Spa Day. Just the phrase conjures up the feeling of luxury and indulgence.
The huge variety of private spas on offer is stunning. New treatments, a world away from the traditional head massage and manicure, make full use of the many natural resources found in the magnificent Canary Islands.
Aloe Vera, prickly pears and the recuperative powers of sea salt are all used in wellness centres and spas across the archipelago. Many are beautifully designed and stylishly equipped.
When exploring the islands, you can see the pointed green leaves of aloe vera plants growing wild just as they have done for thousands of years. The islands use these naturally growing healing succulents to good effect.
Aloetherapy in Tenerife and Lanzarote
On Tenerife and Lanzarote there are museums, with shops, explaining the healing benefits of Aloe Vera. Aloetherapy is used widely in spas for cleansing and massage.
Spas and wellness centres use many other natural remedies too, combined with some high-tech equipment. One is Geotherapy, which uses the volcanic clay. You will also see Wine-therapy, not a wine-tasting session but the use of local grape skins to tone muscles.
The ancient treatment of Thalassotherapy uses seawater in high pressure jets or showers as well as pools, and other marine substances, such as seaweed juices.
For something quite different on Lanzarote you can swim in a large indoor seawater pool with subdued lighting and underwater music.
Wellness in Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria
On Fuerteventura a large, heated spa swimming pool has cascading water and jets to release tension in joints and aching backs. After your swim, or a sauna, you can relax on a soft lounger with a drink. On Tenerife you can pre-book and pre-pay for sessions for yourself or give them as gifts.
The islands exude a therapeutic air with days of sunshine and a feeling of wellness. Gran Canaria has made a speciality of wellness and several resorts have treatments that can include hiking in the pure air as well as therapy sessions in half or full-day spa sessions.
In fact, it is said that the Canary Island archipelago is an open-air spa with the invigorating Atlantic to swim in and an abundance of sunshine to renew Vitamin D and release endorphins like a gym session.
The volcanic sand, that natural ingredient on many Canary beaches, particularly La Palma, helps sufferers of arthritis and rheumatism.
But a little bit of indulgent spa pampering can be a delightful holiday luxury.
