HAVE you ever been to a health resort and found things just a little too austere and lacking in joy? Or been to a beautiful spa and wished that you could have something more impactful on your health than a pedicure and featherweight massage? Well Camiral, just outside of Barcelona, has created the perfect solution with their state-of the-art wellness centre.
Camiral Wellness Centre Thermal Pavillion
Curated by Nùria Camins, a trained naturopath and ayurvedic practitioner, the centre balances cutting edge treatments like cryotherapy (a favourite of American NFL football players), hyperbaric oxygen chambers and photobiomodulation alongside treatments like massage, lymphatic drainage and nutrition coaching.
The centre also boasts full spa facilities including saunas and plunge pools as well as an extensive menu of facials, body and beauty treatments, hammam, gym and yoga and reformer pilates studio for personal or group lessons. The centre offers three protocols: Detox & Cleanse, Longevity & Vitality and Wellbeing, with protocols available on a three, four or five day basis.
Camiral Cryotherapy
There is also an intimate wellness kitchen helmed by Chef David Vives and on-site nutritionist, Mireia Cervera, featuring a menu inspired by the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ – regions in which inhabitants have the longest lifespans and, perhaps more critically, healthspans in the world.
The menu centres around phytonutrients – the health-giving plant molecules like antioxidants, polyphenols, Omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics and also emphasises high-biological value proteins such as responsibly-raised meat, fish and eggs. All are cooked slowly at low temperatures to preserve maximum nutritional value and biological activity.
Wellness Kitchen Showcooking
Camiral Pool
Guests who book a wellness programme have exclusive access to this innovative culinary experience, where personalised nutrition meets gourmet cuisine. There are also opportunities to expand personal nutrition knowledge with Mireia, who wants guests to go home feeling empowered in how to nourish and nurture themselves.
Long renowned for its PGA course, Camiral has been the go to destination for golf enthusiasts since 2016 and has just been announced as the host of the 2031 Ryder cup, cementing its place in Spanish golfing history. And with the Wellness Centre there is truly something for everyone, from the England rugby and football teams who train there, to the tired mother needing a health retreat – like me.
Outside of the wellness centre, the hotel is the perfect refuge from busy modern life. Rooms are stylish and peaceful and overlook the stunning grounds and pool. The breakfast buffet is simply to die for with a chocolate fountain that makes even the grown-ups feel like kids again. And the resort boasts five eateries, from the more casual club lounge to fine dining experience Origin which offers exceptional haute cuisine.
Camiral Wellness treatment
There are also a plethora of on and off site activities available including bike tours, yoga, paddle and tennis lessons, guided walks and food tours of Girona to name a few. The beach is also just a 30 min drive away.
I left Camiral feeling deeply recharged. The wellness treatments made even my cells feel like they’d had some TLC. There is something so deeply restorative about taking a few days to do nothing but rest and regroup. I felt like I had been in excellent hands, with everyone from the masseuses to the yoga instructor, to the chef having a deep well of knowledge to draw from and thus create a remarkable sanctuary of wellbeing.
by Nicola Kavanagh
Rooms start from £250 based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Room Double Bed on a B&B basis.