Botanical Spa
Gran Hotel Miramar
Malaga, Spain
Having only opened its doors as the 5* Gran Hotel Miramar about 2 years, this elegant grand hotel is making its mark in Europe. With the best location in Malaga, this masterpiece which was the work of architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan in 1926, was formerly a hospital and the palace of justice (the courts) – fascinating history that adds to its appeal.
The hotel impresses from the moment you enter the archway that takes you off the busy street and in to the quiet, luscious hotel grounds. Its white detailed grandiose exterior has been restored to an exceptional condition and feels palace grand. The Arabic influenced design is present throughout the spectacular interior of the hotel and spa. The hotel takes up a full city block, with stunning lush gardens gracing the hotel entrance as well as beautifully designed grounds with outdoor dining, a bar, pools and a courtyard area to host events such as weddings. The hotel has 200 rooms and several ballrooms for special events.
Botanical Spa is located on the lower level of the hotel, which to get to you walk through the grand, spacious main hall. The piano playing daily in the hall (4pm onwards) sets the tone for this 5* hotel experience.
The welcome
As you enter the Botanical Spa by Sisley and wellness centre, the Arabic influenced design provides a calming and zen setting. We were graciously welcomed by our therapist, Marta, and the general manager of the hotel, who later gave us a tour of the hotel and facilities. Marta showed us the wellness centre that’s of full use with a treatment and includes a sauna, steam room, pools (including a cold pool) for hydrotherapy and a series of jet beds and chairs to treat different areas of the body. The ceiling of the centre is complete with hundreds of tiny LED lights that appear as stars when the sun goes down. This detail really elevates the experience of being in the water, looking up feeling like you’re under the starlight nights sky.
Marta then led to the changing room to get in to a comfy robe and prepare for the aromatic relaxing massage treatment.
The spa has four treatment rooms, a couples treatment room complete with a private sauna and shower and also a stone-bed treatment room for hammam treatments. There is also a lounge area for relaxing pre and post treatment. The spa is small and intimate, with a sense of privacy.
The treatment
Marta led us to one of the four treatment rooms, explaining that we’ll be experiencing the aromatic massage, that uses Alqvimia oil called ‘queen of Egypt’. The massage bed was different to most experienced before this. It had an opening built in to the bed versus a detachable piece at the end. It was also bigger than most – wider and longer. This made for a very comfortable lie (both front and back).
The aromatic massage was a full body massage, using lashings of oil to work the tired muscles. The massage was relaxing, with medium pressure. The 60 minute experience was enough to get in to a deep relaxation, helped by the beautiful Arabic soothing music that was complimenting the ambience so perfectly. Marta was clearly an expert in her profession – it was like she wasn’t in the room, yet a series of hand strokes continuously worked their magic to provide a truly relaxing experience.
The amenities
Beyond the spa’s wellness centre which extends your experience allowing you to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind, the hotel has an incredible gastronomy scene There is a large outdoor pool (and separate kids pool) located next to the outdoor restaurant and bar. There are 3 restaurants and 2 bars with views of the sea which all serve different cuisines and international drink choices, the most impressive of which is the Media Luna chill out terrace (rooftop bar) which hosts a live DJ on weekends. This beautiful modern lounge offers spectacular views of Malaga, the beach, Mediterranean Sea and arguably offers the best sunset viewing there is. If you visit the hotel, be sure to make a visit!
If you’re looking for the perfect 5* hotel and destination spa experience, in the best location in Malaga – this is it. It really is impeccable and you’ll feel like and be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive.
The hotel currently has a 20% off discount if you book directly and the spa offers daily discounts for early morning visits. Be sure to check the website before booking.
Check out our YouTube video walkthrough of the hotel and spa here.
– Jackie, WSR Co-founder
