DESTINATION FOCUS
Cities are exciting, enticing but often exhausting with so much to see and do – which is why it is always good to have a peaceful port of call, and relax in one of the great luxury spas now available. Jo Foley nvestigates the chill factor of four top city spas.
Big City Spas BARCELONA – Mandarin Oriental
One of the most glamorous hotels in this city can be found on its most glamorous street, the Passeig de Gracia, almost next door to Gaudi’s Battlo building. Once a bank, now it is a re-vamped treasure trove of opulence and comfort.
Best of all, it has an exquisite large
courtyard garden, which is divided into sections, like rooms, for eating, drinking or simply relaxing. Its rooftop dipping pool not only helps cool you down but also affords some amazing views of the city. The spa is even more glamorous with its eight treatment rooms, two couples
suites and two Oriental treatment rooms complete with vitality baths. Add to that a lap pool, a herbal steam room, rainforest experience showers, a fitness centre (complete with personal trainers) and a special spa boutique, and you have everything you need to relax and refresh from the rigours of a big city. There is an extensive list of treatments
to choose from and all guests are asked to arrive 30-45 minutes early to enjoy all the thermal specials with showers, pool and steam. Renowned for its Oriental take on treatments, it also specialises in Spanish rituals, such as the Barcelona Spring, which uses indigenous herbs, salts and olive oil. This begins with a foot ritual using mint and sage (great for cooling), followed by an olive oil, mint and salt scrub, after which you get a full body aromatherapy massage with hot stones. This is one of the few places where
you can also enjoy a Linda Metcalf facial. Try her 02 one, which gives a true oxygen boost.
More info:
www.mandarinoriental.com/ barcelona
46 WORLD OF CRUISING I Spring 2012
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