I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a weekend away for a bit of pampering. As I also love travelling, I often try to combine the two and give myself the chance to explore somewhere new and relax at the same time.
One city that’s caught my eye recently is Madrid and I think it looks just perfect for a chilled out city break. It’s got everything I’d usually look for on this sort of trip, with plenty of luxury city-centre hotels, outstanding restaurants and excellent day spas.
For me, the key to unwinding and really enjoying a short break away is to do something I very rarely do at home – treat myself to a day of total pampering at a wellness centre. I’m still planning my trip to Spain, but I’ve come up with a list of a few of its top spas in Madrid to give you some inspiration in case you also need some R and R.
Panpuri Organic Spa
Calle Lagasca 90
Plaza Colon, Madrid, Spain
What caught my eye about Panpuri Organic Spa was its extensive range of treatments with a Thai or Oriental twist. In fact, the whole centre is decorated to give you a taste of Asian opulence and the treatments certainly seem to offer a fantastic level of luxury.
The Moonlight Massage is one option that really stands out, because this two-hour therapy combines Thai massage, aromatherapy, acupressure and Reiki, ensuring no part of your body is still tense by the end of it.
There’s also an excellent selection of organic body treatments that involve exfoliation, massages, body masks and cleansing rituals – sumptuous!
Caroli Health Club
Wellington Hotel
Calle Velazquez 8, Madrid, Spain
The Caroli Health Club at the Wellington Hotel was singled out as one of the four best spas in Madrid by Elite Traveller magazine, which definitely makes it worth a look if you’re hoping for all out luxury.
There are some truly opulent treatments on offer here – such as the champagne facial – while Elite Traveller praised the centre for its attentive staff and tailored approach to spa and beauty therapy.
For a really comprehensive treatment, try the Thermal Circuit, which has been developed based on Roman spa techniques and involves numerous stages to invigorate and relax the body and mind.
Hammam Ayala
Calla Ayala 126
Plaza Colon, Madrid, Spain
At Hammam Ayala you can get a taste of Middle Eastern beauty and wellness treatments in the authentic Turkish hammam. What I really love about this place is that your time is rounded off with tea and pastries in the relaxation room – so it’s a truly indulgent day.
Before you get to your tea and pastries, though, you’ve got to decide which treatment(s) to have, which looks pretty tough. There’s a standard Turkish bath experience that involves a steam bath with eucalyptus oil, a body scrub and a mud mask, as well as an array of traditional Turkish massages.
Chi Spa
Calle Conde de Aranda 6, Madrid, Spain
The first thing I noticed about this place is that they totally ban mobile phones – so you’re not going to get interrupted by your (or anyone else’s) phone going off at an inappropriate time. This also lets you completely disconnect from everyday life and really unwind.
Aromatherapy treatments are on offer, while visitors can also make use of the centre’s hydrotherapy room. You can even book a skincare or nutrition consultation with one of its in-house experts if you want to take the healthy-living vibe home with you.