My deep love nearing on obsession with the Canary Islands started over ten years ago when a friend and I took a holiday to Tenerife. I was instantly struck by their raw organic volcanic beauty, balmy January temperatures and the abundance of fresh year-round produce. Bananas, pineapples and goiaba along with the medicinal healing wonder plant aloe vera.From then on this little set of islands nestling only 100km off the coast of north Africa have been a favourite winter-sun get away for me. I was very lucky to be invited to visit and review the Lopesan Spa by the Spanish tourist board- ‘GRAND CANARIA WELLNESS< who promote all the holistic and wellness aspects of the island. The Canarian tourist board know that their islands are unique and want to keep them that way. There are designated protected national parks areas on all the island and nature co-exists with mankind in a harmonious fashion. As a traveller this is an important aspect of my needs, and I love the fact that interior of Grand Canaria is protected form tourist leaving their mark and eco- preservation is very important.
Himalayan Salt Grotto
click to enter hotel website
The Spa Hotel Lopesan Costa Meloneras is located in the south of the island in a coastal area called Meloneras. It sits next to the protected natural oasis ‘Dunas de Maspalomas’ (Sand dunes of Maspalomas) This is a dramatic yet tranquil landscape that is great for meditation, restoration, sun worshipping and water sports. Its also a favourite with naturists, so anything goes!
The Lopesan Hotel group is a Spanish owned company and has several themed hotels across the island, all of which are top notch. The themes are based on nature, be it African influence, Thalasso sea water, or the volcanic environment of the island. The architecture is built in harmony with its surroundings. Now I must admit I’m not a huge fan of huge chain-hotels and prefer more intimate rustic abodes but the atmosphere ar the Lopesan Corrallium Costa Meloneras Spa Hotel is not what you expect. Its super friendly, un-pretentious and relaxing. It has a huge Spa area below including a modern gym, yoga, pilates platforms outside, indoor/outdoor pools and jacuzzies. So whether you prefer to be inside in the high-tech gym of outside meditating with nature its your choice.
Hotel lopesan meloneras & Spa
Ice therapy to cool & calm
Out door jacuzzi
Spa heaven in the Aqua dome
The staff are genuinely happy in their work and you feel very valued whilst within the spa. As soon as you enter the hotel you really are treated with genuine kindness and though it is a large building its architectural design is integrated with nature and infused with natural light so it is not at all imposing. The design echos a mystic past era and there are references to the Arabia, North African and Spanish culture. In fact the spa circuit transports you to the wilds of the tropical jungle, through ice lands of the Arctic and to the sultry ambience of a Turkish bath. You can view waterfalls and flora and fauna from all the windows. This is an important aspect of the experience as I believe that you pick up on the energy of a building and the people around you. So from a holistic point of view my treatment started as soon as I entered the building and was able to absorb the sense of well being and the ambience of happy people. The exclusive original Spa Corrallium Costa Meloneras Centre covers some 3.500m squared and fuses modern and ancient healing techniques. The treatments use active natural extracts of herbs, minerals, thalasso therapy, himalayan salt and aloe very which all work on your mind,body and soul. So its a very holistic Spa experience.
I was greeted by Spa Manger Christina Tejo who lead me into the huge Spa & wellness/gym area. I was to be given a complementary Spa Circuit followed by the Exfoliating Aloe body scrub-treatment using native natural aloe products. I especially asked to have the island made and owned products used. I was introduced to staff who were happy to tell me about the products they used. ‘Aloeveria’ is a company based on the island who specialise in using local organically grown aloe vera to make an array of products. I was also introduced to the Spas new ‘Corrallium Cosmetics‘. A range of face & body products that utilise the natural plants, herbs and flower essences of the island. The extracts are raw and paraben/ phenoxyl-Ethanol free. The packaging is in keeping with the natural theme and fragrance with natural amber-myrrh aroma which is vitalizing and reminiscent of the African heritage of the island.
Lopesan own brand cosmetics
I sampled the anti-aging face cream.It had a pleasant fragrance and a good emulsion and spread smoothly on the skin. Its marine extracts kept my skin hydrated after my days on the beach.
Its great to see a large chain of hotels such as the Lopesan group supporting small local business and promoting the local products of Grand Canaria and the natural bio agriculture of the land. My exfoliating body treatment was performed using Aloeveria’s natural marine scrub and aloe body balm. I will go into more detail later.
