Article published on May 1, 2016 in LF Guides
The Best Urban Spas in Barcelona
Eixample
Majestic Hotel Spa
This iconic hotel’s neoclassical facade has long been a notable fixture on world-famous shopping street Paseo de Gracia, just 100 metres from Gaudí’s Casa Batlló. Though the exterior remains untouched, an ornate and beautiful reminder of the city’s golden era, the interior has been subject to a supremely stylish makeover, complete with rooftop swimming pool and terrace with breath-taking panoramic views of Barcelona. Located on the top floor of the building, the spa is bright and airy, designed to offset the everyday stress of urban living with steam baths, a sauna and a wonderful range of treatments. Close to Plaça Catalunya and the city’s major tourist attractions, this is the ultimate spot for complete indulgence in the heart of the city.
Passeig de Gràcia 68
www.hotelmajestic.es
Rituels d’Orient
Restore tired, lacklustre skin with a traditional Moroccan Hamman at this middle-eastern inspired haven just off Diagonal. This compact spa’s ideal location in the heart of the popular business district makes for a fantastic quick fix during a lunch break. With steamy Turkish baths and authentic, organic scrub treatments (you will be scrubbed to within an inch of your life) leave rejuvenated, with a glowing complexion in no time.
C/Loreto 50
www.rituelsdorient.com
Spaciomm At Hotel Omm
The Hotel Omm is a calming sanctuary in its own right, with crisp lines and minimalist seating. No wonder, then, that upon entering the naturally lit, earth-tone hued SpaciOmm, it is almost impossible to recall that one is still in the centre of vibrant Barcelona, such is the overcoming Zen therein.
Their relaxation room is one of the most impressive we have seen – with space age “gravitational beds” which actually rock up and down to sooth the occupant into feeling weightless (and inevitably into childlike slumber). The space also boasts Chromotherapy, a series of gently shifting colours and lights to balance energy and refresh even the most haggard of spectators. The range of treatments is equally impressive, with a plethora of specialised massage services on offer. We have it on high authority that their Oxygen Therapy cellular regeneration programme is one of the most effective skincare treatments in all of Barcelona. The complimentary 30 minute Pilates session is also second-to-none, as is their beautiful terrace, drenched in sunshine – ideal for some obligatory post-spa vitamin D.
C/Rosselló 265
www.hotelomm.es/spa
Mayan Luxury Spa El Palace Hotel Barcelona
Inspired by the fascinating culture of Latin American people, Mayan Luxury Spa in the Hotel El Palace is a completely unique wellness space. Ancient rituals and traditional treatments include a volcanic black sand scrub, and a pre-hispanic sauna experience, whereby the space is filled with heated volcanic stones then sprinkled with medicinal herbs to elicit purifying steam. One of the more unusual spa treatments on offer is the sacred Temazcal “Mayan Rebirth” Ritual”, a spiritual healing ceremony led by the Temazcaltzin o Chamán and performed inside the Temazcal itself (a space symbolizing mother earth). Something a bit different!
Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes 668
www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com/en/mayan-luxury-spa
Chip a nail? In need of a quick pick me up? Less luxe but very handy, French Kiss Beauty is a supremely girly salon conveniently located at Portal de l’Àngel with a range of reasonably priced treatments and friendly staff.
Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel 23 1º Planta
www.frenchkissbeauty.com
Gràcia
Floatarium
Barcelona’s first zero gravity anti-stress centre may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but the concept at Gràcia’s Flotarium is simple: spend an hour floating within an enormous, womb-like futuristic egg filled with 600 litres of mineral water and feel the exceptionally relaxing effects of complete weightlessness. As the water is incredibly salty, the body floats effortlessly (much like in the dead sea). The health benefits of zero gravity include deep relaxation, production of endorphins (you can never have too many endorphins), absorption of magnesium and other minerals, and relief from aches and pains (removing all pressure from joints helps the spine realign itself).
The complete darkness and quiet may be initially alarming, but sensory deprivation is said to induce the deepest possible relaxation and encourage creative thinking! Though it doesn’t sound like an experience for the faint of heart, the staff are warm, friendly and reassuring.
If the idea of being deprived of all senses in a dark isolation chamber doesn’t float your boat (pom pom), or for those of a claustrophobic disposition, they do offer the option to float with the door open, music and lights on.
