Embrace white robe life at Villa Magna’s new Mytha Spa. From signature ‘Leg School’ treatment to the marble hammam, this spa makes it difficult to get dressed and explore Madrid…
Like a pair of silk pyjamas you slip on for the first time, there’s something to be said for checking in to a brand new spa. It’s chic, glossy and very hard to get out of. Cue Mytha Spa, Villa Magna’s new spa zone that has the 360° approach to wellbeing spot on – from the gym to the hammam to the jacuzzi that looks like a giant, egg-shaped bathtub.
Here’s our spin on December’s Spa of the Month.
SHOP THE ESSENTIALS
You’re in sunny Madrid and hanging out in a super-spa, so don’t skimp on the bright colours. Take your inspiration from Villa Magna’s feature multicoloured stained glass window, which leads all the way down from the reception to Mytha Spa like a beacon of light…
The Lowdown
Mytha is an 800square metre urban spa with a modern attitude. Located in the Salamanca district of central Madrid, Villa Magna is surrounded by palaces, designer boutiques and internationally renowned museums. The spa has adopted a similar high gloss vibe, thanks to its uber-modern refit. Think mahogany panelled walls, intricate carved doors and treated travertine marble that run seamlessly through every single spa space. On your spa visit you can tick off a hammam, giant jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, experience shower and four treatment rooms – all with the wow factor.
THE VIBE
This is more of a 360° wellness space than a standard spa. Eastern and Western spa rituals combine with an inviting Mediterranean atmosphere, from the minute you slip on your fluffy white robe. The reception area sets the scene with a cascading water wall, olive tree and artichoke green sofa – a world away from the Madrid capital city bustle on the floor above. It’s relaxed but switched-on, all at the same time. Spotlights even flick on the second you walk through the changing room door.
THE SIGNATURE
If your party legs are feeling heavy, walk on over for the Leg School Treatment (185euros for 60 minutes). It’s the signature treatment of sister hotel Capri Palace in Anacapri, carried out next to the outdoor swimming pool, that’s been adapted for Mytha Spa’s urban, indoor environment. Devised by professor Francesco Canonaco in Capri, its focus is eliminating fluid retention (bye-bye, puffy plane ankles), improving circulation (see-ya, cellulite) and easing achy muscles (so far, so perfect for frequent flyers). The Mytha Spa version begins with a circulatory leg massage, followed by an application of cold mineral-rich mud while you get a 20-minute head, neck and shoulder massage. The ice-cold blasts continue with hot and cold contrasts under the shower to wash off the mud, cold bandages while you get a foot massage, and, finally, a tingly cold (again) gel that’s massaged in with cold stones. It’s by no means a relaxing treatment but feels head-to-toe invigorating and my legs are tingling for two hours post-treatment. Once it wears off my limbs almost feel weightless.
THE BEAUTY KIT
Mytha Spa uses natural brands for its face and body treatments and keeps it homegrown with Spanish lines, Dulkamara and Massada. From January, Natura Bissé (another Spanish luxury brand) will spearhead the spa menu with three signature facial treatments. Over in the manicure and pedicure room, expect to see Morgan Taylor lacquers. For the hammam treatments you’ll be lathering up with Charme D’Orient – a Parisian brand specialising in spa hammams (more of that below – try not to get FOMO over the foam bubble).
THE EXTRAS
Hello, hammam. You don’t find many spas in Spain with a standalone hammam… This one comes with its own dedicated hammam therapist, Maria, and menu of four treatments ranging from 60-75 minutes. We recommend the Turkish Bathing Ceremony, which features a dreamy ‘soap bubble’ to lather you up. Mytha’s hammam is both authentic and modern, featuring white marble from Turkey that’s all clean lines and curved edges. There’s a traditional nod to its hammam origins with ornate brass taps and bowls.
Gym bunny heaven: Even if you’re not your typical hotel gym goer, Mytha Spa’s slick fitness zone might just make you dig out your trainers (we promise). Located next to the spa reception, it’s a continuation of Mytha’s slick mahogany and marble design. Once you’ve worked out you can treat yourself to the Instagramable gym mini bar that’s stocked with dates, cucumber-infused water and glossy apples. Forget to bring your motivation music? No problem. There’s an integrated sound system you can control at the wall, or individual VM headphones you’re free to take to plug into the high-tech machines.
CF SPA TIP
Check in to your spa treatment early to zone out. Mytha Spa’s relaxation room has space-age, white reclining chairs (that I wanted to take home), complete with wireless headphones to block out the rest of the world. The chic white drapes mean you can pull them back and chat with your neighbour, or (our vote) chill within your own spa ‘pod’.
NEED TO KNOW
Double rooms start from £276 (€350) plus 10% VAT. Breakfast is not included.
Address: Paseo de la Castellana 22, 28046 Madrid, España
Tel: (+34) 91 587 1234
To visit Mytha Spa at Villa Magna, visit https://www.mythahotels.com
To read more Spa reviews, take a look at our favourites here
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