It's still summer and you find yourself in Barcelona searching for some time to relax—We have a range of relaxing options for you to enjoy this this month, whether you need a lunchtime break from the office or inspiration for fun at the beach.
Le Méridien’s Explore Spa Studio is a great place to catch your breath during a busy summer day in the city. Their new, light and healthy Sunbathing Lunch menu (served in the spa) comes with two hours of access to the sixth-floor rooftop sun terrace and ‘vitality baths’ (above right)—that’s plenty of time to recharge your batteries, fill your belly and soak up some sun before returning to the crowded streets below. The spa also offers a steam room and sauna, and services including a Mediterranean massage and beauty treatments.
Lunch from €15—includes two hours of sun terrace access and a 20 percent discount on any other spa services.
Arab baths were common throughout the Iberian peninsula during the Islamic period, although the Romans who preceded the Muslims had already brought the concept of relaxing and revitalising baths with them to the area. Centuries later, these baths are still a good option when looking for a way to escape your daily routine. Hidden away in a former medieval washhouse in Born is Aire de Barcelona (above). With thermal baths, a marble relaxation room, jacuzzi, salt bath and massages, this may be the ultimate hideout from the stress of modern city life. Check out their webpage for summer specials.
Open Sunday to Thursday from 10am-midnight; Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2am.
On the beach with nothing to do? Well, that’s kind of the point. But if you’re looking for a magazine to browse or want to do some light exercise, under the awning that runs along the beachfront of the Passeig Marítim sits a small but useful centre where you can borrow reading material and sports equipment for the day. They offer the daily press and magazines in Castilian and Catalan, plus a small selection of books in English and other languages, a section for comic book lovers and books for kids. You’ll need a card but they’re easy to get; you just need to bring a legal form of identification (DNI, residency permit, passport) and you can sign up. Then take a look through the shelves for some summer reading or a volleyball to toss around.
Everyone knows that Spain isn’t really a country of siestas any more, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t all fancy laying our heads down for a quick rest in the afternoons, especially with this heat. If you really can’t resist a bit of shut-eye, head to Masajes a Mil, which offers the chance for a 30-minute siesta in exchange for just one of their vouchers, ie. €4.70.