My daughter and I are seeking a decent day spa in Majorca (Mallorca). Have you
any suggestions? Jayne Knowle, UK
Times Online spa expert, Miranda Allard responds: Tips on making the
most of two different spas.
There are now more than 50 spas of one sort or another in Majorca but still
very few really good ones. Majorca suffers from the hoteliers' “we have to
have a spa” syndrome and often the spas are small, cramped and run badly
while ticking boxes on the facility front.
Even larger destination spas often lack atmosphere and efficiency. So more
than ever do your homework and try to book somewhere recommended by someone
you trust.
There are two very different spas I would recommend for a special day out with
your daughter and both belong to 5-star hotels. If possible go out of high
season and take advantage of special day spa packages while enjoying the
facilities with fewer guests around. Many spas offer specific
mother-and-daughter packages but look at the spa menu and book well in
advance - make sure your treatments are booked at the same time, if not in
the same room.
The
Spa at La Residencia is unique and will appeal to those who enjoy
stunning views and true sophistication. One of the first things the Orient
Express Group did when it took over the hotel from Richard Branson four
years ago was to relocate and enhance the spa facilities.
This spa is for those looking for an intimate experience. The drive to Deia is
one of the prettiest in Mallorca and the setting is truly magnificent. The
spa manager has remained in post since the Virgin era and recruits only the
best therapists who take the VIP status of many of their guests in their
stride.
The facilities are fairly simple with the usual sauna and steam rooms and
guests can relax pre and post treatment by the quiet indoor pool if the
weather is too cold for one of the secluded terraces. However, the treatment
rooms are large and stylish and in keeping with the rustic setting.
The beds are huge and comfortable and once the treatment is over the therapist
opens the shutters so the guest can sip a cup of tea while taking in the
amazing view. Lunch can be enjoyed on the terrace of one of the hotel
restaurants and I suggest returning to the spa for the citrus siesta
signature treatment for a gentle soothing massage.
The two-hour Rainy Day Spa Ritual costs €136 (£89) each and includes a Thalgo
Peel and Polish Body Exfoliation and Moisturising Treatment; Aromatherapy
Associates Face and Scalp Massage and an Opi Manicure.
The
Holistic Lifestyle Spa at the Marriott Son Antem is another of my
favourites. It is probably more accessible for most day spa visitors being
only 20 minutes east from Palma. Set in a golf, tennis and family resort
environment it might come as a surprise that this large spa is a true
retreat.
For maximum benefit you really should arrive early and spend a couple of hours
in the holistic area unwinding in the seven different sauna, steam and
meditation rooms while chilling down between each session from the ice
fountain.
The spa treatment area is calm and Asian in concept and the well travelled and
experienced Treatments Manager has a passion for high standards from
therapists. He recruits and offers rigorous in house training and has
produced an interesting and varied spa menu. They have a couples’ suite and
offer a mother and daughter package with a facial and nail file and polish
for €170 (£120).
Miranda Allard runs SpaContacts.com
which features a limited selection of spas invited by her to join
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