydrotherapy bath, booths with beds and a booth with ultraviolet rays. Dynamic pool, hydrotherapy circuit for full aquatic massage, massage / relaxation beds have been added. The fangotherapy treatments use contrasting hot, cold, jet and Vichy showers. The thermal zone has two saunas and contrasting cold nebulised showers, a steam hall and two hammans where Turkish massage is offered.
The Fitness Centre membership starts at 85€ monthly or a single visit 50€.
Tel: 952 899 499
www.granhotelguadalpin.com
gran hotel guadalpín byblos - mijas
The talasotherapy centre has three indoor seawater pools, as well as several treatment cabins, a sauna and a gym. The aim of talasotherapy is to enrich the body with iodine, sulphur, calcium and magnesium by heating the salt water. At body temperature, 37 degrees Celsius, these components penetrate the skin and promote regeneration.
Note: Entry is not permitted under age eighteen. On site, La Prairie beauty centre offers treatments that dramatically delay the ageing process of the skin as well as facials, depilation, full body peeling, manicure and pedicure. Open mornings 10:00 - 14:00 and afternoons 16:00 - 20:00, closed Sundays. The hairdresser, Bernard Crespo has his salon open mornings 10:00 - 13:00 and afternoons 16:00 - 20:00, closed on Sundays.
Tel: 952 473 050
www.granhotelguadalpin.com
gran hotel guadalpín banús - puerto banús
The Fitness Centre is open daily from 07:00 - 24:00 Membership starts at 55€ month, drop ins are 20€ a day. There is a shuttle bus free of charge that takes guests over to the Gran Hotel and Spa in Marbella. Cebado hair salon is on the premises; services include manicure / pedicure, make-up and hair-removal treatments. Open daily 11:00 - 20:00.
Tel: 952 899 700, Appointments: 952 818 703
www.granhotelguadalpin.com
incosol - marbella
An advanced medical centre with a therapeutic Spa and a 5 Star Luxury Hotel that offers a multitude of techniques, treatments and programmes to care for your health and well-being. Weight loss, cardiovascular and routine checkups, rehabilitation of back injuries.
Urb. Golf Río Real
Tel: 952 860 909
www.incosol.com
kempinski hotel bahía - estepona
The Polly Mar Spa has a heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and a small gym. What is so nice about the spa are the treatments! All kinds of massage: Asian, Thai, ayurvedic, shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, total body.
Body treatments galore are a la carte: body scrubs, mud packs, vichy shower, traditional regenerative and energetic facials and of course manicure and pedicure. The Spa has three to seven day packages available, with different prices, depending on your needs.
Tel: 952 808 399
www.kempinski-spain.com / www.polly-vital.com
hotel meliá costa del sol - torremolinos
Situated on the Paseo Marítimo in Bajondillo Beach, this talassotherapy health centre uses sea water for therapeutic aims and features two heated swimming pools, jacuzzis, hydromassage, Finnish sauna and steam bath. There is a professional beauty salon and on staff there is a team of professional phsyiotherapists, hydrotherapists and masseurs. You can try a fresh fruit massage for a novel experience.
Treatment packages are available, including hotel accommodation, at affordable prices.
Tel: 952 386 677
www.hotelmeliacostadelsol.com
hotel paraíso - estepona
The Centre of Traditional Chinese and Natural Medicine is located in the gardens of the Hotel El Paraíso and offers traditional Chinese and natural methods of treatment. Through an agreement with the most modern and largest clinic in Peking, "The China-Japan Friendship Hospital," highly trained and experienced doctors come for 2 years to work with the staff doctors. A complete programme of natural cures, based on Chinese and European plant remedies and treatments including acupuncture oxygen and ozone therapy and homeopathy is offered. The gym has Turkish bath, saunas, an indoor and an outdoor heated swimming pool and a jacuzzi.
Tel: 952 884 936 / 952 885 095
www.medichina.com
hammams
Also known as Turkish bathes, were originally built in Spain during the Moorish occupation. Combining four elements: damp and dry heat, cold water and massage, a hammam visit is totally relaxing yet invigorating. The bath houses are generally dimly or candle lit with a series of heated rooms with temperatures varying between 40 - 45 oC. Many hotel spas have Turkish baths / hammams in their installations.
hammam in málaga
Málaga's Turkish bath is housed in the centre, near the Plaza Merced in the former Jewish Quarter. The building is an 18th century two story home which has been converted into a series of heated rooms with flowing water. Included in the entry fee is a bath wrap, a towel, a bowl and even slippers!
C/ Tomás de Cózar 13
Tel: 952 212 327
open: 10:00 - 22:00
www.elhammam.com
granada's arabic baths
...are beautifully decorated, with geometric mosaics and fine lattice work arches. There are two bathing pools.
C/ Santa Ana 16 (Just below the Alhambra in Granada)
Tel: 958 229 978
open: 10:00 - 11:30
www.hammamspain.com
medina califal hammam
...located in old town Córdoba near the Mosque and the main Cathedral, has 3 halls and 6 pools: 1 warm; 2 cold; 3 hot.
Tel: 957 484 746
open: 10:00 - 11:30
www.hammamspain.com