Indulge: Finisterra Spa, Western Algarve

Complementing its pristine and spectacular coastal setting overlooking one of the Western Algarve’s most beautiful stretches of beach near the historic fishing port of Sagres, the recently opened Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel unveils its new Finisterra Spa this month to bring an extra dimension of health, vitality and indulgence to the area.

Hidden away within its own secluded grounds and maintaining the resort’s philosophy of ‘barefoot luxury’, Martinhal’s Finisterra Spa thoughtfully draws on the area’s natural surroundings to nurture a distinct sense of place, harmony and wellbeing. Cleverly combining soothing colours from the environment with organic textures, the spa features six beautifully appointed individual treatment rooms with private showers, a wet area with sauna and steam bath, a tranquil relaxation area and interior garden. Wrapped in timber and featuring vaulted ceilings, the naturally lit treatment rooms are arranged separately around the garden to provide an ambience of both privacy and seclusion. With additional soft, low-key lighting used throughout to enhance a meditative atmosphere, a feeling of warmth and tranquillity permeates the spa.

Perfectly describing its location at the south western most tip of Europe where the land and sea embrace, ‘Finisterra’ means “end of the earth”. Deriving inspiration from this extraordinary union and in honour of Sagres’ ancient seafaring history, the resort’s spa menu comprises an exotic selection of massages, rituals and treatments with their roots embedded in the ‘Age of Discovery’ and the establishment of ‘The Spice Route’. Offering a sensual blend of aromatic oils, perfumes, spices and herbs, Finisterra’s spa products are taken from the exclusive Terraké spa brand and VOYA range with its 100% organic seaweed based products.

Guests can embark on the ultimate spa journey with one of Finisterra Spa’s six ‘Signature Rituals’, which are based on the travels of some of the most famous Portuguese explorers and their encounters with various continents and cultures. Try the ‘Vasco de Gama’ Indian hot stone treatment named after the first navigator to discover the sea route to India. Re-mineralising the body and releasing muscular tension, the body is warmed with heated red jasper and semi precious stones and swathed in aromatic oils of cinnamon and rose.

Linger in North Africa with a mint based ‘Africa - Gil Eanes’ exfoliation and massage inspired by the explorer’s navigation around Cape Bojado and the discovery of peppermint. Journey to the Asian continent, following in the footsteps of Fernão Mendes Pinto, with a rice powder exfoliation and a ritualised massage with brushes using ginger, cardamon and white tea. Or be shrouded like a sushi with a Japanese inspired ‘Japan– Francisco Xavier’ giant seaweed wrap, in honour of the first westerner to set foot in the country. (Signature Rituals take 120 minutes and cost €140 each.)

Maintaining the ancient theme whilst incorporating contemporary techniques, the spa also offers a wide range of massages treatments, from Swedish full body massage to Indian Ayurvedic head massage as well as VOYA’s Herbal Compress and Hot Stone massages. (Massages range from 45 to 90 minutes and cost between €40 to €85.)

For those wanting to wrap and unwind, guests can be cocooned in seaweed infused muslin for a detoxifying, firming and softening ‘VOYA Leaf Body Wrap’ or revitalised with the ‘VOYA Organic Coral Wrap’, which combines salt exfoliation, mineral rich coral and algae extracts, to produce soft dewy skin. Also bringing new lustre to dull skin, the ‘VOYA Glow’ treatments such as the ‘Bladderwrack’ - using mineral rich seaweed of its namesake - offer a powerful organic way to better skin. (Body treatments and wraps range from 30 to 90 minutes and cost between €40 and €95).

Finisterra Spa has also introduced a number of treatments especially for men. These include the refreshing and cool ‘VOYA Pure Organic Peppermint and Seaweed Sugar glow’ – an ideal treatment for those who enjoy intense physical effort and the ‘Terraké Mineral Back Treatment’ which focuses on the back with the application of mineral rich mud and an aromatic massage of cinnamon and cedar oils. (Men’s treatments range from 55 to 90 minutes and cost between €75 and €95)

In addition, the menu features four special facials including the deeply hydrating ‘Terraké Marine Ultra Moisturising Facial’ which uses extracts of Antarctic algae and red algae to revitalise the skin and the popular VOYA Anti Aging Facial for all skin types which reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles leaving the face with a firm natural glow. (Facials range from 55 – 75 minutes and cost between €75 and €95)

Finisterra Spa also offers a good selection of manicures, pedicures, hair and hair removal treatments.

Making the most of guest’s time at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, spa treatments are offered all day and well into the evening (subject to availability) with the opportunity for guests to have a bespoke spa programme tailor made for them by one of the fully qualified spa practitioners. Massages can also be provided in the privacy of the guest’s own accommodation.

From 20 September 2010 to 10 April 2010, Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is offering an excellent selection of 2, 4 and 7 night ‘Holistic Retreat’ packages which start from as little €87/person/night including accommodation in Hotel Martinhal or a Village House, daily breakfast and a selection of spa treatments and activities varying according to each package and length of stay (subject to availability and excluding Christmas & New Year).

For example, staying in one of the Village Houses, based on four sharing, the Holistic Seven Night Experience starts from €87/person/night including seven nights accommodation, daily breakfast in the restaurant, two full body massages, two Indian head massages and one yoga or Tai Chi lesson per person.

Or staying in Hotel Martinhal, based on two sharing, the Holistic Retreat Four Night Experience starts from €121/person/night including four nights accommodation, daily breakfast in the restaurant, one full body massage, VOYA Salt Glow treatment and one yoga or Tai Chi lesson per person.

For more information about the choice of packages, visit: martinhal.com