Me wearing a Mint Velvet feather jumpsuit on the Maspalomas sand dunes.

4 Chic Spas in Gran Canaria

Where? We stayed at The Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf and Spa Resort
When? April 2015
Why? I was invited out to Gran Canaria to do a review of the island’s best spas
With? I invited my gorgeous sister, Tuhina along with me to enjoy a much needed relaxing spa weekend

I must admit, Gran Canaria isn’t the first destination that springs to mind when talking about spas. Which is why, when Gran Canaria Wellness invited me to visit the top spa’s on the island, I decided to investigate.

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the seven Canary Islands, situated off the north western coast of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s sunny and warm all year round and a great place to visit for a quick weekend sojourn (it’s only a 4 hour flight from London).

The landscape is volcanic with vast desert areas, filled with the most spectacular sand dune backdrops. Interspersed amidst this arid environment, are small chic, beachside towns and resorts, such as quaint Puerto de Mogan (below) and Meloneras.

My sister, Tuhina and I stayed at the luxury 5 star hotel, the Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf and Spa Resort, situated on top of a deep valley, with breath taking vistas. It’s a design hotel in every sense, from the modern, geometric architecture and huge art works, to walkways and communal areas, positioned specifically so that the most spectacular views are framed by the building. The interiors throughout the hotel are stone, wood and metal, which gives a natural, homely feel, in spite of the minimal aesthetic. It’s a large resort but feels intimate and relaxed due to the intelligent design. The hotel is a modernist dream and beautiful from every vantage point. I loved it.

There are several swimming pools at the hotel, my favourite was the infinity pool at the summit of the resort (above). It was a fantastic sun trap, as well a perfect backdrop for a photo shoot, which is why I decided to take advantage of it. Click here to see my ‘What to wear when you’re there’ sportswear and spa shoot.

My sister catching some rays at the Sheraton

It was a four-day trip with a visit to a different spa every day. Here’s a run down of my favourite spas on the island.

Spa 1

The Aloe Spa – Sheraton Salobre Golf, Resort and Spa

Minimal, modern spa with spectacular infinity pool and breath taking views. Using one of the islands most famous natural resources, the spa at the Sheraton Salobre is named after the plant extract, Aloe Vera. Gran Canaria Aloe is said to be the world’s purest form of Aloe. The treatments incorporate and harness the plants special healing and analgesic properties. I had the signature, Aloe Massage, before using the fantastic spa circuit and going for a dip in the stunning infinity pool. Sheer indulgence and a blissful afternoon.

The open air spa pool at the Sheraton Salobre

Spa 2

Spa Inagua at Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa

Colourful Spanish style garden retreat and spa. Set amidst idyllic, flower scented gardens with a stunning mountain back drop, The Inagua Spa is the perfect setting in which to completely relax and unwind. The hotels design and décor inspired by traditional Spanish bodega style, coupled with the outdoor jacuzzi and pools, helps to set the scene for a nurturing and calming wellness experience. My sister and I tried the Cordial anti-stress massage, it was a wonderful hour long massage, the perfect way to forget about the stress of day to day life.

 Above and below: The Inagua Spa at the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa

Spa 3

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia (pictured above and below)

The traditional hamam style spa. Explore the Finnish sauna, steam hamams, salt caves or Thalasso pool, at this wonderfully luxurious spa, beautifully decorated in a traditional Moorish style. As well as all the facilities already on offer in the spa take advantage of  the open-air fitness suite, with views over the pool and a personal trainer on hand, should you need a little extra encouragement. The treatments on offer are sheer indulgence, from Cleopatra caviar wraps to Rasul baths, all using Natura Bisse products. I highly recommend the Pantai Luar massage using herb filled, heated poultices to give you the ultimate, indulgent experience!

Spa 4  

Seaside Palm Beach (pictured above)

The retro, rain forrest inspired spa. Taking influence from artists Miro, Picasso and other Spanish masters, the whole of the resort has a 60’s, retro theme in its décor and design. The spa treatment rooms look out onto individual flower and cactus filled gardens, you’d be excused for thinking you were in the middle of the Amazon. I loved the outdoor sauna and relaxation areas. Getting ready after my treatment in the beautiful outdoors (private area) was a wonderfully calming experience. We had the hot stone therapy using volcanic rocks from the island, the heat really adds to the sensation of warmth and the feeling of being utterly pampered. It was a fantastic experience.

The serene infinity pool at the Sheraton Salobre