DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.
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78 DAYSPA | JUNE 2015 GLOBAL SPEAK Ahh, SPAin! From its nature-made riches to its health-conscious inhabitants, Spain is considered the epitome of "spa-friendly". By Lisa Starr Anyone seeking a wellness-oriented spa getaway needs to put Spain at the top of her list. First, there's the country's fantastic climate—many parts see more than 300 sunny days per year. Then there's the setting: hundreds of miles of beaches thanks to a prime loca- tion between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Throw in friendly people and delicious local cuisine, and you'd be hard-pressed to fi nd a more ideal spot to enjoy a spa visit. And Spain makes it easy, with plenty of varieties to choose from, ranging from day spas and termas (hot springs or baths) to fabulous resorts and destination spas. This country of 46 million people was hit hard by the Eurozone fi nancial crisis, but despite an unemployment rate hovering at 23%, Spain's populace still frequents spas—and the low prices also attract a healthy number of tourists. Lending a hand in supporting and promot- ing the industry is the Spanish National Spa Association (ANBAL, balnearios.org), founded more than 100 years ago. All ANBAL members—there are about 60 operat- ing in Spain today, entertaining visitors and vacationers from across Europe—are required to offer medicinal- quality mineral waters. In addition to ANBAL, there are numerous regional and modality-oriented websites, such as spa-in-spain.com and grancanariawellness.com, that have popped up to help guide prospective visitors in fi nding the right spa. SPAS BY REGION Centrally located, Madrid has been the capital of Spain since the mid-16th century. Due to its high altitude, this lively city of 6.5 million people enjoys warm, dry sum- mers. Here, a wide range of spa and beauty treatments can be experienced in facilities ranging from local beauty emporiums such as Chi Spa (thechispa.com) in the upscale Salamanca district to more wellness-oriented facilities that offer facials, massages and body treat- ments. Close to the Plaza Mayor, the famous open-air square, is the Hammam Al Andalus (madrid.hammam alandalus.com/en), one of four throughout Spain, where guests can enjoy a massage or hammam treatment, or descend into its inviting public baths and steam rooms. PHOTO COURTESY JUMEIRAH PORT SOLLER HOTEL & SPA, MALLORCA