Essential Algarve visited seven local hotel spas to discover the benefits of different rejuvenating treatments
Taking the time to rejuvenate oneself not only benefits on the outside, but the mood-boosting practise of self-care also nourishes from the inside just as much. Essential Algarve explored seven spa treatments in the region, with each experience focused on results that aim to leave guests feeling relaxed, recharged and above all, rejuvenated.
Serenity Spa — Pine Cliffs Resort, Albufeira
Senses of the Algarve (80 minutes | €180)
Based around a recipe of traditional Algarvean ingredients, the Senses of the Algarve treatment combines a mixture of methods and products to provide the ultimate rejuvenation experience. It all starts with a body scrub created with sea salt derived from the Ria Formosa and sand straight from Falésia beach. This body exfoliation process cleanses the skin and opens the pores, preparing guests for the next step. After rinsing, guests are comfortably cocooned in a carob body wrap, which is rich in selenium (a thyroid-regulating essential mineral) as well as gallic acid and tannins — both known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties that help to treat damaged skin. To boost the carob wrap’s benefits, the final step of the experience treats guests to a full-body massage using Algarvean orange essential oil, where antioxidants found in the fruit help to fight free radicals and prevent premature aging. Following the experience, guests are invited to heighten this sense of tranquillity by lounging in the Relaxation Area whilst enjoying soothing sips of tea made from erva-príncipe (lemongrass leaves). With a complete focus on combining relaxation with the wellness benefits of several regional products, it is easy to see how the Senses of the Algarve experience is one of Serenity Spa’s most popular and favoured treatments.
+351 289 501 200 | www.serenity-spa.com
Conrad Spa — Conrad Algarve, Almancil
Forest Therapy (60 minutes/90 with the inclusion of a mini facial | €119/€149)
Following its launch in January, Conrad Spa’s Forest Therapy is a brand new treatment designed to “bring the serenity of nature to your mind, body and skin” through an all-in-one body, facial and massage experience. The treatment is inspired by shinrin-yoku (the Japanese practise of spending time in nature to improve one’s overall wellbeing) and is meant to relieve stress, restlessness and agitation. As with all of Conrad Spa’s treatments, the Forest Therapy experience is personalised to target the specific needs of each individual whilst still promising all of the benefits. The treatment begins with a guided inhalation exercise, followed by a tension-releasing massage. True to its natural roots, the session then transitions to a warm mud application for the hands and feet. The experience wraps up with a calming scalp massage and, depending on the treatment length selected, a refreshing mini facial. Each of the treatment’s earthy ingredients offers its own rejuvenating benefits, such as pink pepper (for an uplifting effect), juniper berry (for cleansing and uplifting effects), cypress (for a calming effect), pine (for cleansing and supportive effects) and ho wood (for a cleansing effect). At the end of every treatment, Conrad Spa offers guests a soothing serving of antioxidant-rich rooibos tea along with a fortune cookie that holds a special message from the therapist. The Forest Therapy experience skilfully connects guests with the therapeutic benefits of nature to leave them feeling completely refreshed, tranquil and grounded. Established seven years ago in the Algarve as the world’s first official Conrad Spa, this treatment is just one of the many examples of how the hotel brand strives to maintain “a spa that feels like it was made for you”.
+351 289 350 830 | www.conradalgarve.com
Anantara Spa — Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Quarteira
Lifting Facial (75 minutes | €150)
Anantara Spa is all about creating an experience that invites guests to “immerse in timeless radiance” — with the spa’s signature Lifting Facial offering just that. This renewing treatment aims to “stop the biological clock” through the application of a firming and toning facial. The Lifting Facial relies on unique nutricosmetics (nutritional supplements that support the function and structure of the skin) to target the depth of the dermis while re-establishing the production of collagen and increasing the skin’s elasticity. At Anantara Spa, this and all other spa experiences (including ancient Mediterranean therapies, exclusive rituals and energising Asian-inspired techniques) focus on the overarching goal of providing results-driven, tailored treatments to redefine beauty and match the luxurious glamour of Vilamoura. With spa additions including an indoor vitality pool, soothing sauna and steam room, guests have plenty of opportunities to indulge in total relaxation.
