Description: This experience was so fantastic, I'm seriously considering bringing my family and friends back someday. Despite the fact that I'm not a spa frequenter and I've been slightly deprived of pampering lately (working as an au pair for a year isn't so glamorous), I really enjoyed the spas. The English version of the spa's website (www.thermesdespa.com) is extremely informative, but I will add that it's well worth the 17 euros for 3 hours. After riding the funicular up the hill, we stepped into the huge lobby and tasted the mineral waters from the different springs while the man at the desk readied our computer-chip bracelets. With these, we could enter specific areas of the facility and charge any services, drinks, or food, to be paid for at the end of our visit. From there, we tossed our clothing into lockers (also accessed by our chip bracelet) and really started to unwind.
Inside, there is a huge series of connected pools full of heated spring water, including some separate hot tubs with jets to soothe tired muscles. Outdoors were similar pools, with a sort of lazy river current and lots of different jets and massaging fountains full of the same warm water. Upstairs were a steam room; sauna; natural sauna (for nude-friendly relaxers); different-temperature and jet-equipped relaxation baths; massage facilities (which cost extra and were all booked when we were there--call ahead); a few different lounge rooms; and my favorite, the relaxation room.
I entered a dark room and passed through thick velvet curtains, and when my eyes adjusted to the faint black light, I settled on an amazing reclining lounge and nearly fell asleep to a light, cool breeze, soft, tinkling music, and the scent of an orange grove. It was the most de-stressing experience, I could have stayed in there for hours! Later, we enjoyed drinks and light snacks (fabulous fruit salad) and dried off on the solar beds before showering and riding the funicular back down. I'd definitely make the trip to Spa just for this experience.
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