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Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Blending time-honored and modern techniques, Sense, a Rosewood Spa, at Madrid’s Villa Magna Hotel, combines a complete menu of facial and body treatments with the innovation of the world’s first “hair wellth” spa (from Claudia di Paolo). Following a facial-like approach, customers have their hair washed and treated with rituals based on sensory stimulation.
What’s the vibe?
An oasis of peace in the heart of Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana that confirms that it is possible to disconnect in the midst of urban commotion. And even more so if you visit its steam rooms, Finnish sauna, and hydrotherapy area, or enjoy a soothing ritual in the spa’s hammam, made of Turkish marble. The interior of the spa is decorated with smooth neutral marbles, carved wood doors, and glowing low lighting that makes you feel like your skin has improved the moment you step foot inside. It’s a relatively small spa but also includes a gym and yoga room.
The history?
Originally the site of a 19th-century palace, the location became a hotel in the 1970s and has since then undergone a substantive renovation under the Rosewood auspices.
The aim, among other pursuits, was to create an experience based on ancestral practices and health and beauty rituals with a Spanish touch, merging native plants and ingredients with the luxury products of cosmetic brands such as Ayuna and Evidens de Beauté.
What should you try?
Any of their hair treatments, such as our favorite Inner Balance Cure, as Claudia di Paolo’s innovative method is really the biggest selling point for this spa. Each protocol begins with a meditation and continues with several massages (including leg and foot relaxation) to stimulate hair and scalp regeneration. “If we want to activate one part of the organism, we need to slow down the rest,” Di Paolo explains. Craniosacral massage relaxes the body, making the treatments that much more effective. After one session in her cabin—decorated by interior designer Emanuelle Simon—you leave with a new mentality and a veritable master’s degree in conscious hair care. As the team insists, “doing things in a conscious way counts double.” It’s worth noting that this is not a salon but a hair spa, so don’t expect a blow-dry (though hair dryers and styling tools are provided in the changing rooms).
Also highly recommended is the Ritual wellness treatment that centers around laurel leaf—traditionally used to ease the respiratory system and reduce inflammation—and involves a foot bath, body exfoliation, and a personalized massage.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Native plants feature heavily in their treatment menu, as do products made in Spain, including many from eco-conscious brands such as Ayuna. The Mediterranean-inspired organic scents from G19 infiltrate all of the spa’s rooms and amenities with the scents of eucalyptus, lavender, pine, and sandalwood.
What else do we need to know?
The spa’s new partnership with Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie allows you to book complete experiences for multiday stays, enhanced with training programs, wellness treatments, and anti-inflammatory nutrition and diagnostics.
Who can go?
Anyone who wants to disconnect (no need to stay at the hotel). It also has a gym and two monthly membership programs, one to access the gym and one to access the spa.
Booking details for Sense, a Rosewood Spa
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 22, Planta, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
