When thinking about Gran Canaria,
images of volcanic rock and family holidays tend to spring to mind
but in recent years, this popular Canary Island has been busily
building up its status as a dream destination for the discerning spa
lover. There are many advantages to visiting the isle for UK-based
tourists, including the short four-hour flight time, identical time
zone and year-round sunshine, and with the recent surge in quality
and affordable spa hotels on offer, there are now even more reasons
to visit.
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| Lopesan Villa del Conde: our home for the trip |
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The Maspalomas region, situated at the
southern tip of the Spanish archipelago, just a 30-minute drive from
Las Palmas airport, is the main focus of the regeneration. Its
enviable location – being at the south of the island, rather than
the north – means far less wind and much more sunshine.
Furthermore, access to long stretches of unspoilt beach and Gran
Canaria
’s iconic sand
dunes make for an idyllic spot.
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| Maspalomas sand dunes |
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The first day we arrived, my boyfriend
and I were invited to experience an Ocean View Jacuzzi at the
thalasso – the name for a spa that uses seawater – at the Lopesan
Villa del Conde hotel. The Ocean View Suites, four exclusive
treatment rooms which open to the ocean, complete with jacuzzis and
private terraces, are the pearl in the spa’s crown and newlyweds
will love the couples-only Oceanic Paradise Bath. Take a dip by
candle light and soak up the vast ocean views with a bottle of Moet &
Chandon champagne – absolute bliss. We followed the jacuzzi with a
highly-recommended Aloe Vera Wrap treatment where skin is peeled with
salt before being enveloped with aloe vera gel and cream. My skin
felt nourished and renewed – the perfect start to a holiday.
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| Ocean View Jacuzzi at Lopesan Villa del Conde |
The second Lopesan hotel spa we visited
was no less impressive. The four-star Costa Melonoras
Corallium Spa is inspired by the volcanic nature of the island and
its Spa Circuit Experience takes visitors on a journey around the
world via its 3,500 sq. metre hydrothermal circuit. Guests are invited to spend their time
taking in no less than 12 separate areas that use natural water at
different temperatures, alternating between cold and heat to improve
muscle functioning. Circuit temperatures range from 4C in the world
of ice to 90C in the African sauna, passing through the 14C Kneipp
pool, 35C flotation pool and 45C Turkish bath. In addition, the
thalasso offers massages, facial and body treatments, and outdoor
pools which are for use of the spa guests only.
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| World of Ice |
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If you’re hankering for a slice of
real luxury, there’s only one place to go. As the only member of
‘Leading Hotels of the
World’ on Gran Canaria, the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia oozes
opulence. Predominantly for couples, this exclusive venue is the
height of sophistication. Though its popular spa is quite small, it
offers an impressive array of treatments, including a Detoxifying
Algae Wrap, Chocolate Body Scrub and, my personal favourite, Pantai
Luar. A wonderfully relaxing massage originating from eastern Asia,
the Pantai Luar comprises the body being treated with fragrant fruit
bundles heated in a special oil which is mixed to 140C. After an hour
of this, I guarantee you will feel like you’ve been away for months
rather than days.
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| Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia |
Our final stop was the Gloria Palace
Amadores Thalasso & Hotel in nearby Mog
án.
Designed to reflect the interior of a ship, the hotel boasts stunning
ocean views from all angles. Its large thalasso features a
‘Get
In Shape’ pool designed to work the body by swimming against the
current or using jets for toning and strengthening the calves,
abdomen and back. There are also treatment rooms in which a variety
of massage therapies are offered.
So, if you're looking to completely de-stress and get away from it all but are unable to travel to a far flung, paradise destination, there’s much to say
for the spa hotels of Gran Canaria.
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