Places to relax
Aire Barcelona
Passeig de Picasso 22, 08003
932 955 743
Open Daily 9am–10.30pm
Metro Jaume I Bus 39, 51, H14 Train Estació de França
There is good wheelchair access to the pools and massage area
The first Aire baths opened in Seville in 2008 and it is easy to see why they have become so popular. This Barcelona spa is housed in a magnificent old building that used to be a former meat storage area in the El Born Market, full of ancient wells that supplied the city with water. The building has been carefully renovated and the brick vaults removed to create the banos Arabes (Arabic baths) you find here today. From the moment you step through the huge front door, you know you are somewhere special – softly lit lamps and the sound of trickling water welcome you as you enter the reception area, and the soothing atmosphere continues into the main room where candles emit a warm, romantic glow. If you can, try and spend at least three hours here to make the most of the different baths and various treatments available – after a rest in the frigidarium, try the caldarium, a hot steamy hammam, or book a relaxing argan oil massage.
Yoga Body
Carrer de Roger de Flor 118, 08013
932 991 379
Open Monday–Friday 10am–10pm, Saturday, Sunday 10am–3pm (check the website for specific class times)
Metro Tetuan Bus 6, 7, 19, 50, 51, 55, 62, H12
The studio is wheelchair accessible, call in advance to check suitability for each class
This innovative yoga company has three separate studios in Barcelona, but in the modern Roger de Flor branch you can take classes in yoga trapeze. The gravity-defying exercises, performed as you hang upside down from a large loop of orange cotton, can be incredibly soothing. The focus here isn’t so much on the spiritual side of yoga, but more on the physical benefits. There are no mantras, chanting or Sanskrit terms used in the classes, but the multilingual teachers do also run workshops on meditation, breathing and nutrition.
Flotarium
Plaça Narcís Oller 3, 08006 932 173 637 € www.flotarium.com
Open Monday–Saturday 10am–9pm
Metro Diagonal Bus 6, 33, 34 H8, V15 Train Gràcia
Call ahead for help and advice about wheelchair access
There are few quicker ways to become totally relaxed than floating in a warm bath in a small, soundproof cocoon – you don’t even have to know how to swim. Described by regulars as una sensacio unica ('a unique sensation'), floating in warm water for 50 minutes provides the opportunity to completely forget the outside world and reconnect with yourself.
Aqua Urban Spa
Carrer Gran de Gràcia 7, 08012 932 384 160
€ www.aqua-urbanspa.com Open Monday–Sunday 9.30am–9pm Metro Diagonal Bus 6, 33, 34, H8, V15, V17
Aside from the vitality pool, the spa is wheelchair accessible
Inspired by the city’s Roman baths, this massage centre is an excellent place in which to truly wind down. Sit quietly in the Finnish sauna, take a dip in the small thermal pool or stretch out on one of the loungers covered in pearl-coloured mosaic tiles. As a special treat, you can book a reflexology or aromatherapy session, or if you’re feeling indulgent, a warm chocolate facial – a particularly luxurious way to slow down in this quiet, urban spa.
Silom Spa
Carrer de València 304, 08009 932 726 662
Open Monday–Saturday 10.30am–9.30pm
Metro Girona, Passeig de Gràcia Bus 39, 45, 47, V17
Steps at the entrance make wheelchair access difficult
This is the only authentic Thai spa in Barcelona and on arrival you’ll notice a few Thai Buddhas glowing in the candlelight under a curved teracotta tiled roof. Treatments include bamboo therapy sessions as well as other more conventional holistic treatments for both physical and mental complaints. Whichever you choose, you are sure to leave feeling lifted and energised.
Spa Zenter Hotel Grums
Carrer de Palaudàries 26, 08004 934 420 666
Open Daily 11am–9pm
Metro Paral-lel Bus 20, 21, 64, 121
There is limited wheelchair access to the spa
This small but pristine spa at the bottom of La Rambla is ideal for all seasons. In winter, have a languorous dip in the hot tub, and on warmer days bring a bathing suit and float for a while in the tiny pool. The powerful jets of water are particularly effective at massaging sore shoulders – a fantastic way to banish jet lag or general weariness after a long day at work.
YHI Wellness Spa
at Meliá Barcelona Sky, Avinguda de Sarrià 50, 08029
933 672 050
Open Daily 11am–9pm
Metro Entença, Hospital Clinic Bus H8 27, 32, 41, 59
Aside from the spa bath, the hotel is wheelchair accessible
Perhaps because it is a bit out of the centre, this large, international hotel feels less hectic than others. Call ahead to book a session in its small spa and you will be pampered and cared for like nowhere else. The wellness area feels private and secluded, and discreet lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. It is very easy to lose track of time here; with just a gentle massage the pressures of everyday life simply melt away.
Massage & Beauty Salon La Rambla
La Rambla de Sant Josep 75, 08002
653 317 553 or 931 405 463
Open Daily 2.30pm–9pm
Metro Liceu Bus 59, 91, V13
The salon is not wheelchair accessible
The 30-minute back or foot massages on offer in this salon come highly recommended by travellers – they’re inexpensive and you don’t have to book an appointment in advance. Each masseuse receives at least six months’ training in ‘kilo massages’, a powerful technique that removes knots and muscle tension. You can also ask for depilation sessions and a few other beauty treatments here. The interior may not be the most sophisticated but the staff are friendly and for a central Barcelona location, the price is excellent.
OrVita Teràpies
Carrer de Ferlandina 24, 08001
640 123 492 or 930 171 331
Open Monday 4.30pm–8.30pm, Tuesday–Saturday 10am–2pm and 4.30pm–8.30pm
Metro Sant Antoni, Universitat
Bus 24, 41, 55, 91, 120, H16
The beauty centre is wheelchair accessible and has adapted toilet facilities
Formerly a large warehouse space, the unusual premises at Orvita date from 1847. Lovingly restored, the ancient fireplaces and original fittings have been kept intact to form an interesting backdrop to this eco-conscious spa. One of Barcelona’s best centres for alternative and holistic therapies, it has been practising for over 10 years. The amiable staff will make you feel right at home as well as give you expert advice on the best vegetarian- and vegan-based products to use on your skin.
