Spas to Watch: Five of The Best Spas for Spring
Originally published in EUROPEAN SPA MAGAZINE - SPRING 2026 | by MARK SMITH
The global spa market continues to see significant investment in new hotels, resorts and destination spas. The sector is expected to grow by 7.7 per cent annually, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This is positive news for operators, brands and suppliers as more people visit wellness-focused properties to improve their personal health and wellbeing.
Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa is situated at El Vendrell, Catalonia on the Costa Daurada, near Barcelona in Spain. The 144-room luxury Marriott Bonvoy property - operating under the Le Méridien brand since 2004 - features a mix of premium rooms and suites, many with sea views, in addition to its new Explore Spa.
The site has a rich history as one of the first sanctuaries built specifically for healing in Spain. Since the 1920’s, guests have taken advantage of the fresh sea air, natural light and mineral-rich seawater to strengthen their bodies and minds. Its recently unveiled spa is located in a building originally constructed in 1929 as a children’s hospital.
At 7,200sqm and with 35 treatment rooms, Explore Spa is one of the largest in Spain. Facilities include four rooftop thalasso pools, supplied by Bosch Pascual, that harness the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea.
The spa experience has been redesigned and refurbished by Core Essence with Bosch Pascual appointed contractors. A bio-sauna, ice room and hammam were supplied by Inbeca. There is also an aromatherapy steam room, salt wall tepidarium with heated stone loungers and a 900sqm hydrotherapy terrace.
“Our philosophy is rooted in the essence of thalasso - harnessing the power of the sea for wellbeing and renewal,” says Mercè Llorià Montner, spa director at Le Méridien Ra. “We offer truly unique treatments that provide exceptional sensory and therapeutic experiences.”
SYNCHING circadian rhythms
The spa’s programming has been designed to nurture guests’ circadian rhythms, aligning their energies to natural solar and lunar cycles. The menu offers thalassotherapy bathing circuits as well as personalised, energising, balancing or grounding face and body treatments using Natura Bissé, SeaSkin Life and Alqvimia products.
Signature offerings include the Oceanic Renewal by SeaSkin Life, a deep massage on a quartz crystal bed paired with 30 minutes of salt inhalation and crystal bowl sound healing.
Other facilities include a fitness suite that is flooded with natural light and equipped by Technogym, while Explore Spa has also launched a two-night sleep retreat in partnership with The Sleep Project, a UK and European-based company specialising in sleep education and solutions.
