Thermal baths, spa circuit, swimming pools and beauty treatment at the Balneario de Archena

The basic facilities of the Balneario de Archena

Call 968 688 022 for reservations or further information.

The thermal baths complex of the Balneario of Archena offers a wide range of medical, beauty and relaxation treatments in immaculate facilities, set around the thermal waters which flow from the ground at 52.5 degrees Celsius.

The basic facilities at the complex are as follows.

Treatment, massage, saunas and recreational areas
There are three main areas at the Balneario de Archena offering therapeutic, beauty and relaxation treatments and recreational activities.

1. The Balnea thermal spa circuit (circuito Termal Balnea). This is a comprehensive and extensive spa circuit in which bathers pass through a wide range of different elements both inside and outside of the spa complex.

The Balnea Thermal Spa Circuit includes various saunas at different temperatures and levels of humidity, one of which is heated purely by the water of the spring while others use a variety of techniques. In addition there is a cross-current pool of minero-medicinal water with a temperature of 30 to 31ºC, a lemon pool (with fresh lemons floating in water at a temperature of 34 degrees), a flotation pool providing conditions similar to the Dead Sea, a cold water pool at 20 degrees, an igloo at approximately 2ºC, contrast showers, corridors containing alternating jets of warm and cool water, warm hammocks and infrareds:

Facilities:

Saunas at varying temperatures and relative humidity levels

Estufa Archena: a damp stove sauna with relative humidity of over 90 per cent and a temperature of close to 50ºC, which is created by the micro-dispersion of the medicinal mineral water of the thermal spring at the Balneario de Archena.

Counter-current swimming pool containing medicinal mineral water at a temperature of between 30ºC and 31ºC.

Natural essence of lemon pool with a system of bubbles and a waterfall of medicinal mineral water at a temperature of 34ºC.

Floatation pool with increased mineral content (80 grams of salt per litre), providing a sensation of isolation and sensory stimulation at a temperature of 34ºC.

Cold water pool containing medicinal mineral water at a temperature of approximately 20ºC, helping to dissipate the heat stored in the saunas.

Igloo: an ice cave at a temperature of around 2ºC, allowing a gradual and progressive loss of heat and a sensation of gentle serenity.

Thermal contrasts: a series of thermal sensations using various programs, leading to different phases of stimulation and relaxation by means of cold and warm water.

Walk-in shower corridors: two corridors of medicinal mineral water, one at approximately 32ºC and the other at 20ºC, allowing the legs to perform passive vascular exercise which improves circulation (the heat causes the veins to dilate, while the cool water produces vein contraction).

Rest areas

Warm and infra-red lounger beds

The facilities also include onsite eateries in the Termalium area at the La Piscina snack bar and the Restaurante del Agua.

Pricing
A complete 2-hour circuit of the facilities in the Balnea spa area of the Balneario de Archena is priced at 25 euros during the week and 35 euros at weekends for those who are not staying at the hotels in the complex: guests at the Hotel Termas, Hotel Levante and Hotel León receive a 5-euro discount.

Open: 7 days a week from 11:00 to 21:00 and slightly longer during the summer.
Age limit: 14. Minors aged 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional services in this area:
Couples massage (a 30-minute session in the same cabin with treatments for the back and legs)
Archena massage; This uses mud and includes a hot shower with thermal water
Short massage for back, head and legs
Leg massage
Assisted aquatic relaxation

Beauty Centre
The beauty centre is open:
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00
Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 19:00.
In addition, many opt to choose from the wide range of beauty massages and treatments which include facial cleansing, oxygen Termalium (cleansing and hydration), “Termalium Caviar” (exfoliation and relaxation massage), cell refreshment anti-aging therapy, cleansing and collagen veil, hydration, face and scalp massages, beauty body massages, chocolate massage, chakra stone massage, psychosomatic Ayurveda, cellulite draining massage, peeling massage, lymphatic body drainage, foot reflexology, slimming and firming treatment and a vitamin C citrus bath.

Facial treatments (VAT included) (Prices updated December 2021)
Skin cleansing with peeling (60 minutes) 60€
Oxygen Termalium (90 minutes) 90€
Fresh cells (90 minutes) 145€
Cleansing with collagen mask (60 minutes) 70€
Moisturizing with collagen mask (60 minutes) 60€
Diamond Experience Energy Facial (60 minutes) 120€
Diamond Experience (Life Infusion Ritual) (90 minutes) 160€
Vitamin C Essential (citrus-based treatment) (60 minutes) 96€

Body treatments
Body beauty massage (30 minutes) 40€
Chocolate massage (90 minutes) 100€
Chakra Stone Massage (with volcanic rocks) (90 minutes) 110€
Psycho-somatic Ayurveda (75 minutes) 85€
Anti-cellulite draining massage (60 minutes) 65€
Restorative massage (60 minutes) 65€
Mare peeling massage (60 minutes) 65€
Aromatherapy massage (45 minutes) 60€
Lymphatic drainage (60 minutes) 65€
Foot reflexology (45 minutes) 50€
Diamond Experience Rose Massage (90 minutes) 190€
Vitamin C citric bath (60 minutes) 90€

Combined treatments (facial and body)
Ritual Diamond Cinema Skin (140 minutes) 260€
Royal Citrus Ritual (90 minutes) 170€

Cosmetics

A wide range of cosmetic products made using the spa's thermal water can be purchased at the beauty centre:

Body

2. SPA Thermal swimming pools

The swimming pools of the Balneario de Archena are filled using the waters of the thermal spa and provide year-round fun and relaxation for adults and children both indoors and outdoors.

