Gran Hotel Balneario - Luxury Spa Retreat, Spain
Introduction
Gran Hotel Balneario
La Garriga, near Barcelona, Spain
This brand new property, opened in February 2005 encapsulates
the excellent location, service and facilities befitting of a
luxury spa hotel. Located 25 minutes from Barcelona in the tranquil
and exclusive area of La Garriga, the Gran Hotel Balneario
Blancafort enjoys a unique microclimate and breathtaking hillside
setting. Originally a spa frequented by prominent members of the
Catalan bourgeoisie since the nineteenth Century, the property has
been renovated to a high standard with respect for the modernist
tradition of the area exemplified by the inspiring architecture,
sculpture and the Raspall Gallery within the hotel.
The area is renowned for its thermal springs which are naturally
heated underground to a temperature of 15 degrees Centigrade and
have a high mineral content beneficial in the treatment of a wide
assortment of ailments and in promoting relaxation and wellbeing.
The central theme of water is highly evident in the design of the
hotel, as there are numerous fountains and rock pools, the
highlight of which are the stunning walls of water cascading down
windows and contemporary stainless steel installations with
graceful elegance. The terracotta hues of the hotel façade are in
keeping with the rugged landscape of the region of Catalonia,
however the vibrancy of the exterior belies the calming neutrality
within. The clean modern lines of the marble lobby hint at the
experience of ultimate relaxation that awaits.
The Thermal Centre is a 3000 square metre expansion of the original
spa, uniting classically-themed Roman architecture with inspiring
Oriental minimalism. The thermal swimming pool reflects the azure
sky through the glass roof above, and the intricate mosaic tiles
and columns are reminiscent of ancient times. In contrast, the
Oriental treatment rooms use elegant dark wood, bronze sculpture
and simple bamboo and pampas grass plant displays to create an
exotic, serene ambience inspired by the principals of
Feng-Shui.
The hotel
Dining at the Gran Hotel Balneario Blancafort reveals a similar
fusion of contrasts. D’Ors Gourmet offers haute cuisine and fine
wines in elegant surroundings, while the Asian restaurant Iwaki
boasts an exquisite variety of Eastern dishes served in an
authentic and inviting environment. The signature Iwaki tapas
provide an innovative slant on Spanish culinary tradition with
Eastern flavours. Decorated in a palette of earthen tones the
restaurant is illuminated by natural light from the large paned
windows or by the beautiful hanging oriental lanterns. There is
also a dietetic restaurant called Sotto l’Acqua for guests wishing
to adopt a healthy eating approach to their Spa experience. This
features Mediterranean cuisine in a contemporary setting with a
neutral colour scheme punctuated with splashes of blue for dramatic
effect. Guests are spoiled for choice in all three restaurants and
are assured of attentive and professional service at all times.
The elegantly-appointed guestrooms are decorated in a range of
soothing colour schemes, and feature beautiful wooden floors,
marble bathrooms with and a range of technological amenities.
Suites have a spacious living area and exude contemporary style
through the choice of furnishings and design. Attention to detail
is of paramount importance at the hotel, and the guestrooms are
fitting testament to this. Ideal for a short break or a longer
holiday, the Gran Hotel Balneario Blancafort combines the high
standards of service and facilities of a modern hotel with the
ancient therapeutic benefits of thermal bathing for a truly
restorative spa experience.
The Thermal Centre
The Thermal Centre harnesses the medicinal properties of thermal
waters in a stylish, minimalist setting. The Spa specialises in the
treatment of dermatological conditions, stress, muscular and
skeletal disorders, as the naturally-occurring minerals have
sedative and analgesic properties.
The centre is divided into three zones. In the Templarium guests
can relax in a traditional Roman bath environment, and in the
Natatorium there are bubbling waters and streams to invigorate body
and mind.
The Oriental Zone offers personalised Balinese, Japanese and Thai
massages, and Chinese acupuncture, performed by expert therapists.
Located within the Thermal Centre there is also a Beauty Centre
offering anti-ageing and weight loss treatments using the exclusive
Paola&Olivia natural skin care product range based on the
hydrating and anti-oxidant properties of the orchid flower. Guests
can also be pampered with the extravagant Perle skincare line which
is based on extracts of pearl and soya. In a separate building
there is a Medical Centre specialising in diet and nutrition,
aesthetic medicine and health.
Activities
The peaceful village of La Garriga can be explored easily from the
hotel, and is famous for its Modernist houses which are
architecturally inspiring and unique to the region. For adventurous
guests, the hotel organises helicopter flights over the Pyrenees,
the Medes Islands, Barcelona and the surrounding coastline.
The nearby city of Barcelona is cosmopolitan and steeped in culture
and history. The world-famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, Antoni
Gaudi’s uncompleted architectural masterpiece, is unmissable. La
Rambla, the Gothic Quarter and the stylish port area can be
explored on foot, or viewed from the breathtaking cable car ascent
of Mont Juic which overlooks the city.
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Ref: Gran Hotel Balneario, Spain - Thermal Centre -
EP0027
