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Spain Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. [Photo credit: Nuki Chikhladze]

As Spain’s second most populous city, Barcelona (often referred to as Barna) is a recognized global destination recognized as a center of culture, art, education, industry, and urban planning. It is the fifth most visited city in Europe and 25th in the world. 

With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites within its city limits, Barcelona is renowned for its outstanding dining and bar scene, opulent architecture and monuments, quality crafts and textiles, and robust pedestrian street life.

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Barcelona is also home to some of the region’s most intriguing day spas. While there are so many wonderful things to do and see in beautiful Barcelona, including a wide Mediterranean coastline, there is always time for a spa break to escape the crowds and find a moment of solace in the big city.

From luxury hotel spas with expansive city views to ancient underground baths, Barcelona is home to a wide variety of wellness sanctuaries that will help you relax after a long day exploring the city. Whether you’re in search of a quick spa treatment or an all-day self-care journey, Barcelona has something for everyone.

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Check out our Spain spa guide to learn more about the best spas in Barcelona and find the best deals on flights to Spain when planning your next getaway.

43 The Spa at Hotel Arts Barcelona

Carrer de la Marina, 19, 21, Ciutat Vella 08005 Barcelona, Spain; (+34) 932-211-000

Designed by architect Bruce Graham for the 1992 Olympic Games, Hotel Arts Barcelona officially opened in 1993. Its privileged location overlooking the Mediterranean and the Barcelona city skyline have made it as iconic to the city as the Sagrada Familia.

The transparency of glass, the warmth of wood, and the sophistication of fine fabrics come together in every room. The melange of these seemingly contradictory textures lends each space distinct personality and character, always under the paradigm of contemporary and refined style. 

A fusion of light and art, guests are surrounded by creativity at every turn. The interior features pieces by famed Catalan designer Jaime Tressera, which includes handmade furniture and curated works of art. The hotel’s art gallery features works by the region’s brightest contemporary artists. Gastronomy is taken seriously with five restaurants and bars that beckon guests with fresh Mediterranean cuisine any time of day or night.

Rising high above the city on the 43rd floor, the spa whisks you onto a floating cloud above the sea. The bi-level facility boasts two aquatic centers, ice showers, an aromatic steam room and sauna, plus treatment cabins that give the feeling of floating on a cloud while an expert therapist helps you drift away as your tensions ease with every stroke. 

43 The Spa promotes Europe’s most premium skin and body care brands including Spain’s own Natura Bisse. The Signature Rituals feature therapies inspired by global beauty traditions and native wisdom. Since you are in sunny and fragrant Mediterranean, we love the Citrus Fruit Joy Ritual. The facial and body treatment is based on the revitalizing properties of fruit to moisturize, regenerate, and balance skin. The result is feelings of hope, optimism, and joy, along with deeply nourished skin.

AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona

Passeig de Picasso, 22, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; +(34) 932-204-418

Uncrowded green spaces are not the only way to escape the clamoring sounds and hectic pace of the city. Underneath the bustling alleyways of El Born—the central part of Barcelona known for its galleries, cafes, and chic shops—lies AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona. Enter a time-machine that will transport you to bathing traditions of the Roman empire, resplendent with ancient stone walls, candlelight, and steamed baths and pools, just like the elite ladies and gentlemen of the Roman era.

Soft music pipes through the chambers as you move from caldrium to frigidarium to tepidarium to balneum,vaporium, and lastly, a decadent wine bath. Feel your invigorating waters melt away tension and toxins as you experience the various temperatures  while candles flicker about and your mind reboots to a more serene state.

Choose from a variety of “experiences” such as holistic, couples or ancient. Enjoy a hammam-like self-scrub and mask, or opt for an indulgent full-service massage accompanied by sacred oils and sensual aromas. It’s an experience not to be missed whenever you visit Barcelona.

Bali Spirit Luxury Art Spa

Carrer d'Aribau, 59, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain; (+34) 934-517-085

Created and conceived by artists and music composers, the award-winning Bali Spirit Luxury Art Spa is the only one of its kind in Spain. With the soul of the artist as its muse, Bali Spirit is a feast for the senses and a sacred temple for the body and spirit.

A literal museum of Balinese crafts and artwork, the service menu reads more like a playbill of indulgent vignettes with you as the adored star. Featuring botanical ingredients and therapies native to Bali, the rituals of candles, flowers, and emollient oils is an exotic fantasy that can sweep even the most jaded of spa-goers off their feet.

For starters, we recommend the Traditional Lullur Ritual. Originally from the Royal Palaces of Java, Lulur is a typical Balinese ritual that includes a one-hour java massage, an exfoliation with homemade Lulur (fragrant and beautifying) and a layer of moisturizing yogurt. You will then finish with a rose bath accompanied by Balinese infusion followed by a deep hydration with passion fruit milk. 

For the more adventurous we suggest the Gaia Goddess Massage. Performed by great masters, you will connect with the deepest part of yourself, feeling nourished and powerful, as is the goddess within. It’s a unique ritual performed with delicacy, respect, wisdom, and passion to harmonize the Kundalini energy.

Mayan Luxury Spa & Mayan Secrets Spa

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain; (+34) 933-020-744

Crowned as the World Luxury Spa Awards Winner 2023 and recognized repeatedly by outlets such as Tripadvisor and Conde Nast as the world’s top luxury hotel spa, Mayan Luxury Spa is located in the Palace Hotel 5*GL, while Mayan Secrets Spa is located within the Claris Hotel.

