Aire de Barcelona

The calming sounds of trickling water, and the smell of cinnamon are the first things I notice when I walk in the door at Barcelona Aire. We’re attended right away by soft-spoken staff, who put on our wristbands--we’ve signed up for a scrub, and a massage and point us to the dressing rooms. They’re spotless, brightly lit and well-equipped with hairdryers, lockers, white terry cloth robes, water shoes, and even hair bands. Downstairs, uniformed staff line up to greet us and show us around. Clear waters are warmly lit under soaring masonry arches--it’s hard to believe this was once a warehouse. There are hot, cold, warm and salt baths, as well as a jetted pool and a sauna. But the spa circuit will have to wait, it’s time for our scrub and massage. An attendant helps me up onto the table for my scrub. It’s easy to lose track of time as I relax into the treatment. I’m almost asleep when I’m gently nudged and told it’s time for the massage. The full-body massages are in a semi-private corner away from the main spa circuit. Any misgivings I have about the privacy of the space are soon forgotten--my muscles have never felt so loose. Post massage, we lounge on heated marble benches sipping Moroccan mint tea, and grapefruit water before starting the spa circuit. Later on, we’re still not ready to face the outside world, so we sit for a while with cava and fresh fruit skewers, savoring the calm. http://midwesternerabroad.com/hammam-spa-experience-barcelona/