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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Marbella Club’s wellness program is the perfect excuse to discover one of the best luxury hotels in Spain. This year, the iconic resort is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and the wellness offerings are one of their main attractions. You can expect a multisensory journey that ranges from nutrition—with a chef who specializes in anti-inflammatory cuisine—to physical exercise to numerous facial and body treatments. The crown jewel is a fabulous spa where every element has been conceived with the aim of boosting vitality and wellness and contributing to improving the health of their guests.
What’s the vibe?
The Marbella Club is located on the beachfront, in the heart of Costa del Sol, a region with a microclimate that provides more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The hotel’s wellness program has been designed to make the most of this extraordinary climate and its seaside perch; “thalassa” is the Greek word for sea. At almost 9,000 square feet, the spa encompasses 12 treatment rooms, Finnish saunas, a hammam, a solarium overlooking the sea, and an indoor pool whose water has been treated with bromine—much less damaging for the skin than chlorine.
The history?
The Marbella Club is an unmistakable emblem of the city’s vibrant hotel scene. Inspired by his love of the Mediterranean Sea, legendary playboy Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe made it his mission to turn the sleepy beach village of Marbella into a global destination, transforming this hotel in particular into a top holiday destination in the second half of the 20th century. Together with his cousin, Count Rudi von Schönburg, he built a whimsical resort surrounded by botanical gardens and more than 300 species of plants, an escape where you can enjoy the best gastronomy of southern Spain and live the Mediterranean way.
What should you try?
Thalassotherapy, the spa’s flagship treatment, is a long-standing discipline based on the curative practices of ancient Greece and Egypt. Its central focus is obtaining all the benefits of seawater, such as lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, regulating the circulatory system, or facilitating post-surgery recovery. The professionals at the Thalasso Spa recommend first trying a hot circuit (sauna and hammam) of at least 10 minutes, followed by a tour through the seawater areas.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Respect for the environment is one of the fundamental values in Marbella Club’s philosophy, and it is especially represented in their wellness services. The water used in the pools of the Thalasso Spa comes directly from the Mediterranean Sea, located just a few meters away from its facilities. Honoring its strong commitment to sustainability, the resort has planned a series of events to mark its 70th anniversary, including, next October, a conference with leaders in the fields of sustainability, biodiversity, and culture.
What else do we need to know?
In-house nutritionists can design a custom menu for you during your stay, drawing inspiration from local Andalusian cuisine and ingredients.
Who can go?
Access to the spa is prohibited for children under four years old, but minors above this age have specific time slots to enjoy the facilities. And although the Thalasso Spa is mainly focused on adults, Marbella Club has a Kids Club with a wide range of spaces and activities that make the resort a top family destination.
Booking details for Thalasso at the Marbella Club
Address: Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.