Designed by Manuel de la Garza and inspired by the Mayan culture, the Mayan Spas are a sojourn of love, memory, and healing of the pre-Hispanic traditions of Mexico. Mayan Luxury Spa features the exclusive Mayan Museum Hall where visitors and guests can view authentic Mayan artwork from the 4th to 10th centuries CE.

Enjoy the rooftop pool and lounge at Mayan Luxury Spa or the spa cafe for a delectable buffet breakfast with your treatment at Mayan Secrets Spa. A traditional temazcal and experience showers are featured at both spas to enhance your treatment. Each service commences with an ancient prayer to promote healing, positive energy, and balance. Then it’s time to indulge your senses with massages infused with dark chocolate, precious oils, and plant extracts for the ultimate in sublime relaxation.

Feel like a princess wrapped in gold with the Pre-Hispanic Gold Anti-Aging Treatment, which includes a volcanic rocks sachet massage and a marine gold wrap that will leave skin soft and sparkling. If you wish to delve deeper into Mayan ritual practice, then try the Mayan Re-Birth Ritual: a mystic experience that will purify your mind, body, and soul in an extraordinary scenery full of magic.

Representing Mother Earth, the temazcal has for centuries been the place where the four basic elements (Earth, Air, Water, and Fire) are gathered for this sacred experience that will be blessed with native sounds and language. This incredible journey ends with a refreshing sensations shower and a balancing tea served in the relaxation lounge.

Spa Hammam Rituels d’Orient

C/ de Loreto, 50, Les Corts, 08029 Barcelona, ​​Spain; (+34) 934-191-472

Enter a realm of unrepentant decadence at Barcelona’s most luxurious hammam spa. Inspired by the pampered sultanas of the Ottoman era, embark on a journey of ritualistic renewal and relaxation away from the hassles and stressors of urban living.

Spa Hammam Rituels d’Orient is based on the Moroccan and Turkish baths, and offers areas of progressive temperature and humidity, between 37 and 46 ºC, and from 80% humidity and up. Water, which is ever-present, is essential to refresh us and create contrasts in temperature.

The benefits of the hammam are well documented and result in a deep purification and detoxification of the pores, preparing skin for more specific facial and body therapies. The perfume of the essential oils is key to respiratory wellness and oxygenation. Finally, the relaxation element is proven to have benefits to the musculature system and mental wellness.

Choose from a variety of rituals such as the Ritual Elixir of Marrakesh or the Ritual Supreme Argan. Each commences with a hammam session followed by body scrubs and massages or facial treatments designed to promote velvet skin and a glowing complexion. You may also select an a la carte massage such as the Menara Foot & Leg Massage, combining acupressures in different energetic points of the feet with kneading and stretching of the legs, promoting balance, energy, and relaxation.

One of their most unique offerings is an Eastern depilation technique. More than just a depilation, this is a true beauty treatment that is 100% hygienic, natural, exfoliating, and effective. It delays the reappearance of body hair and transforms a torture into a true pleasure.

Spa Siargao at Hotel 1898

La Rambla, 109, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; (+34) 621-057-555

Discover the luxurious Hotel 1898 in Barcelona, offering an exquisite blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Explore the elegant rooms, rooftop terrace, and plush facilities for an unforgettable stay. Situated directly on Las Ramblas with easy access to the best of Barcelona, Hotel 1898 is a top choice for those who prefer boutique properties that never skimp on luxury and epicurean experiences.

In a subterranean cellar that was once a coal factory and the chambers for the General Philippines Tobacco Company lies Spa Siargao. The organic and vegan spa is popular with the hip and trendy who want to escape the fast-pace of the streets above and into a quiet respite below the noise. Featuring a pool with hydro-massage, a steam and dry sauna, and bubbling underwater massage beds, guests can languish in the water before or after a range of organic therapies.

We suggest the Elixir Repair Experience to detoxify from city stress and regain a youthful glow. This ultra-repairing treatment is specially made for those whose skin is in need of deep nourishment. During the treatment you will be indulged with a complete face massage with an  exclusive and proprietary technique achieving exceptional results together with an amazing mult-sensory experience.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Pg. de Gràcia, 38-40, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain;  (+34) 931-518-888

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is a luxury hotel with a contemporary vibe featuring interiors designed by renowned architect Patricia Urquiola that bring a chic and light-filled space to the Catalan capital. The Michelin-starred restaurants attract dining enthusiasts from around the world while the Banker’s Bar is hailed as one of the city’s finest.

The award-winning spa will envelope you in a sea of tranquility and Asian-inspired wellness therapies. A complete menu of face, body, and massage services await those who wish to escape the ordinary and enter a world of heightened awareness.

We highly recommend the Sea Vitality Renewal, a treatment that starts with a foot ritual and body scrub using sea salt from Menorca and Murcia, infused with karite, lemongrass and orange. This is followed by a full-body massage using sweet almond from Mallorca, aloe vera from Murcia and flower oil from Seville, followed by a Tibetan bowl massage. A nourishing facial and head massage promote calm and well-being, using honey from Asturias and thermal water.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is also proud to feature a calendar of expert guest speakers and practitioners to enhance your wellness goals and increase your knowledge of holistic philosophy and practices.

For those who wish to delve deeper into a wellness ritual or detox, the spa offers curated one and two-day retreats designed with your health and wellness goals in mind. These sessions feature meditation, yoga, fitness training, face and body therapies using premium products, and healthy meals. These services are unique to Mandarin Oriental and are not offered at any other urban hotel.

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.