December is for many the ideal time for a small disconnection taking advantage of the Christmas holidays. A perfect time for a restorative getaway to disconnect and recharge batteries. There is no need to resort to a distant destination, there are places close to home that offer very attractive plans.
Whether as a couple or with the family, nature seems like a perfect setting to enjoy now as the temperatures begin to drop. Care to join us?
Spas with a different touch
Spa Hotel Vichy Catalán, a perfect place to spend the weekend
One option that never fails is spas, ideal for setting aside cold temperatures and unwinding with massages, saunas, and endless baths. In Girona, you will find the Vichy Catalán spa hotel, which offers a thermal space of rituals, treatments, and wellness programs.
They range from hot stone massages and sensory experiences to thermal treatments. They also include circuits with baths, showers, or skin exfoliation, and three wellness programs for those seeking something extra.
The Vichy Catalán spa has different circuits
If you prefer to try new things, you can choose the Arab baths. Hammam Al Ándalus is a magnificent option for letting your worries fade away among the humidity and essences of the hot springs. You can find them in Córdoba, Granada, Madrid, Málaga, and Palma. Their catalog includes treatments with surprising aromas, quiet spaces, and careful interior design. The Arab arches, the soft colors of the rooms, and the cozy lights are surprising.
This group also offers thermal tours. One of them is a seasonal series that changes with each season of the year to connect with oneself. Currently, they offer the autumn one, with massages that manage to create a metaphor of the autumnal nature. In addition to this experience, there are other packages that combine massages with oils, stretches, or saunas.
Hot stone massages, one of the many ways to relax at spas
There is another culture that stands out for its emotional and physical care with water. The famous Japanese onsens, now also in Madrid. Esenzias describes its onsen space as “small but charming.” The decoration, ambient music, and spa circuit are inspired by Japanese culture to offer a unique experience.
The circuit starts with a sauna, continues with a jacuzzi and a cold pool before moving on to the ofuro, the popular Japanese hot bath. It ends in a relaxation room to recover and recharge.
As a couple or with family, nature seems like a good setting to enjoy during this time of year
Esenzias has a clear motto: “pamper yourself on the inside and take care of yourself on the outside.” If the onsen does not attract enough, there are proposals such as oriental massages, or alternatively, classic massage options.
Hotels as a way to disconnect
Hotels with activities are another ideal alternative for those looking for a getaway to escape from their daily routine. And what better option than to isolate stressful thoughts by -literally- entering a bubble?
The Masía Pla del Bosc in Canyelles, located 60 minutes from Barcelona, boasts two very chic bubble suites: one with an elegant style, and the other with a tropical decoration. Both are suitable for the low temperatures of December and include a romantic dinner in the room and a hot tub for relaxation.
'Glampings' allow you to disconnect from the daily routine
In addition to the unique accommodation with sky views, there are also activities such as a wine and cheese route with a view of the Pic de l’Àliga area in a 4x4. You can also enjoy yoga classes or couples' outdoor oil massages under the olive trees.
The most adventurous ones will find in Lizaso, in the Ultzama valley, in Navarra, Basoa Suites, rooms built in the treetops. They have heating, and meals are collected using a pulley from the room itself. The suites have a terrace, almost five meters above the ground, with views of the natural area of Mount Okolin.
A trip to a small town with a Christmas market is a good plan for the upcoming long weekend
From Lizaso, it is possible to reach Pamplona -30 minutes away- or San Sebastián -an hour away- or simply get lost in its surroundings. Nature offers the option of choosing hiking, horseback riding, or long autumn walks.
Wine and gastronomy are other ways to enjoy and unwind. In Elciego, in Rioja Alavesa, surrounded by hectares of vineyards and wineries, the Marqués de Riscal hotel offers a unique experience. Designed by Frank Gehry, the international architect who also created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, it features 51 rooms and 10 suites sheltered by the undulations of an extraordinary exterior design and an interior decoration that pays attention to the smallest detail. The establishment offers wine routes, after which sitting down at the table of the Marqués de Riscal restaurant is a must, serving local dishes with a modern twist.
Elciego vineyards and Marqués de Riscal hotel
Lost in the wilderness
If you're not into luxury and prefer to start experiencing the spirit of Christmas, December is the perfect time to decorate your home. An excursion to a small town with a Christmas market -many of which seem to be taken from a fairy tale- makes for a great plan. For example, Covarrubias, a charming town in the province of Burgos.
Wandering through the streets of Covarrubias is like stepping into the landscape of a fairy tale
Hidden in the region of Arlanza, 40 kilometers from the provincial capital, the town is considered a historical-artistic ensemble. Its medieval origin is reflected in the architecture, a clear example of popular Castilian style, which is very well preserved. It is also possible to visit some of its historic buildings.
Pilgrimage routes that pass through Covarrubias, such as the one of San Olav, turn Covarrubias into an ideal destination for hiking. The landscapes surrounding this town of just over 500 inhabitants are truly spectacular, as are those of the rest of the Arlanza region. Exploring them and reaching Santo Domingo de Silos, just 20 kilometers away, is an ideal experience to conclude a relaxing getaway.