When I think of Gran Canaria, I think warm winters as their high season starts in September and finishes is March. I think huge resort hotels and beaches, I think small mountain like landscapes, rugged hills and small valleys.
All the above is true, but what I didn’t know was, the wellness movement in Gran Canaria. Landing in Las Palmas for a long weekend, we visited 4 hotels, The 4 star, Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel, the 4 star Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa, the 4 star Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel and the stunning 5 star Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf Resort which I will come back to later.
Before we go any further, you will hear me talk about Thalasso. What is Thalasso? From the Greek word, “Thalassa,” meaning sea,” this is the tonic effect of time spent in the sea or in sea water and the use of sea water and marine products as a therapeutic treatment. Simply put, Thalasso spa’s uses REAL sea water in their spa’s, rather than water from a tap.
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel
Our first hotel was the Gloria Palace Amadores. The first thing we noticed on arrival was the structure and build. This hotel is built into a cliff and offer’s stunning views of the ocean.
The Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel has an almost cruise ship feel to it. Swimming pools that face the ocean, open desks, bars, and lounge spots. The Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable stay in Gran Canaria.
We had a room on the top floor, perfect for couples, spacious, huge bed, his and her sinks in the bathroom and a powerful shower head to relax you at night after a long day. We where greeted with 2 swans kissing on our bed, along with presecco, chocolates and fruit, so romantic.
Setting the mood of romance, desire and relaxation, I looked out onto the balcony to a beautiful view of the ocean. Toasting to a weekend of fun and happiness presecco in hand we knew we were going to have a whale of time.
Day 1: First things first, breakfast. The Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel has an full buffet style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat as much as you like from the huge selection of food on offer.
You can either dine inside the restaurant or eat Al Fresco facing the ocean, brilliant. 10.30am we visited the Thalasso for a ‘Get In Shape Pool Circuit’, I actually thought this was a mini work out in the pool. To my surprise, the get in shape pool circuit was an hour and a half in the Thalasso which consists of a relaxing circuit in seawater heated to different temperatures (33ºC/37ºC), with 29 hydro massage points.
The massage points are pretty spectacular, going around the circuit you will see different sections, each section concentrates on a different part of your body. Neck, shoulders, thighs, calves etc. The water jetting onto your body in such a natural way, you will feel like you are floating cloud 9 on top once you’ve finished.
The natural sea water feels ever so fresh, real, soft and gentle. You will not want to leave this place. I personally felt like I could have spent the whole day in the Thalasso. Unfortunately all good things must come to and end, but it didn’t end just yet.
Next up we had a special treatment: the couples massage. Open air massage in a private roof top like setting. Maybe it was the time we had just spent in the Thalasso or maybe it was the picturesque ocean view, but this felt like the BEST massage I have ever had. I mean truly felt like the best massage I have EVER had.
Not only the best massage ever, but after the massage we where greeted with presecco, strawberries and warm chocolate to dip them in, was dreamy. It’s the kind of moment that you could propose to your lady and she wouldn’t know what hit her.
What a day. A lush day of relaxation, regeneration and wellness. The 4 star, Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel should be on your hit list of hotels to stay if you visit Gran Canaria.
For more info simply visit www.grancanariawellness.com and take a look at he treatments they have to offer here.
Part 2 and 3 will follow shortly.