The best spa days in Barcelona

Friendly warning: due to the current Coronavirus situation and restrictions that are regularly changing, it’s best to double check before leaving that the venue you’re heading to is open and operating. Deep back massages, a dip in the heated pool with panoramic sea views, and a steam in the sauna. Sound inviting? With all the stress of the pandemic and the effect it has had on our lives, we all need to ensure that we make time for self-care and prioritise our health. For many, there is no better day of relaxation than that of a spa day, and Barcelona is home to so many excellent spas to choose from. Take time for yourself away from the stresses of everyday life, and head for a spa session to slow down and relax. In no particular order, we share our list of best spas for a day of pampering in the Catalan capital. Aire de Barcelona Found in the heart of the bustling El Born neighbourhood, the Aire Ancient Baths are like a step back in time to a setting that looks like it has come straight out of the Arabian Nights. This luxurious spa offers pools to mimic that of the traditional Arab baths: saltwater, icy, cool, warm and hot. Their basic package includes a hammam steam bath but, has options to also include massages and exfoliations on hot marble. This spa is very popular and therefore difficult to book in for, so unlike other spas in Barcelona there is a time limit of two hours on your stay here. Something that also sets Aire de Barcelona apart from other spas, is that if you enter at the last time slot of 9pm, you are able to stay until past midnight. Aire is the perfect romantic and relaxing spa day for two. Address: Passeig de Picasso, 22, 08003 Barcelona Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm 43 The Spa at Hotel Arts Barcelona Located on the 43^rd floor of the Hotel Arts, this incredible spa boasts panoramic views of the Barcelonan coastline for guests to enjoy during treatments. 43 the Spa features rooftop terraces, 8 fully equipped treatment suites, a hydromassage pool, saunas and steam baths. The spa offers an extensive menu of luxury treatments from the prestigious Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé, a favourite of beauticians from across the globe. Let yourself feel relaxed by the expert massage techniques of the therapists, and then gaze out onto the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea to truly feel like you are in heaven. Address: Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, 08005 Barcelona Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-10pm  Mandarin Oriental Spa Feel like you’ve left the Catalonian capital and been transported to the Middle East for a few hours by taking a visit to the Mandarin Oriental spa. The facilities at the spa include 8 treatment rooms, including two couples’ suits, where a therapist will help you find your ideal treatment and be submerged into a relaxation of your choice. When you have finished your treatments, you can make your way to the 12-metre, mosaic encrusted spa lap pool for a dip in the water, and a treat for your pores in the oriental steam room. Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, 08007 Barcelona Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm Spa by L’Occitane at Hotel Miramar Relax your body and mind in the L’Occitane Spa at the spectacular Hotel Miramar, found on the scenic Montjuïc hill. Inspired by the beautiful Provence region of France, this spa aims to travel you to the southern paradise via your senses. The spa’s most impressive feature is their indoor pool, that includes a waterfall, illuminated by an enormous window looking out onto Montjuïc. They also offer access to their exclusive outdoor pool to clients, available from May to October dependant on the weather.  There are sex-segregated spa circuits, with a hot tub and saunas. Treat yourself to a luxurious treatment followed by a dip in the pools. Address: Plaça de Carlos Ibáñez, 3, 08038 Barcelona Opening hours: April to September 10am-9pm (everyday), September to March Sunday to Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday to Saturday 10am-9pm Spa at Hotel 1898 Housed in what was once the chambers of the General Philippines Tobacco Company, today is now the home of the spa at Hotel 1898. A luxurious spa that offers exclusive treatments and therapies inspired by Eastern tradition, to relax and soothe your muscles. Spa 1898 features a heated pool, whirlpools, therapeutic fountains and saunas too. What are you waiting for, book that day of relaxation and self-care that you’re well in need of! Address: La Rambla, 109, 08002 Barcelona Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Rituels d’Orient The Rituels d’Orient spa hammam is a calm sanctuary of wellbeing in the midst of the bustling city of Barcelona. The spa and its treatments are based on generations of health and beauty secrets from the Arabic traditions of Morocco and Turkey. Rituels d’Orient offers a variety of massages so you can choose what will help you feel most tranquil and relaxed. This subterranean palace has all that you would expect from a classic hammam, including two steam rooms and a cold-water pool with salts. Take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of city life and be transported to the middle east for a few hours of relaxation. Address: Carrer Loreto, 50, 08029 Barcelona Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 11am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-10pm The Zero Space Spa & Gym The Zero Space spa, found in the heart of Barcelona on the luxurious Passeig de Gracia street, is a decadent treat for the senses. A luxurious spa that hosts expert therapists offering services to revitalise, relax, and rejuvenate your body and mind. Guests have full access to the spa and gym and visitors may purchase day passes for access, fully equipped for all your fitness needs. Their facilities also include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and even a cryotherapy chamber. Address:  Passeig de Gràcia, 106, 08008, Barcelona Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9:30pm, Sunday 10am-6pm Spazio Wellness Despite being located in the basement of the Hotel Diagonal Zero, this spa has splendid views over the private patio of the Spazio Wellness and lots of natural light. You have everything you need for a relaxing day here, with a competitive price for admission to the water circuit, which also grants you access to the fully equipped gym. Also available at the Spazio Wellness is a seasonal panoramic pool, and couples’ packages for a romantic spa day spent with your partner. Address: Placa Llevant Hotel SB Diagonal Zero, 08039 Barcelona Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-8pm Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long term apartments across Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.