Exotic spa experiences on the Costa Blanca
For a taste of the exotic without leaving Europe the new Thai Spa at the chic 5 star Barceló Asia Gardens, which opened on the Costa Blanca in February 2009, brings together the traditional Thai philosophies of peace, calm and harmony to create one of the most authentic Thai spa experiences in the whole of Spain.
This authenticity also extends to the spa therapists who have all trained at the renowned National School of Thai Massage in the famous Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, and the use of prime quality natural products from the Thai brand Harnn & Thann. The therapists have also brought with them a range of traditional Thai therapies including the classic ‘Nuad Thai’ massage, the ‘Look Pra Khob’ and ‘Nuad Thai’- a massage using herbal compresses with traditional massage, and the ‘Nuad Thao’ foot massage.
In addition, the spa also offers a range of other eastern style treatments from Ayurvedic medicine, reflexology and Reiki to a Balinese Lomi Lomi treatment and Hot Stones, as well as a series of facial treatments, body peeling, hydrating treatments and bath therapies.
Barceló Asia Gardens is set in an acre of pine forest and built on three levels into the foothills of the striking Sierra Cortina Mountains. Its lush fragrant gardens, which include over 60 varieties of plants and meandering water features, cascade down through the resort, creating an idyllic Asian ambiance with soothing sounds and eastern scents.
312 spacious and elegantly appointed Balinese style guest rooms and suites combine oriental black lacquered woodwork with eastern style furniture that is brought up-to-date with the latest cutting edge audio technology and all enjoy a private terrace or balcony with picturesque views of the mountains, sea and gardens.
The Asian style setting for the spa is in a quiet area of the hotel and treatments take place in a choice of five light and spacious interior double private cabins, where couples can unwind together. Three of these have direct access to a private garden, as well as a petal strewn spa bath and separate shower. Two of the cabins have Tatami style beds for Thai massage and reflexology and three have raised beds where scrubs, wraps, aroma massages and the Ayurvedic treatments are offered.
In addition the spa has a relaxation area with large Tatami style beds and couches that surround the interior hydrotherapy swimming pool. This has large glass windows that flood the room with sunlight and lead on to a private garden area with an outdoor bathing area and deck. There are a further two exterior cabins where Thai massage can be enjoyed by guests as they look across the gardens to the mountains beyond, a Turkish steam bath, and the Jacuzzi bath in the lush garden has views across to the mountains and the sea.
Commenting on the holistic philosophy of the spa, Spa Manager Rosa Sancho said “Our aim is to focus on harmony; ensuring an optimal flow and stimulating all the energy in the body of our clients, which allows the function of the four fundamental elements of the body to reach equilibrium”.
The hotel also features a fitness centre and a running course for different ages and levels of fitness. Bicycles can be hired for use around the resort and to explore the local area. There is also a heliport and two spectacular 18 hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, all within an easy distance of the resort.
A series of treatment options are available from individual therapies to five day packages and up to a week long series of treatments, which can be tailor-made according to clients' needs and objectives.
A 60 minute spa treatment cost from £78 (90 Euros) per person.
A seven day ‘Saranrom’ package includes treatments such as body scrub, bath therapy, aroma massage, Thai massage, facial, four hand massage, body wrap, Thai pressure point and herbal compress, foot massage, manicure and pedicure and costs from £845 (979 Euros) per person.
A two night stay at Barceló Asia Gardens costs from £372 (430 Euros) per room based on two sharing a Double Deluxe room on a room and breakfast basis. To book visit asiagardens.es or barceloasiagardens.com.
Asia Gardens is a short distance from Alicante and its airport, as well as the picturesque Costa Blanca towns of Altea and Villajoysa.