MAXINE GORDON finds salt water is the secret ingredient to a wellbeing spa holiday in the sun

WHEN an hotelier in Gran Canaria opened an indoor saltwater spa, islanders thought him mad.

But today, this type of spa, known as thalasso, is endemic across the island, giving Gran Canaria a reputation as an international spa destination in its own right.

During a short break on the island (which sits off the coast of Morocco, a four-and-a-halfhour flight from Manchester), I witnessed the benefits of thalassotherapy and visited some of Gran Canaria’s top spas for the latest treatments.

My base was the Seaside Palm Beach hotel, built around a beautiful palm grove overlooking the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south of the island.

Besides a huge pool, kids’ pool, gym and tennis court, it has its own spa, complete with outdoor thalasso jet pools. At its serene treatment centre, I enjoyed the Pantai Luar therapy, a type of heated massage from the Far East, using herbal bags warmed to 120C. Hot oil is massaged into the skin first to warm the muscles, then the bags are used in a deep-tissue massage.

The cotton of the bags is slightly rough and acts as an exfoliator. A brilliant way to wake up the skin for summer.

Thalassotherapy features in many of the top spas on the island. The Gloria Palace Hotel at San Agustin, a short drive from Maspalomas, boasts the largest thalassotherapy centre in Europe. It was the first to open on Gran Canaria and soon set a trend.

Initially its appeal was on health grounds, drawing visitors looking for relief from skin ailments, rheumatism, arthritis, and breathing problems. Today, people also come because it makes them feel good.

The secret success of thalassotherapy lies in the use of seawater, heated to between 33 and 37C, and its natural components (like algae) that allow the body to absorb elements such as iodine, sulphur, calcium and magnesium, which can be depleted when we are under stress.

I tried out the spa’s “Get In Shape” circuit (open to non residents for 23 Euro for a twohour session). It was the easiest - and the most enjoyable - “work out” I’d ever done. It was like lounging in a giant warm bath, but with various jets blasting pressurised water at every square inch of my body. I finished with a plunge into an ice-cold pool. It sounds unpleasant, but it was the best bit – the feeling of exhilaration is intense and your body feels like it has had a complete reboot beat the spa at the Sheraton Salobre, with views over the mountains and two golf courses. It’s a veritable hideaway.

Set in the hills above Maspalomas, it offers the perfect chance to escape the bustle of resort life. Time seemed to stand still as I dipped in and out of the infinity pool and sunbathed on the Balinese beds, savouring the setting worthy of a James Bond movie.

Location is everything and the spa at the five-star Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort at Meloneras (the upmarket neighbour to Maspalomas) resembled a millionaire’s playground. Alongside the indoor thalasso pool and heated marble beds is a luxury pavilion featuring private treatment rooms and over-sized Jacuzzis with giant glass windows overlooking the Atlantic.

Here, I had the spa’s trademark aloe vera wrap treatment, which involved being slathered in hot aloe vera, wrapped in “cling film” and then given a relaxing head massage while the product got to work.

The theme of relaxation continued with a full-body aromatherapy massage in the pretty spa at the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa at Puerto de Mogan, the once quaint fishing port that is now a major holiday destination on the island.

Afterwards you could have blown me over with a feather; I felt I was floating on air.

After four days of being pampered, pummelled and preened like a princess, I realised that while a spa visit helps you recharge your batteries, a spa holiday makes you feel like a totally new woman.

 

Fact box

Maxine stayed at the Seaside Palm Beach at Maspalomas, Gran Canaria Tel. +34 928 721 032/
seaside-hotels.com For more information about spa hotels and treatments in Gran Canaria, visit grancanariawellness.com

Maxine flew from Manchester Airport and travelled from York with First TransPennine Express which operates intercity rail services across the north of England and into Scotland. Tickets for any journey in the country can be purchased with no booking fee at www.tpexpress.co.uk