Global Speak: Ahh, SPAin!

From its nature-made riches to its health-conscious inhabitants, Spain is considered the epitome of “spa-friendly”.

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & SpaJumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa


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 location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Throw in friendly people and delicious local cuisine, and you’d be hard-pressed to find 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 financial 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 promoting the industry is the Spanish National Spa Association (ANBAL, balnearios.org), founded more than 100 years ago. All ANBAL members—there are about 60 operating 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 finding the right spa.

To read more about Spain’s spas, check out the digital edition of our June issue.

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