Very close to Barcelona, two hours away by car, there are two places where relaxation and rest are one. Just cross the border, direction Perpignan. On the program: spa, nature and massage. Are we taking you?
Run away from noise and life at full speed, for a weekend. It is possible, just two hours from Barcelona. On the other side of the border, in the Pyrénées-Orientales (France), here are two perfect places to decompress and relax.
Spa and anti-stress treatments by the sea
Perfectly hydrated skin and a relaxed body. The image makes you dream. From dream to reality, there is only the AP-7 to cross. We arrive in Banuyls-sur-Mer, put down our suitcases at the top of the hill, at Côté Thalasso, and here we are ready to relax.
Everything is done for. Seawater swimming pools, indoors and outdoors, hammam and sauna are located in the same very bright space, overlooking the sea. After a jump in the heated swimming pool, head for the treatment cabins. It is here, in an Andalusian setting, that Côté Thalasso uses its best asset: magnesium.
“We extract the magnesium naturally contained in seawater, up to 30%. We use it a lot in our treatments. We all need magnesium, and introducing it through the skin helps prevent indigestion., explains the commercial director of the establishment. Concentrated magnesium is added to hydromassage baths and applied before massages. Results ? Better muscle recovery, relieved cramps and avoided stress.
“We owe this technique to the director of Côté Thalasso. She is a doctor so she draws on her knowledge to adapt the care to each person. » Several options are available: no stress, young mothers, light legs. But also cures for people with cancer. 
The establishment is open to the public. And the hotel does not necessarily go hand in hand with the treatments. The spa and treatment area, like the restaurant, is not reserved only for those who stay on site. Access to swimming pools and cures can be purchased separately from nights. Count around €129 for three treatments and a cocktail over a weekend. The rest is just extra. As long as it rhymes with relaxation.
Where : Thalasso side, in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Price : from 50 €
A bed and breakfast in the middle of nature, like at home (only better)
In the small village of Oms, two hours from Barcelona and just next to Céret, the Mas des Colombes is like a real cozy nest nestled at an altitude of 650 meters. You have to take some winding roads before arriving in front of the gate of these guest rooms.
But the game is worth the candle. Actors like François-Xavier de Maison or great business leaders know something about it. Here, at Nadège and Eric’s, they have found a little haven of peace, in the middle of the mountains, with the rooster crowing in the morning and the dog playing in the garden.
Only the song of the birds could break the calm. Because at the Mas des Colombes, it is tranquility that prevails. The house has only five suites, reserved for adults only. Each one has its own name and decoration based around the canvases of the sun, typical of the region. Each also has its own living room, bedroom, bathroom, and sometimes even its own private terrace. Ideal for agreeing moments for two.
Outside, a swimming pool with river-coloured water, a jacuzzi, a small golf course and petanque. Inside, billiards, library, fully equipped gym, infrared sauna to relieve stress, and shiatsu massage room, offer the total relaxation.
Even the belly has the right to its privileged moments. Meals are served by the fireplace in winter, on the shaded terrace in summer. Prepared by Eric and Nadège, they are almost reminiscent of those of which only mothers or grandmothers have the secret. “We are lucky to have a Best Worker in France friend. So we have access to good addresses, to the best products.”, smiles Nadège, passionate about cooking. Just for the breakfast brioche, it takes two days of preparation to let the pasta rest. Because yes, at Mas des Colombes, everything is synonymous with rest.
Where : The Mas des Colombes in Oms.
Price : From €190 per night.
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