If you’ve seen or heard anything about Pamplona, it probably has to do with the famous Sanfermines festival—but the Navarrese capital has much more going for it. We’re talking a lively restaurant and bar scene, a stunning medieval old town, breathtaking natural landscapes and more—all just an hour south of San Sebastian. A day trip […]
Author: Lindsey Zimmerman
5 Free Museums in Madrid You Should Check Out
Not much can top an afternoon spent in one of Madrid’s many museums—except when that afternoon comes free! That’s right, Spain’s capital city is home to some of the most revered history and art museums in the world, and several of them also offer free entry for guests. So if you love the Prado but […]
Where to Eat in San Sebastian’s Centro Neighborhood
It’s no secret that San Sebastian is a foodie paradise if there ever was one. Whether you’re splurging at one of the myriad Michelin restaurants in San Sebastian or rubbing elbows with the locals at your neighborhood pintxos bar, this is a city meant to be experienced through taste. And no neighborhood embodies the essence […]
Vintage Finds: Top Thrift Shops & Flea Markets in Seville
Don’t be fooled by Seville’s prim, posh reputation—locals aren’t above taking advantage of a good bargain when they see one. The treasure trove that is your average thrift shop or flea market becomes even more fascinating in Spain. Not only will you come across great deals on secondhand clothes and knickknacks, but you’ll also get […]
What is Txakoli? All About Basque Country’s Iconic Wine
No drink captures the essence of the Basque Country as perfectly as txakoli does. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spanish wine, txakoli (pronounced “cha-ko-LEE”) is more than just a drink throughout much of the region. This wine—which has transformed from a humble peasants’ drink […]
An Insider’s Guide to the Best Spas & Hammams in Seville
Many remnants of the glory days of Al-Andalus are still present in modern Seville. One of the most iconic symbols of Moorish Spain might just be the ancient Arab bath. With its age-old relaxation and cleansing rituals, the hammam has remained an icon for centuries, and everything from the Arab-style bath houses to the modern, state-of-the-art spa facilities in Seville today draw inspiration from these spaces.
If relaxing in a luxurious spa or hammam in Seville sounds like your kind of thing, read on for our top recommendations.
Las Termas de Hispalis
“Hispalis” is one of the most ancient names that was used for Seville, bestowed upon the city by the Romans centuries ago. The name of Las Termas de Hispalis is a nod to the city’s importance in ancient Andalusia, an environment that the hammam strives to recreate in every sensation.
Here, ancient Arabic and Roman bathing rituals come together under one roof in Seville’s historic old Jewish quarter to create a sensual experience unlike any other. Its soothing candlelit rooms, decorated by extravagant tiled murals, play host to a wealth of luxurious treatments, from the traditional thermal circuit to aromatherapy sessions to salt-water flotariums.
AIRE Ancient Baths
Housed in a breathtaking Mudéjar-style palace just a few blocks away from the cathedral, an experience at AIRE Ancient Baths will transport you far from the worries and stresses of everyday life into a world of luxurious R&R.
Despite its Arabic influences, the essence of Spain is the star of the show here, with top-quality Spanish products being used in many treatments (from olive oil facials to wine baths). In the mood for a massage? Go the traditional route, or up the ante with some argan oil. No matter which of their indulgent experiences you decide to treat yourself to, don’t leave without checking out the stunning rooftop pool with views of the cathedral and Giralda.
Spa Gran Meliá Colón
Stepping away from the traditional Arabic baths, the spa at the Gran Meliá Colón hotel offers an experience that skews towards the contemporary, but is no less luxurious.
Each experience is tailor-made to fit your needs and desires, so no two guests will ever have exactly the same treatment. Their expertly trained, caring staff uses specially developed plant-based products in nearly all spa rituals, and even provides recommendations for how to continue your treatment long after you’ve left the spa itself. Their modern take on relaxation, health and beauty is an experience that’s worth every cent.
Agua y Salud
Just steps away from the colorful Triana neighborhood in the laid-back Los Remedios district, Agua y Salud‘s off-the-beaten-path location is just the first element in a relaxation ritual unlike any other. As Seville’s premier urban spa, this place prides itself on the use of the latest and greatest technology to create a bespoke, streamlined experience that’s sure to leave you refreshed and revitalized.
Intimate massage facilities, a traditional Finnish-style sauna, and a thermal circuit that includes a saltwater pool kept at a constant 36º Celsius (97º Fahrenheit) are just a few of the offerings that await you at this renowned facility. They even make celebrating a special occasion easier than ever, with special packages designed for couples, bachelorette getaways and more.
Bodyna Las Casas del Rey de Baeza
A stunning massage and beauty treatment center plus a rooftop pool atop a hotel housed in a magnificent 18th-century building? Count us in. The location on the rooftop of the Las Casas del Rey de Baeza hotel isn’t just the only thing we love about Bodyna, though. Their next-level treatments and friendly, professional staff help take the experience from “fabulous” to “simply unforgettable.”
Ready for a perfect day of R&R complete with the passionate sevillano essence you know and love? Indulge in one of their massages or beauty rituals, then head to the pool or solarium to sip on a healthy, fresh fruit juice courtesy of the hotel rooftop bar. It all comes with breathtaking views of the city that, more than likely, captured your heart at first glance.
Want to see the original baths at Seville’s Alcazar? Enjoy VIP access to this amazing building – and experience it with an expert guide – on our Alone in the Alcazar Tour!
Bullfighting in Madrid & Beyond: What You Need to Know
It may seem like attending a bullfight is one of most authentically “Spanish” experiences you can have. After all, it’s a spectacle that has been historically linked to Spain for hundreds of years. And starting in the 20th century, when literary icons from Ernest Hemingway to Federico García Lorca began depicting it in their works, […]
Basque Phrases & More: An Introduction to Europe’s Most Interesting Language
Fun fact: you shouldn’t always speak Spanish when in Spain. We know that sounds weird. Yes, Spanish is the official national language, and in most of the country, it is what you should be making an effort to speak. But that’s not always the case. A handful of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions have their own […]
San Sebastian in July: Top Activities for Summer Fun
This blog post was originally posted on June 29, 2018 and was updated on June 3, 2019. July may just be the best time of the year to visit San Sebastian! Summers here are much more mild than in most of the rest of Spain—throw in the fact that we’ve got some of the best […]
Welcome Summer: What to Do in San Sebastian in June
Summer is here, and the sunny shores of San Sebastian are calling your name. We’re kind of obsessed with the fabulous weather and great vibes present throughout San Sebastian in June, so it probably comes as no surprise that it’s one of the best times of year to visit. Yes, a lot of other people […]