After a well-deserved holiday, returning to your routine can be challenging. However, it is the perfect time to find balance and renew both your body and mind. The key is to give yourself a space where you can recharge your batteries and rediscover your calm. Paradores, veritable havens of tranquillity and culture, are the ideal destination to take a break, unwind from daily stress and devote yourself to your wellbeing. With their fusion of history, art, nature and relaxation, they offer unique experiences that restore not only your physical energy, but also your inner peace.
In this guide, we explore the most outstanding Paradores that invite you to regain your vitality and serenity, combining moments of rest with the opportunity to enrich your mind and spirit.
A monastery among forests
Located in the Ribeira Sacra, in Galicia, the Parador de Santo Estevo is a unique retreat within an ancient 6th-century Benedictine monastery. This imposing monastery has witnessed centuries of spirituality and today offers a luxurious space that combines the best of monastic history with modern comfort.
The Parador's spa, located in the monastery's old cellars, is indeed a shrine for the body. With its hydrothermal circuit, cold water pool, and seaweed massages, complete revitalisation is guaranteed. And while the body is being renewed, the mind can immerse itself in the rich history of the place, exploring its three cloisters: Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance, which invite contemplation and rest.
In addition, the Ribeira Sacra, with its impressive natural and cultural heritage, offers perfect activities to enrich the mind. From hiking trails through vineyards to visits to Romanesque monasteries, every step through the region awakens serenity and enjoyment of the present.
History and wellbeing in the fortress of the sun
The Parador de Lorca, located in a medieval castle, is a perfect example of how history and wellbeing can coexist. In this imposing castle, dating from the 10th century, you can enjoy a unique experience of relaxation in its spa, with a circuit of sensations and rejuvenating massages.
But wellbeing here is not only physical: the historical richness of Lorca, with its Baroque palaces and the nearby Almohad wall, inspires a deep connection with the past. The exhibitions and workshops in the castle allow the mind to be enriched while the body is restored, creating a comprehensive wellness experience.
Culture and tranquillity in the heart of Asturias
The Parador de Corias, located in the monastery of San Juan Bautista in Cangas del Narcea, is the perfect place for those seeking to combine physical rest and intellectual stimulation. This monastery, known as the "Escorial of Asturias", houses one of the most important libraries in the Paradores, with more than 7,000 thought-provoking titles.
The Parador's spa is equally impressive, with a wellness programme that includes Turkish baths, water massages and a relaxing swimming pool. Here, visitors can enjoy comprehensive rejuvenation: the body is recharged with spa therapies, and the mind is enriched with the culture and knowledge of its library, which transports visitors on a unique intellectual journey.
Between history and relaxation
Located in Cervantes' hometown of Alcalá de Henares, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is a place steeped in history and culture. The Parador occupies three former 17th-century convent schools, giving it a unique atmosphere. The spa, installed under the vaults of the former convent church, is an oasis of relaxation with a hydromassage pool, Finnish sauna and contrast showers.
The city of Alcalá, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers a wide range of cultural activities, from the Ibero-American Golden Age Festival to performances of Don Juan Tenorio. The Parador, with its impressive cultural offerings and luxury spa, provides the perfect experience for physical and mental well-being.
