Balneari Vichy Catalán

Caldes de Malavella was an important local centre in Roman times, and already had many public baths that made the most of the beneficial qualities ...

Caldes de Malavella was an important local centre in Roman times, and already had many public baths that made the most of the beneficial qualities of its water. Some centuries later, in 1898, the Vichy Catalán spa resort was opened, along with the bottling factory. Since then, the centre has been equipped with the very best facilities. The harmony between tradition and modernity have made it into one of the most important spa resorts in the Spanish State.

Vichy Catalán was opened in the golden age of spa resorts in Catalonia, coinciding with the social rise of the bourgeoisie and of modernism.

For this reason, the spa was conceived according to the style canon of this art trend. Both the architecture and the interior design still preserve many details of the original building, such as the windows, and a vast number of decorative features in ceramic and wrought iron.

The water in Vichy Catalán is carbonated, and also contain alkalines and lithium salts. These features make it suitable for liver and intestinal complaints, kidney and rheumatic disorders, and also for bronchitis and other respiratory complications. Lithium also helps to combat depression. There are studies that certify the use of this water even for regulating cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease.

The water from the hot spring emerges at 60 degrees Centigrade, but the temperature is reduced to 40 degrees for use in treatments. These include the whole range of hydrotherapy (high pressure showers, bubble baths, etc.), and also chiromassage and mud therapy.

The centre also offers new age services, such as rose, hot stones, chocolate wrap and aromatherapy, as well as massages using essential oils of grapefruit, thyme, rosewood and wild pine.

The surroundings also contribute to the well-being of people undergoing treatment or staying in the hotel. The therapeutic facilities occupy 1,500 square metres. The hotel has 86 rooms with all the amenities. There is an open-air pool, tennis court and large gardens, and the building has a number of meeting and banqueting rooms.

As an example of the interest aroused by Vichy Catalán water across the world, it is worth mentioning that in 2006 first Vichy Catalán Bar & Café was opened in the largest shopping and leisure centre in Tokyo.

Two years later, the company took a further step forward and bought a share in the PGA Golf de Catalunya, one of the ten best golf courses in Europe, also located in Caldes de Malavella. The company has built a four star hotel with 136 rooms, the Melià Vichy Catalán, at the centre of the resort.

The Vichy Catalán complex is only fifteen minutes from the Costa Brava, which puts a wide range of tourist and leisureactivities within easy reach.