For youngsters there is an additional special pool with slides, and also an area which generates a current around a small circuit, which is particular popular! For the grown-ups, meanwhile, there are two main pools, one indoors in the lush green setting of the Balneario and the other under cover, and a series of Jacuzzis and jet showers.

Full-day tickets here are priced at between 10 euros and 22 euros for adults depending on the time of year, with discounts for children (7 euros to 12 euros) and for evening-only sessions. Whole-day visits are recommended, allowing a chance to eat at the bar or the Restuarante del Agua.

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

The swimming pools are open between November and March from 10.00 to 21.00, from March to June and from 1st September to 31st October between 10.00 and 22.00, and in July and August from 10.00 until midnight.

Full pricing is as follows (updated December 2021):
Low season: 07/01 to 18/03, 02/11 to 03/12 and 09/12 to 25/12
Weekdays: adults 12€, evening-only admission 7€ (from three hours before closing), children 8€.
Weekends and public holidays: adults 18€, evening-only admission 13€ (from 18:00), children 12€.

High season: 19/03 to 26/03, 07/04 to 30/07, 01/09 to 01/11.
Weekdays: adults 15€, evening-only admission 8€ (from three hours before closing or from 8pm in July and August), children 9€.
Weekends and public holidays: adults 23€, evening-only admission 15€ (from three hours before closing or from 8pm in July and August), children 13€.

Holidays: 01/01 to 06/01, 27/03 to 06/04, 31/07 to 31/08, 04/12 to 08/12 and 26/12 to 31/12.

Weekdays: adults 17€, evening-only admission 10€ (from three hours before closing or from 8pm in July and August), children 11€.
Weekends and public holidays: adults 23€, evening-only admission 15€ (from three hours before closing or from 8pm in July and August), children 13€.

Rules
Bathing caps and swimming costumes are obligatory in the water, while in the whole pool area flip flops or sandals must be worn.

It is recommended that visitors bring their own towels or dressing gowns, although they can be hired from the onsite shop.

Belongings can be left in lockers in the changing rooms (operated by a 1-euro coin, returnable).

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Please do not take photographs showing other people without their consent.

The swimming pools are open between November and March from 10.00 to 21.00, from March to June and from 1st September to 31st October between 10.00 and 22.00, and in July and August from 10.00 until midnight.

3. The thermal baths on the underground floors of the Hotel Termas: Las Termas, Galería Thermal
The treatment offered here is mostly thermal therapy, a treatment which is categorized as a non-aggressive treatment within the field of natural medicine using the properties of mineralized water and using various different techniques.

Most of the properties of thermal therapy lend themselves to both therapeutic and preventative medicine, particularly in the fields of respiratory and articulatory problems (painful joints) as well as countering stress.

The results achieved at the thermal baths in Archena are extremely positive, providing an improvement in quality of life for patients by reducing pain, improving mobility and lessening the dependence on pharmaceuticals.

The facilities on the second basement level of the Hotel Termas have been awarded the seal of quality by the Spanish tourist authorities, and a fully qualified medical team is present to oversee treatments and to prescribe them. Three doctors specializing in hydrology are employed here, and the progress of each patient is closely monitored during his or her stay.

Treatments are booked in the reception area of the Galería Termal on the first underground level of the Hotel Termas, and as well as the thermal treatments there is also a wide range of complementary services in this area, including physiotherapy.

Treatments available:
Archena massage: the flagship treatment at the Balneario consists of a massage using thermal mud which is then showered off with water from the thermal spring. This is particularly effective at reducing muscle spasms and tension. Recommended for rheumatic disorders, painful joints, skin conditions, respiratory conditions and post-traumatic problems.

Thermal mud: a clay poultice containing thermal water is applied to the joints at a temperature of 45ºC. Beneficial for rheumatic diseases, painful musculo-skeletal conditions and the effects of trauma. Recommended for rheumatic disorders, painful joints, and post-traumatic problems.

Thermal bath or hydromassage: this consists of bathing for 15 minutes in the thermal mineral water of Archena (with bubbles in the water in the case of hydromassage), at a temperature of between 37 and 39 degrees depending on the treatment prescribed by the medical team. Recommended for rheumatic disorders, painful joints, skin conditions, respiratory conditions and post-traumatic problems.

