Noted for its range of Elohim Rituals, packages that include Krishna, –a relaxing massage combined with reflexology, and Hina, a body scrub and facial followed by a soothing massage. The emphasis here is on Oriental treatments, therapeutic massages like the signature Tui Na Chinese medicine massage, which makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to obtain harmonious flow of Qi and establish balance. For couples, Elohim has designed appealing him and her packages. The hot stone massage remains a favorite choice. As a centrally located day spa facility, Elohim is an attractive option for those seeking a pampering interlude, perhaps a lunchtime treat with friends. The spa's Day Spa Amigas, a package aimed at small group rituals and treatments, is particularly appealing. Interestingly, the spa is also provides a comprehensive osteopathy service, which includes treatments designed for infants.
Recommended for Spas because: A favorite and conveniently located day spa facility offering a comprehensive menu of therapies, treatments and rituals, including osteopathy.
Paul's expert tip: The Chinese natural therapy option works on the principal of reestablishing harmony and balance throughout the body by realigning Qi, the essential life force that flows through all of nature.
This award-winning day spa managed by Top Spa is one of Lisbon's premier independent urban wellbeing facilities. Located in the Restelo neighborhood west of the city centre, City Spa features a beautiful warm wood interior, a signature of top international designer Cristina Jorge de Carvalho. The five treatment rooms and relaxation salon exude intimacy and sophistication. Here you can indulge in an enviable range of massages and rituals such as the de-stress muscle option and the signature CitySpa Relax massage and moisturising exfoliation. There are half a dozen different facials to choose from as well as detox, anti-cellulite and lymphatic procedures, among other options. Guest favourites number the Exotic Ritual and the luxurious Haute Couture, a cleansing and exfoliation and facial massage combo. Convenient makeovers like the aptly named Quick & Beautiful serves as 45-minute cleansing mini facial.
Recommended for Spas because: This prestigious stand-alone day spa is also known for its comprehensive range of men's treatments.
Paul's expert tip: City Spa is family friendly, with the Time with Mom special massage popular with youngsters.
A 'Mediterranean' spa experience is promised at this celebrated wellbeing destination, set within the plush Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa. Seven suites, one VIP suite and a Vichy room have been set aside for guests to enjoy an innovative range of massages and treatments, including aromatherapy where they are encouraged to choose their own oils and create their own rituals. Indeed, aromatherapy is one of Spirito's signature products where the aim is to soothe and calm the mind, ease tension and strain and rebalance the body - the perfect urban de-stress solution. Body wrap and scrub options, plus waxing, manicure and pedicure, steam room, and therapy bath are all listed on the spa menu. An inviting outdoor pool, relaxation room and Zen lounge complement the treatment facilities.
Recommended for Spas because: The day spa concept works very well, especially with business clientele, where treatments can be combined with a healthy low-cal lunch.
Paul's expert tip: Want to get back into shape? Ask about the fitness counselling services.
Located at Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, Bspa by Karin Herzog has created an enviable set of spa rituals each designed to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing that exemplify the bespoke nature of the spa product at this beautiful waterfront facility. Centred around the inviting Thermo Garden comprising a large dynamic indoor pool, sauna, Hammam, Turkish bath, and sensory showers, the facility offers an impressive range of Ayurvedic massage rituals. Swedish and Thai massage is also available. There are a number of facials and rituals for men, too. A favourite treatment is the deliciously sounding O2 Chocolate Facial. The O2 Pregnancy Facial is specially designed for future moms. The spa can also provide osteopathic treatment and cellulite reduction treatment. Guests can book in advance their favourite rituals to create and customise their own unique individual needs and requirements.
Recommended for Spas because: A riverfront location and the Karin Herzog signature add luster to this smart and fashionable boutique spa facility.
Paul's expert tip: A Happy Birthday Massage is available for those looking to celebrate their special day in comfort and style.
Carefully integrated within the Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel and following the hotel's design principals, the ReTreat Spa was created and decorated in accordance with Feng Shui philosophy. In fact, the emphasis here is very much on providing guests with a pleasant environment of comfort, tranquillity and harmony. The ReTreat Spa uses products designed by Ilā luxury cosmetic brand and applied in line with the hotel's strict environmental policies. The exclusive rituals are eco-friendly and include repairing treatment for adrenal fatigue, deep tissue massage, and specialised Kundalini Ayurvedic massage. Also listed are various anti-aging facial treatments, body treatments, and even a pre-natal and post-natal package for mums.
Recommended for Spas because: Lisbon's 'greenest' spa facility adheres to stringent environmental parameters, and only eco-friendly products are used in treatments and therapies.
Paul's expert tip: Try the exciting pearl and amethyst treatment for a full body exfoliation.