Plaça Narcís Oller 3
www.flotarium.com
El Born
Aire de Barcelona
A couple of minutes from the lush city-centre oasis Parc de la Ciutadella, Aire de Barcelona is set beneath whitewashed arches in a beautifully restored underground Arabian bathhouse.
Surrounded by the medieval remains of Barcelona, these incredibly atmospheric caverns offer a series of hot and cold thermal pools with healing properties, much the same as ancient Roman public baths. Flickering candlelight bounces off the rough stone walls to a soothing soundtrack of gentle water sounds lapping in the many pools.
Aire is one of the city’s most popular urban spas, so we always recommend booking well in advance – the starting package includes two hours of bliss with endless cups of steamy sweet fresh mint tea and a complimentary hamam steam bath. Additional massages and exfoliation treatments on hot marble can be added too. Starting from just €29, this is also one of the city’s most affordable comprehensive spa experiences.
Passeig de Picasso 22
www.airedebarcelona.com
Acqua Bliss Fish Spa
Not a typical day spa, Acqua Bliss was established by charismatic owner David following his travels in the Far East (he often welcomes patrons with a story or two). They specialise in the popular “Doctor Fish” treatment, whereby dozens of tiny fish called Garra Rufa leave feet feeling soft by er, nibbling any dead skin. Gruesome as it sounds, it really is effective and actually feels quite pleasant. Their signature package includes complimentary Cava, a session with a tank of doctor fish, followed by a rejuvenating foot massage – the full shebang. They also offer traditional manicures and pedicures and have a dedicated massage room, with a full range of back and full body massages (no fishes in sight).
The space has been fully interior designed, with friendly service and free WiFi – ideal for revitalising heavy legs after a stroll through the Born’s charming streets.
C/Comtal 33
www.aquabliss.es
Beachfront
Bliss At W Barcelona
The majestic sail-like structure of the W Hotel has become an integral feature of Barcelona’s iconic skyline. What better, then, than to indulge in a spot of pampering somewhere so special?
The playful Bliss group was founded in New York and boasts some incredible branches in some of the most luxurious locations around the world. Its Barcelona space is no exception, set throughout an expansive 7,500 square foot duplex, with exceedingly impressive facilities and many of the signature Bliss touches that fans of the brand elsewhere will know and love, including a creative menu of (supremely effective) treatments, rhythm and blues background music and a delicious brownie buffet.
Yes indeed – no green juices or thrice filtered glacier water here – Bliss is all about nourishing the soul as well as the body. Slip into unadulterated Bliss with one of their signature facials (indispensible staple of many a well known face), or one of their uber-stress relieving deep tissue packages.
Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents 1
www.blissworld.com
43 The Spa At Hotel Arts Barcelona
The supremely elegant 43 is housed on the (you guessed it) 43rd floor of seafront landmark Hotel Arts. The spa is completely unique in that it boasts spectacular panoramic views of the city’s sensational coastline from every treatment room. The spa is also flooded with natural light, making for an uplifting, invigorating experience high above the bustling beachfront promenade below. With 8 treatment rooms, dedicated wet zones, saunas + steam room combo and an ice fountain (!!) 43 The Spa is considered by many to be one of Europe’s most spectacular wellness spaces. Surely one of the most extravagant treatments out there, the 2h20 minute Sublime Diamond Journey involves a full body exfoliation with real diamond dust, followed by intense magnetic therapy, a trio of massage styles, Eastern-inspired facial, a series of Ayurvedic stretches and a cascade of tiny seashells! Sign me up!
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/spain/barcelona/spa
Zona Alta
Zen Zone Spa At Gran Hotel La Florida
Known for its staggeringly beautiful views across the entire city and out to the glittering Mediterranean, the enchanting Gran Hotel La Florida floats dream-like 500m above Barcelona. The elegant hotel’s Zen Zone Spa by French skincare giant L’Occitane is a calming, shabby-chic styled country haven inspired by the lavender fields of Summertime in Provence, ideal for escaping the city far below. The Absolute Lift facial is renowned for leaving patrons plumped and glowing, while the traditional Japanese Ampuku massage is unique to the region. For optimum wellbeing, the Zen Zone has a spectacular swimming pool and deck (with those aforementioned 5 star views), a state of the art fitness centre and snuggly relaxation room.
Ctra Vallvidrera al Tibidabo 83-93
www.hotellaflorida.com/zen_zone_spa