Dual temperature shower: A shower using the spa water of Archena but alternating between hot and cold, with the exact settings depending on the recommendations of the medical staff. Especially recommended for circulatory problems in the legs and for general fatigue.

Circular shower: various jets of water are directed at the body for five minutes at a temperature of between 37 and 39 degrees. Recommended as an anti-stress treatment.

Natural damp sauna (estufa húmeda): this consists of remaining in a very humid room where the temperature is not usually above 42 degrees, the heat being provided by the natural spring water which emanates from the ground at 52.5 degrees. Recommended as a relaxation treatment for those in a state of nerves and anxiety, as well as for rheumatic and respiratory conditions.

Thermal jet: a high pressure jet of mineral spa is expertly directed at the patient’s body to relax the muscles and stimulate the body in general.

Termarchena: this mini-spa circuit is fun as well as therapeutic, and consists of the damp sauna, a bath in 37-degree spa water, a corridor of showers at varying temperatures, ice treatment and two 5- to 7-minute massages. The overall effect is one of general physical relaxation and a series of stimuli to various organs.

Respiratory treatment room:
For respiratory conditions there are also facilities for steam from the thermal spa to be breathed in directly, and a host of other therapeutic and physiotherapeutic options are provided to help deal with chronic and asthmatic bronchitis, allergic asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and other conditions.

A series of applications allows the thermal water of Archena to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, including the following:

Nose washes and gargling: these allow the mucous to be cleaned, increasing defenses in the nose and pharynx.

General nebulizer treatment: this consists of breathing in the atmosphere of a steam room created by the thermal water.

Nose and throat nebulizer treatment: a mask allows patients to breathe in the thermal steam.
Throat spray: using extremely fine jets of the natural thermal water of Archena.

Steam treatment: the inhalation of thermal water steam refrigerated to a temperature of 38ºC.
Ultrasound aerosol treatment: the use of air and ultrasound produces particles so small that they can reach the smallest bronchial tubes.

All respiratory and thermal bath treatments beneath the Hotel Termas are prescribed by the medical team at the Balneario de Archena, although some are also available at the Balnea spa circuit (see below). They can be enjoyed just once, in which case a damp sauna is recommended first to facilitate dilation of the lungs, or over a series of days as part of a prescribed course of treatment.

In addition, the therapeutic services available are complemented by aided saltwater bathing at the Balena circuit.

Respiratory treatments
Complete respiratory treatment: 346 euros
Daily respiratory treatment: 36 euros

Medical services
Medical consultation: 60 euros
Initial dietary consultation: 70 euros
Follow-up dietary consultation: 20 euros
Final dietary consultation: 60 euros
Psychological consultation: 60 euros

Physiotherapy treatments

Spinal therapy

Circulation therapy

Specific treatments

Physiotherapy consultations

Hotel accommodation
The three hotels at the Balneario de Archena are the following(click for full information):
Hotel Thermas (4-star): the grandest of the three hotels, not necessarily in terms of the rooms themselves (the Hotel Levante also has four stars to its name) but certainly in terms of the décor and history of the building.
Hotel Levante (4-star): completely refurbished in 2001, a thoroughly modern and functional establishment designed to maximize comfort.
Hotel León (3-star): comfort and convenience as well as a large events room for celebrations of all kinds

Practical details
What to take with you
Visitors to the Balneario de Archena are reminded to take with them a dressing-gown (white is preferred), at least one bathing costume, flip flops or similar, a bathing cap and a towel. For hotel guests the dressing-gown is included, and these items can also be hired or purchased at the Balneario at a small extra cost.

Food, refreshments, souvenirs
Apart from the hotel dining-room restaurants in the Termas (á la carte) and the León (buffet) there are also various other opportunities to grab a bite to eat or drink, including the “chiringuito” at the swimming pools, the cafeteria in the Casino (with its beautiful shady terrace), and a snack-bar. Another option is the Restaurante Del Agua, next to the swimming pools, and in summer the Bar Azul on the river bank offers live entertainment every Friday evening.

There is an onsite souvenir shop which also sells the most indispensable items for visitors: bathing caps, flip-flops, dressing gowns and swimwear!

How to get to the Balneario de Archena
Heading north from the city of Murcia on the A-30 motorway towards Madrid, take the exit at kilometre 121, where Archena is clearly signposted on the MU-554 road. Once approaching the town follow the signs for “Balneario de Archena”: these take visitors on a rather roundabout route, encircling the whole town before entering from “the other side”, so to speak, but trust the signs – they do work!

The only sign which might be easy to miss is just about the last one, when the route appears to be taking visitors back out of town towards Villanueva del Río Segura and Ulea. This is a right turn just after a Repsol petrol station: be on the lookout!

Click here for more information about the three hotels available at the Balneario de Archena.