20 September 2017 – 22 September 2017
How to reach Vallromanes
Next stop is a village around 25 km out of Barcelona – Vallromanes. We were a big group hence had hired a bus, I am unaware of the charges, but you may visit this link for details on how to travel from Barcelona to Vallromanes – https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Barcelona/Vallromanes.
Our Vallromanes Experience
It means “Village of the Romans”. Popular for 2 things – 1) Aire Turkish spas, 2) Club de Golf Vallromanes.
We are put up in “Mas Salagros Eco Resort”. Its breathtaking views and surroundings captivate me from the minute our bus enters the main gate. This Ecoresort owns a private forest area, much of which is used for farming – organic fruits and vegetables.
The biggest attraction of this resort is its “Aire Ancient baths”. These are very popular baths based on Turkish hammams of the ancient days. There are different zones here, each containing different baths/miniature swimming pools 2ft deep. Coldwater bath, hot water bath, warm water bath, jacuzzi bath, saltwater bath (called the dead sea). Start with a steam bath – get ready to explore the old-world hammams, the brick-walled interiors, lighted with candles – filled with floral fragrance. Dip into each of these baths – approximately 10 minutes per bath, follow the sequence explained by the attendant – end with a steam bath.
Solitude does magic to me – It pauses my brain from running too fast, else I am constantly thinking, unconsciously or consciously there are thousands of thoughts moving in and out of my brain. I try to meditate, pray, but my brain refuses to stay stable. Swimming, hiking, trekking, running, reading and writing are few of those activities wherein I focus only on my breathing – these activities are food for my brain. (that is one of the reasons I started this blog – was a mental exercise for stillness for me. My thoughts focus only on the topic I am writing unlike normally when thousands of other random thoughts travel in and out).
Here, while in these hammams, time lay still – 10 minutes to spend in one bath seems like a lot. 10 minutes just lying in water and doing nothing – nada – zilch .. how am I supposed to spend 45 minutes in this manner. But yes, it eventually happens. Today I spend some 45 mins in solitude. I come back the next day and enjoy the same beautiful process for 45 mins. An unforgettable experience – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The charges of this resort per night per day for a couple is not a lot compared to the facilities it offers. Ranges from INR 8000 – INR 12000 depending on the dates. The spa baths are included free of charge if you are guest here, outsiders have to pay and enter the hammams.
There is a very popular Club de Golf Vallromanes here. If you are a Golf lover, do book your Tee time and enjoy. There is a hotel within the premises of the Golf club, you may check out online for tariffs and availability.
Food
Food is not an issue at all when you are in Vallromanes. The Mas Salagros Resort has a scrumptious breakfast buffet. Good vegetarian spread, vegetables available so that I could assemble sandwiches. I am sure the Club de Golf has good culinary options, but I did not try, you may want to explore if desired. In the village, there are quaint little cafes and homestyle restaurants with food which can satiate all types of hunger. Worth checking out. Remember to call earlier and book in advance, especially on a weekday, as many of these are home-run and would prepare in advance if they know you are coming. Many of these restaurants are shut in the afternoon, they open only for lunch and dinner. Its a small town, not a city, remember?