Options at the award-winning Mandalay Spa at the Porto Bay Liberdade Hotel embrace the conventional and the exotic, combining western and eastern massage and treatment techniques with the proven benefits of aromatherapy. Anchored on an inviting and spacious indoor swimming pool replete with hydro massage and water jets, plus a gymnasium, the spa experience extends to a steam room, sauna, a range of invigorating showers and four massage rooms, two of which are for couples. The menu features Indian treatments from Sundari and Ytsara treatments from Thailand. There's also a range of facials available from Linda Meredith Knightsbridge on offer. For men, there's a range of treatments based on those available at the exclusive London-based Refinery. Mandalay Spa is also noted for its "Moms and Babies" packages, plus an enticing range of Day Spa packages.
Recommended for Spas because: Conveniently situated near the city's fashionable Avenida da Liberdade, the spa offers an innovative fusion of Asian wellness techniques and treatments.
Paul's expert tip: Try the Shirodhara Ritual, a powerful and peaceful experience that releases tension in the facial muscles and ends with a soothing back massage.
The Spa at the Four Seasons Ritz Hotel Lisbon is synonymous with style and elegance. The Zen-like sanctuary is staffed by a team of skilled therapists who work with three different ranges of skin care products â" E'Spa, Sundari and Sodashi (an organic, chemical-free brand). Facilities extend to a indoor pool and lounge area, multi-functional treatment rooms and a relaxation room. Pre-treatment options include sauna or eucalyptus-infused steam. Guests then undergo a lifestyle consultation before embarking on their ritual of choice. These include signature treatments such as the 'Four Seasons in One' and 'Sodashi's Vanilla Wrap'. Or how about the 'Ritz Spa Exclusive Package', a scrub, massage, and facial rolled into one? There's also the deliciously enticing 'In-Room Spa Experience' â" a candlelit bath infused with aromatic milk and honey followed by an aromatherapy massage. The Spa is also renowned for its Swiss Perfection anti-aging cosmetics line.
Recommended for Spas because: The association with one of the world's most prestigious hotel property brands makes this spa a top choice for VIP guests.
Paul's expert tip: Try the Seven Hills of Lisbon, which offers relief to hill-weary legs and bodies via an uplifting sensory immersion.
Sited in Lisbon's Saldanha district, this excellent city center spa is renowned for its flotation therapy programme designed to combat physical and mental fatigue as well as alleviating stress and tension, and rejuvenating the skin and stimulating blood flow. Spa-goers relax in flotation tanks of water mixed with 300 kilos of Epsom salt, creating enough density to literally float without effort and inducing a pleasing sensation of levitation. Customers can opt for a single 50-minute flotation session or combine the therapy with a massage. For example, the Float in Zen package includes flotation therapy with a special one-hour relaxing top-to-toe massage where volcanic stones are used to stimulate the main muscles of the body. A gentle facial massage using a soft moisturizing balm concludes the treatment. The spa menu also lists therapeutic massage, including a sports treatment popular with male clients, among other wellness packages.
Recommended for Spas because: One of the most popular urban spas in Portugal, Float In Spa also has a facility located in Lisbon's Rato and Belém districts.
Paul's expert tip: Couples can opt for the Float for Two sessions, ideal as a romantic treat for those tourists visiting Lisbon with their partners.
One of Lisbon's largest and most comprehensive wellness facilities integrated within the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, The Spa offers a dynamic range of treatments and beauty therapies based on the application of advanced aesthetic medicine techniques and state-of-the-art anti-aging programmes. Relaxation options include face and body treatments and ESPA signature rituals. Specialist procedures vary. A popular option for her is the pro-collagen quartz lift. For him, there's an urban cleanse facial complete skin detox. Among the bathing rituals is the Musclease Aroma Ocean Bath. Other feel-good remedies include a sensory shower, hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi and invigorating Cold Plunge, a deep, cold-water tank used to stimulate blood circulation. A consultation service is also provided where customers can learn more about preventative medicine, and benefit from expert nutritional and biophysical evaluations. Younger guests can indulge in the special Children's Spa facility, where parents are encouraged to bring their little ones.
Recommended for Spas because: Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel, The Spa by Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is one of the largest wellbeing facilities in Portugal.
Paul's expert tip: The Spa's latest product is the Hair Spa, a signature styling experience aimed at rejuvenating and promoting healthy hair.
The comprehensive range of face and body wellbeing options provide by the renowned Real Spa Therapy are complemented by day treatments that make use of seawater through thalassotherapy. And no wonder given that the spa is set within the oceanfront Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel in Cascais. The properties of a marine environment can catalyze the active principles of remineralization detoxification, hydration, oxygenation, toning and plenitude, and thalassotherapy can help treat and rheumatoid illnesses and alleviate the condition of some neurological disorders. Other treatments and therapies available include cromotherm, shower spray, jet showers, different massage packages, holistic therapy and osteopathy. The spa room incorporates a thalassotherapy circuit, sauna and hammam. Specific programmes for detoxification, relaxation, rejuvenation and anti-stress are also available. Some of the VIP treatments offered include the signature Real Massage Villa Itália and the Real Spa Retouch Silhouette.
Recommended for Spas because: The thalassotherapy treatments and the enviable oceanfront location place this spa in a league of its own.
Paul's expert tip: Fancy a day-long pamper? Opt for the 1-day Relaxation Programme.