- ALOVERIA- http://www.aloveria.com
- Aqua Dome
- Cosy Wall & Showers
- Kneipp Walk (reflexology)
- Lagoon
- Out of Africa Sauna
- Ice World Igloo
- Saline Caldarium (vapour bath)
- Zodiac Relax Romm
- Lava Relaxation Dome
- Turkish Hammam Bath
- Lava Float Pool
- Himalayan Salt Cave
The circuit is very extensive and you spend a least 15 minutes in each zone (though I actually stayed in the Lava Float pool for about 30 mins as it was so divine)…. staff are around to help you but they are very relaxed and let you go at your own pace through the holistic journey.
The Aqua Dome- is a set of different style showers that pulse firm and soft, massaging your skin and stimulating nerve endings on your back and shoulders. There is a colour light theme the changes with the intensity of the shower ie; blue is intense like thunder and red/yellow is activated when the tropical rain falls upon you while bird song is gently played in the background. This is the first spa zone and is aimed to prepare your skin to receive the other treatments. It tones and increases blood circulation so that you get optimum benefit from the preceding zones.
Next I moved onto the CosyWall Showers. These used warm water to relax tense shoulder/back muscles. The wide shower head creates a waterfall-like flow so covers your whole shoulder width-super indulgent! Following this warming session I was refreshed by a traditional Kneipp Walk through alternating warm and cold water pools. Acting on the reflexology points on the foot, the pebble floor realigned and massaged my sole/soul. It was refreshing and ice cold so really enlivening.
The Lagoon Pool is heated to body temprature 35′ and features moulded seats so you can be seated below the water falls providing a firm massage effect. There is a cold water pool and you should dip alternatively to really open your pores and cleanse out toxins. I was already beginning to feel relaxed and cleansed and this was only the beginning………
The next part of my journey was the Out Of Africa Sauna the heat was a dry 90′ and the air infused with exotic aromas. En circling you were leafy lush palms and the centre peace was a giant jungle palm. The low level lighting made it seem like another world and the jungle sounds were a nice touch. Being a bid sauna lover i rested up here for a good 10 minutes and made two trips to the cold shower room to cleanse my pores. As part of the after sauna programme the Ice World Igloo works to close your pores and was enchanting. The Igloo room is carved from real ice and is maintained at 4’c.The seat inside are heated to 15’c so you can stay a while without getting uncomfortably cold. The recommended time is a few minutes but I managed only 30 seconds as I just don’t do cold brrrrrrr………
The Saline caldarium vapour bath is housed in an Egyptian themed room with hieroglyphics and impressive pillars, you really feel like Cleopatra as you recline on the marble and stone seats and let the aromatic eucalyptus cleanse your respiratory system and pores. The 45′ heat of the room encourages your body to excrete toxins naturally and your muscles are relaxed. After 20 minutes its recommended you use the shower in the corner to clean and close your pores before moving onto the Zodiac Room/waterbeds. Within the Zodiac room you encouraged to nurture your inner child. This may all sound a little far fetched but its a fact that everyone no matter what age still has a child-like side to themselves. This is something to be proud of and cherish, its what keeps us dreaming, believing and seeing the lighter side of life. The room is a warm womb-like space with a gentle rose hue, around the circular edge are water beds fringed with Bedouin curtains. Here it is all about soul revival, loving yourself and balancing your inner calm. Soft music plays and you float away on your water bed which allows you to feel weightless like you did as a baby. Next you move into the Lava relaxation dome. This too has ergonomic loungers to relax on. Here the focus is chakra re-alignment via colour therapy. Colured lights project onto the cave like walls and the room is infused with Brazilian cupasue fruit essence.
The heat really gets turned up in the Turkish Hammam bath. Its 90% humidity combined with 45′ temperature means rapid detoxification. The traditional ceramic interior transmits heat and there is a fresh water font in the middle to refresh yourself. Its based on an authentic Turkish style and combines well with the Turkish massage after treatment. Aromatic melissa (lemon-balm) fills the air which is a nerve tonic which has a a specific muscle relaxing effect.
