Caldas De Reis R&R

On our sixteenth trek day, we rested. Caldas De Reis proved the perfect place to rejuvenate. There is a spa on site. It reminds me a lot of a bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

Like those 1800s bathhouses, the Balneario Acuna spa, Relais Terminal, was almost clinical. Spa music was playing but otherwise, not much ambience. I heard loud voices, clanking, doors slamming. The color palette also wasn’t very spa-like, a lot of white.

Some treatment spaces were distinct, with specific purpose and special equipment. Others were larger rooms subdivided by thin white curtains, similar to a hospital.

I reserved three treatments for myself and one for the Hubs. It was his choice, but as you know, he was already regretting it!

He hates wearing a robe, for starters. Leaving the room in swimsuits and robes, we ran into one of two people we know. “Of course,” he grumped.

As it turned out, we took the Balneas Murmurantes together. It was a large pool with bubbling thermal waters. Various spouts or vents targeted neck and shoulders; backs or calves. It was perfect. We had the pool to ourselves, rotating through stations at our whim.

Then I did Recupérate del Camino. I thought this would be a leg massage. It was not.

The spa attendant led me to a room with foot baths. Tiny holes in the water lines emitted spiky jets of water at alternating temperatures. She left me there a few minutes.

Then she led me to a generic treatment room. I laid on a bed with towel at top and plastic sheet at bottom. She placed a lovely hot pack under my back and shoulders, and wrapped my upper half in a heavy towel.

She spritzed a blue liquid all over my legs, top to bottom. She wrapped my legs in the plastic, and added a heavy blanket. I was like a caterpillar in the cocoon.

The liquid went on cold but soon started to burn; like bathing in IcyHot. I wondered if my skin was on fire? I couldn’t see and couldn’t ask because she’d left the room!

Finally, my Reequilibrio Facial del Camino. I was allowed time to go to my room and change out of my wet suit. The facial was pretty much like any you’ve had. Lovely products; clay, I surmised.

There was no discussion up front about skin problems, but no product-pushing after; an even trade. The clinician was marvelous. She did her job expertly. I also did mine: relax.

The Hubs enjoyed his treatment, too. Don’t let him try to tell you otherwise! He commented on one of the jets in particular was good for his back. “The back that doesn’t ache?” Ha! The whole day was restorative and refreshing.

There’s a healthy discussion among trekkers around rest days: if to take them; when to take them. I can only say I’m glad we did. Timing was perfect to resolve fatigue. We’re ready to trek on to Padrón!

Hold hope. Keep faith. Walk your walk.

~ Sincerely, Sondra

P.S. I thought I might have flame marks running up and down my legs! No, they were fine. :=)