May 9, 2008

Europe | Spain | Galicia

Simply Divine

By Nicole Cotroneo

A 10th-century monastery is now home to Spain’s hottest new spa.

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Incomparably greener than anywhere else in Spain, Galicia feels like a slice of Ireland in Iberia. There’s even a fiercely insistent claim that the Celts settled in the misty hills of this northwestern region. You might even subscribe to the notion after a Celtic hot-stone massage at Galicia’s spectacular new spa, housed in a 10th-century monastery-turned-hotel.

Behind the ancient walls of Parador de Santo Estevo, the modern $2-million sanctuary is only the fourth spa to open in one of Spain’s 93 paradors (a collection of converted castles, convents and monasteries). The 9,600-square-foot retreat features an outdoor hydro-massage bath, a heated indoor pool and cold plunge pool. You’ll also find the requisite saunas and steam rooms, plus Vichy and bithermal Scottish showers. And after a “flotation massage” in a warm waterbed, you can further relax with a sangria from the cloister bar and a stroll through the parador’s gardens overlooking the Ribeira Sacra — the valley that kisses the border of Portugal.