Having been in several enclosed dark spaces it was nice to enter the mineral rich pool –Lava float pool. The style is carved out of volcanic Canarian rock and sensitively lit, its nothing short of stunning. Small cave arches lead you to secluded corners and you are suspended with weightlessness by the dead-sea waters. The water has such a high salt and magnesium level that you spontaneously float. After 20 minutes when you emerge your bones feel super relaxed and heavy as they have been re-mineralised by the waters. This had to be one of my favourite parts of the spa. I remained for 30 minutes but could have easily languished for an hour or so……
Lava floatation pool
Finally the unique and beautiful Himalayan salt cave. This is very special for many reasons. Firstly its the only space in Spain to be made from only 2,500 million year old Himalayan pink crystal rock salt. Each of the 3,200 salt bricks were hand carved, the floor is carpeted in fine salt crystals that massage your feet when walked upon and the centre piece is a huge pink crystal which you can obtain energy and re-mineralisation from direct contact. The salt Grotto represents the Lopesan Spa’s commitment to sourcing and combining ancient healing traditions and housing them within a modern wellness environment. It is regarded as one of Spain’s finest and most diverse spa’s for this reason. But why is it good for you? The salt contains very hight levels of iodine which works to neutralise excessive positive ions ( electro-magnetic waves/dirty electricity) that everyday life exposes us too, it strenghnthens the immune system and also contains every trace element that the human body requires for optimum function. Microbes and and toxins are reduced. The body rebalances and people suffering from respiratory problems or those who work in toxic and polluted areas especially benefit.This was also a favourite room of mine and the ambience and stillness was truly humbling. You feel a kind of respect and smallness next to rock that has seen 250 million years of changes and it is very grounding.
Exfoliating body scrub with aloe vera (local) for sun-lovers
My last treat was an all over sea salt body scrub with very course salt. Now I have had this treatment several times in the UK and cant say it made a great noticeable effect but the extra course salt and firm but enjoyable force used by the therapist really delivered results. Combined with the Aloe body balm from the local company left my skin super smooth and soft.Its the perfect pre-beach body treatment as you will gain a more even tan by ex foliating before you sunbath. The effects lasted for a good two weeks after I returned home and I am still using the pure aloe body balm by ALOEVIERA which is 100% natural and has the fresh organic grown aloe extract within it.
There are plenty of alternative treatments you can have and over 10 different treatment rooms.
Additional Spa Circuit Treatments available
- Soap Massage
- Wave Dream Room
- Stone Therapy Room
- Oriental Room
Massage Treatments Available
- Turkish Soap Masssage
- Akkison Method
- Swedish Massage
- Aroma Massage
- Deep Tissue massage
- Lomi Lomi
- Stone Therapy
- Tandem (head & feet)
- Two by Two Massage
- Four handed Massage
- Mother-to-be massage
- Reflexology Massage
- Foot Massage
Body Treatments
- Exfoliating body scrub with aloe vera (local) for sun-lovers
- Chocolate fancy body envelopment with aloe
- Sea algae envelopment
- Slim n sculpt sea secrets wrap
Oriental origin Treatments
- Reiki
- Shiatu
- Thai massage
- Indian head massage
Facial Traetments
- Active facial hygene (personalize)
- Facial for men
- Combination skin facial
- Vital eyes facial
Hydrotherapy/Special Treatments
- Hydro massage sensory journey
- Golfers energy
Lopesan also offer standars beauty treatments such as manicure/pedicure,depilation and waxing.
My spa experience was nothing short of perfect and I cant recommend it enough. I loved the way the design echoed nature and wasn’t too clinical. Its organic forms and natural materials allowed me to connect with the nature of Grand Canaria, Africa, Arabia and the ancient Himalayas of the far east. This is a spa experience that revives mind, body and soul and is a truly holistic experience.
Finally many thanks to the Official tourist board of Grand Canaria who made this spa trip possible.Also to the staff at the Lopesan Corrallium Coasta Meloneras Spa Hotel who were more than friendly. I’d recommend going there to everyone, its unforgettable. Your co-operation and hospitality was first class. For anyone wanting to experience this spa trip for themselves or the many other wonderful spas, natural treatments and products of Grand Canaria. Please visit the ‘Wellness’ specific website.
click to get tourism info
If you want to find out more about all the islands and holistic wellness, click the photos to the official Canary Island tourist website.
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