Recently I was lucky enough to be treated by two of my friends (thanks Lila and Irena!) to a trip to the Calma Spa, which is next to the Plaza de Ayuntamiento and 2 minutes from Route 66.

The entrance is small and not immediately obvious, so I was curious to discover how they squeeze a “balenario” inside. It turns out the magical spa cave is hidden away in the basement.

During 90 minutes you get to visit two warm spa pools and their massaging jets and cascades, with the brave entering the ice-cold plunge pool in between (apparently altering the hot and cold is good for your circulation, but I was only bullied into going in once). Then you visit the sauna and steam room before going through a series of showers, ending with the fantastic-smelling rose-water shower.

It was great to discover such a treat hidden right in the middle of Valencia: http://www.calma.es/index.php