+351 289 317 000 | www.anantara.com
Tivoli Spa Carvoeiro — Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, Carvoeiro
Organic Anti-Aging Facial (75 minutes | €120)
Emulating the allure of its home within the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, Tivoli Spa Carvoeiro strives to create an “elegant, re- fined and timeless spa experience”, with the spa paying “true homage” to the Algarve’s roots, the connection to the nearby Atlantic Ocean and the Tivoli brand. The Organic Anti-Aging Facial begins with a combination of top-quality organic and biological ingredients from the VOYA skincare brand, which are complimented by the restorative and antioxidant-rich properties of specific essential oils. This revitalising treatment consists of a scrub, facial massage, hydration mask, sea- weed mask, two cleansings, and finally finishes off with an application of eye cream and facial cream. The treatment’s natural elements of algae and other plants work to stimulate collagen production while additionally reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Following the Organic Anti-Aging Facial treatment, guests are welcome to take advantage of the Relaxation Areas, which house an array of amenities, such as a steam room and sauna, to complete the rejuvenating experience.
+351 282 351 111 | www.tivolihotels.com
Longevity Health & Wellness Clinic — Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Portimão
Iyashi Dôme (30 minutes | €150)
The Iyashi Dôme treatment centres around purification, regeneration and slimming properties to provide an intense detox, weight loss and cellular rejuvenation experience. People are all too familiar with their own trials and tribulations brought on by everyday life (such as stress, pollution, an imbalanced diet, negative emotions and more). These energy-draining hardships take a toll on the body, causing toxins to build up and potentially weaken one’s natural defences as well as lead to accelerated aging. Iyashi Dôme claims to tackle these issues through a process using ‘far infrared rays’ technology to heat the body, which was inspired by the Japanese toxin-ridding traditional practise known as Suna Ryoho. During the Iyashi Dôme experience, a gentle heat is transferred to the body to allow for a total detoxification. The results offer a wide-range of benefits, according to Iyashi Dôme’s founder (Shogoro Uemura), to include the elimination of toxic waste/heavy metals, improvements to the skin’s aging, enhancing the body’s ability to slim down more effectively, and even instant fat loss (burning up to 600kcal in just one 30-minute session). The treatment intends to establish a feeling of harmony, promote one’s general wellbeing and naturally restore the body’s balance on a deep level. Beyond this experience, the Longevity Health & Wellness Clinic features a complete programme dedicated to rejuvenation and anti-aging. After celebrating its grand opening just last year, the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel continues to take a 360o approach when it comes to health, well- ness and ultimately enabling guests to “achieve a healthier and happier you”.
+351 282 248 890 | www.longevityalvor.com
Boavista Essential Fitness & Spa — Boavista Golf & Spa, Lagos
Essential Signature Body Treatment (120 minutes | €125)
The Essential Signature Body Treatment encompasses a combination of several rejuvenating body treatments, which are all intended to improve the skin’s texture and promote relaxation. The experience begins with a stimulating body exfoliation, followed by a full-body massage, then onto a cosy envelopment (body wrap) and finishing with a refreshing facial. The Essential Signature Body Treatment features a 4-in-1 indulgent ritual that leaves guests feeling fully recharged, which is further enhanced by the sensation of elevated senses and the body totally invigorated. Following the treatment, guests can expect to feel completely absorbed by bliss even from beyond the spa, where panoramic views of nearby Lagos Bay and Praia da Luz provide a peacefully picturesque end to the experience. The Boavista Essential Fitness & Spa aspires to foster an environment where guests can send their worries and cares adrift and instead embrace the invitation for total relaxation.
+351 282 790 930 | www.boavistaresort.pt
VILA VITA Spa by Sisley — VILA VITA Parc, Porches
The Phyto-Aromatic Sisleÿa Facial (90 minutes | €250)
The VILA VITA Spa by Sisley‘s Phyto-Aromatic Sisleÿa Facial is a comprehensive anti-aging facial treatment involving sophisticated procedures at the hands of skilled professionals. It works to nourish the face through in-depth remodelling and restoration to promote youthful skin. As a result of the rejuvenating facial treatment, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed to reveal healthier, younger-looking skin. Guests can also expect the treatment to result in skin that is more toned, firm and resilient along with an overall improvement in its appearance. This anti-aging facial is designed for all skin types, with three different versions catered to the unique needs of each guest (with options for normal skin; dry to very dry skin; and combination to oily skin). So whether guests find their face to feel excessively oily or in desperate need of hydration, the Phyto-Aromatic Sisleÿa Facial offers a personalised approach towards revitalised, glowing skin. The VILA VITA Spa by Sisley operates in collaboration with prestigious French skincare brand Sisley Paris and strives to be a “state-of-the-art spa”. Guests are encouraged to leave the stresses and strains of their daily lives at the door and submit to the relaxation of the experience. With the spa focused around the importance of placing equal emphasis on the body, mind and soul, it leaves little to question why VILA VITA Spa by Sisley considers itself to be a “wellness wonderland”.
+351 282 320 351 | www.vilavitaparc.com
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