Spending your leisure time or holidays caring for your health is becoming more and more popular nowadays.  This may be a cure for a medical condition, or an escape from the stress and anxiety from modern urban life.  There is nothing better than a period of rest and quiet.  Andalucian spas have been becoming popular again over the last decade and the result has been a modernisation of facilities and introduction of the latest technical innovations.  Other spas have maintained their traditional methods.

These modern beauty spas have the latest in the quality of the service and treatments.  Many are located in the coastal resorts and some use the sea water as an integral part of their treatment.  They are often attached to one of the luxury hotels so that they can offer complimentary services.  You don't have to be a resident to enjoy the facilities and be pampered for the day. You will come away feeling a new person.

There are, eleven traditional spas in lovely natural surroundings in Andalucía.  If your strict definition of a spa is a source of natural mineral water these are for you.  All of them are in or near picturesque villages, in mountain areas, by rivers and sources of flowing water.  They are not all luxurious, indeed some are very basic and their Victorian image may not suit the demands of the discerning visitor.  Their treatments have withstood the test of time however.  They are classified as either sedative or stimulant depending on the mineral content of their waters.  Sedative waters are typical used to treat respiratory, heart and circulatory problems as well as nervous disorders. Waters described as stimulating seem to improve the skin and help with depression. Both types of water, when warm, are recommended for rheumatism and arthritis sufferers.

This page now concentrates on two spas within easy reach of Rural Paradise.

Lanjarón is famous in Spain and abroad for its drinking water, bottled and sold nationwide.  The spa is one of the best known in Andalucía thanks to the successful marketing of its drinking water.  It has five natural springs of medicinal waters and is often referred to as the 'Fountain of Health'.

The health-giving properties of Lanjarón's mineral water were recognised as far back as 1770.  In the 19th century, its fame became more widespread when the springs were exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Lanjarón Spa Centre is an emblematic building constructed around natural springs.  It was built in 1928, marking the start of its heyday which continued until the 1960s.  The spa is in the centre of the town and is 500 meters above sea level.

Today, Lanjarón Spa Centre offers the very latest techniques and facilities while retaining all of its original grandeur.  A place of peace and harmony where visitors can enjoy a wide range of spa treatments. 

The types of waters available at the spa are bicarbonate-rich waters , sodium chloride-rich waters, iron-rich waters and carbonated waters.

Therapeutic treatments offered are baths, water jets, hydromassage, showers, massages, aerosols, inhalations, pulverisation, saunas and natural grottos, hydroponic treatment (water as a drink), mud cataplasms, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, infrared light, peeling, ozone therapy, reflexology and shiatsu.

The spa has a large ballroom and magnificent chandeliers which testify to the importance of the spa in a bygone age.

The spa is open from March to December.  Tel: + (34) 958 770 454.  For more information look here.

This spa, which is 3km outside of the village Alhama de Granada, 55km from Granada city. The Balneario Alhama de Granada nestles in between lush green mountains and is beside the river Merchán.  It sits at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level, has both Arabic and Roman influence in its design and provides an ideal space for relaxation.  

The Hyper thermal natural waters have a temperature of 47º and contain bicarbonates, sulphates, calcium and magnesium.

Treatments offered for: Arthritis, Sciatica, Gout, Obesity, Tendonitis, muscular cramps, chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Sinusitis, Laryngitis and post traumatic stress.

Treatments used: Baths, jet showers, pressure showers, jacuzzi baths, hydro massage baths, aerosols, mud baths, physiotherapy, massage, thermal pool, saunas and steam inhaler.

The Spa is open from April to November.  Tel: +(34) 958 350 011.  For more information look here.