The best spa hotels in Barcelona

A stunning 19th-century building on one of the world’s most famous streets houses this spa hotel that was renovated in 2005 to become a luxurious colonial-style accommodation. Its Spa H1898 is for the exclusive use of guests, so a stay here is worth it in more ways than one. Their menu features over 20 treatments inspired by Eastern traditions, and they practically strong-arm you into taking advantage of that pool and thermal circuit before sinking into the the therapy, ritual or exfoliation of your choice.

The Mandarin Oriental boasts an exclusive spa with a 12-metre pool, an oriental steam room, a relaxation zone on the roof terrace with an open-air pool and a long menu of beauty treatments not suitable for all pockets. But if you are among the lucky ones who can afford to go, be sure to take full advantage of this idyllic paradise. For top pampering, treat yourself to one of their private spa suites, where you can try a Thai massage or a vitality bath, among other treatments. 

Built as accommodations for participants in the 1992 Olympic Games, the building that's now home to the Hotel Arts overlooks Barceloneta beach and the city centre. Guests are wrapped in over-the-top luxury with panoramic views whether you're relaxing in your plush room or blissing out in their 43 The Spa. On floors 42 and 43, the spa's facilities boast exquisite design, and feature a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam baths (one for men, one for women), elegant relaxation areas, eight treatment cabins (two with views of the Med), and two terraces so you never have to miss a minute of sunshine.

Head right uptown, right there by the leafy parks and Barça home Camp Nou, and you've got a date with the swanky Sofia, who at times talks about herself in the first person and whose rooms have names like Harmony, Sphere and Infinity. The spa itself is called Oasis, and that's where you can choose from among nearly 40 treatments, including a suite designed especially for travellers (help with jetlag!), another with exclusive treatments for men, and signature rituals by Natura Bissé – one even uses products made from Moroccan damask rose and diamond dust as an exfoliant. This lady really knows her stuff.

Ommmm... zzzzz. The same words you might use to describe the Hotel Omm (modern, beautiful, comfortable, designer...) can be attributed to its small but perfectly formed Spaciomm spa. Add to that list tranquil, private, and perfectly low-lit, and you're talking about this special spot that feels light years away from its city centre address. You can opt for just the water circuit, a generous enough offering with a hydromassage pool, foot bath, ice fountain, and varying-temperature showers, but be warned that afterwards you may be left wanting more. To avoid arguments with your future self, go ahead and book in for a treatment or ritual. The treatments end with a moment of intense calm on a gravitational bed you'll never want to leave.

Your first wellness moment comes as you head up to the privileged environs of the hotel on Montjuïc mountain. It's a peaceful setting in itself, surrounded by gardens as it is, and overlooking the Mediterranean. Sure there's that spectacular outdoor swimming pool inviting you to 'plunge into heaven', and you can stare at those views all day, but when you want your spa treatment, you want your spa treatment. The biggest wow factor in the L'Occitane Spa is the indoor pool that gets natural light from a huge window with a waterfall feature. That said, your personalised treatment is no slouch either, with a wealth of options to make you your best self, including several focused on men, and even a selection for kids and teens.

When a hotel's name has the word 'restaurant' in it, you know what their big selling point is. Indeed, ABaC is one of only two restaurants in all of Barcelona to have earned three Michelin stars. Indulge, then, if your budget allows, not only in a stellar meal, but also in some time for yourself in the Senses & Beauty Spa. With exclusive products from Heaven by Deborah Mitchell, you might choose the oxymoronically named Heaven bee sting facial, a Dead Sea mineral mud treatment, or something a bit less fear-inducing like the relaxing and anti-stress Sen massage. All treatments include a sure thing: a visit to the thermal circuit with all the usual pleasantness plus hot-stone lounge chairs. Ahhh.

A sweet location if you're in town for any of the myriad events going on a the Fira Barcelona Montjuïc, from the Sónar music festival to the Mobile World Congress to the Manga Fair. This is Plaça Espanya, with the Magic Fountain, and Montjuïc beyond with all the mountain has to offer, including the Miró Foundation art museum, the Greek theatre, and stunning parks and gardens. Get the real R&R going in the Crowne's Serena Spa, by Heaven On Earth, ​​where their speciality is applying techniques from Asia (Ayurveda, Thai massage, Padabhyanga foot and leg massage...) designed to relax, restore and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.

The imposing building that houses the Diagonal Zero hides the luxury feeling and four-star treatment inside (see the Jacuzzi suites!). Not only is the hotel a short walk to the beach, but it's also opposite the Parc del Fòrum, where some of Barcelona's biggest music festivals set up stage. As for your spa experience, you can plunge into the elegant thermal circuit with an ace swimming pool, hydromassage beds, ice fountain, hot-cold showers, a Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath. They've also got seven large cabins for treatments with the professional team of beauticians, chiropractors and therapists.

At the Colón you're ridiculously close to major attractions, including La Rambla, the Santa Caterina Market, and the Cathedral, which is smack in front of your room, if you've got one with a view. In the Barri Gòtic you're also in the thick of heaps of restaurants and bars, the Jewish Quarter, and not that far from the port. With all this action going on around you, when you want time out, just head to the spa where you can contemplate the cathedral (and your place in the world) from a pool on high. Get a holistic massage or one where you're smeared in chocolate, revitalise your tired feet, or get a facial, scrub your skin healthy, or just float... just float.