has also played a vital role in religious ritual across many cultures, symbolizing immutable, incorruptible purity. There are more than 30 references to salt in the Bible, using expressions like “salt of the earth”. A salt tax was a significant cause of the French Revolution; it also motivated American pioneers and is essential for the maintenance of human life. Since time immemorial, salt has been honoured for its health-giving properties and is used to treat asthma, eliminate toxins, boost metabolism, enhance circulation, soften skin and improve well-being – and more. Little wonder that the Algarve’s prestigious Royal Spa pays homage to Portugal’s 2,700-metre rock-salt caverns at Loulé. Formed by the geological separation of Europe and Africa before the Jurassic era, the salt vein stretches as far as Barcelona and is one of Europe’s richest natural therapeutic salt sources.
Sitting within the Vale do Lobo resort, the Royal Spa applies ‘healing through water’ (Latin: sanus per aquum) from which the SPA acronym derives. Based on the principle that water is the very origin of life and possesses special healing powers, the sanctum of water is honoured in the prevailing influences of Vale do Lobo´s environment: the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon-system and dunes of the Natural Reserve of the Ria Formosa. From the sandy beaches of Ancão to the charming village of Cacela Velha, the natural inlets of the Ria Formosa offer wildlife-rich wetlands, peaceful waters and deserted isles. Gushing fountains, trickling waterfalls and stunning cascades are evident in the spa’s design and play an important role in mind, body and soul therapies, from hydrotherapy showers and hydro-massage treatments to steam therapies – many using health-giving salt. Treatments focus on organic plant extracts, sea algae and natural essence oils. Generous use of stone, wood and plants throughout provide a mirror on the surrounding natural world.
The palatial Royal Spa may be ultramodern in construction but this 4,000 sq metre (43,000 sq ft) purpose-built wellness sanctuary draws inspiration from ancient health philosophies. Oriental and western techniques run side-by-side with traditional Chinese medicine complemented by aqua-therapies. Nutritional advice and minor cosmetic surgery are also available, in conjunction with Dr Thomas Kaiser, Director of the Vale do Lobo Medical Centre. The mood is mellow, the setting upmarket but not stuffy, and free from boot-camp deprivation. Physiological assessments help to identify individual health objectives using a holistic approach, from mud baths, hot stones, Reiki and ice therapies to weight loss and stress management. Ten therapy suites each bear the names of flowers indigenous to the local area together with two wooden spa pavilions set in quiet Oriental-style gardens around a white pebble waterfall and lily pond. Choose from saunas, a Turkish bath and steam rooms infused with local essential oils. Gentle water jets sooth fatigued limbs while salt peels soften, and deep, iced curative pools rejuvenate. Age-old touch therapies rid stressed joints of gnarls and knots while muscles are eased and vitality is restored.
In keeping with the royal theme, the Royal Spa menu is fit for a king, with specially created dishes by Chef Maurice Belhaj in collaboration with British diet and fitness expert Rosemary Conley. A mouth-watering array of dishes centres on simple fresh local produce and organic salads and vegetables together with a menu of health-giving juice drinks using energy-boosting ingredients blended to help brighten skin, heighten mood and enhance libido. Choose a refreshing pineapple, mint and ginger melange for a tasty mid-morning pick-me-up to experience an uplifting zingy surge that lasts well into the afternoon.
Long, uninterrupted sleep is a common theme of folkloric culture in Portugal with myths centring on the therapeutic powers of local nuts, fruits and berries. In the Royal Spa, undisturbed restfulness is aided by soothing massages that help to nurture quality sleep. Gentle pressure applied to the head, neck, shoulders and spine can ease areas of tension that lead to the build-up of stress. Sweet-smelling blends of warmed essential oils induce a deep state of relaxation and calm with the Royal Spa’s soothing thyme herbal tea infusion – the perfect aid to restful slumber.
From the moment you enter the Royal Spa, you can immerse yourself in a haven far from the stresses of daily life.
003 MADEIRA
CONTACTS Madeira Botanical Gardens Tel: + 351 291 211 200 Fax: + 351 291 211 206 Email: [email protected] www.madeirabotanicalgarden.com
Madeira’s treasured 80,000-sq metre (861,120 sq ft) botanical amphitheatre not only contains a dazzling array of over 2,500 plant species but also offers spectacular panoramic views across mountains, bay waters and the city below. Look out across glorious, ramshackle rooftops to dramatic peaks and the deep blue Atlantic from Madeira’s cool leafy enclave where Japanese pagodas and romantic follies lie tucked amidst soaring ferns. Stroll along pebble-dotted pathways past ponds straddled by delicate wooden bridges. Discover handkerchief-sized plazas, boulder-strewn rockeries and crashing waterfall cascades fanned by giant creeper-clad palms. Or hike the orchid-rich leafy trails amongst a kaleidoscope of velvety pink and yellow blooms.
A romantic notion conjured up the Reid family in 1881, the Madeira Botanical Garden boasts a privileged location on the south side of a valley. At an altitude of between 200 and 350 metres (660–1,155 ft), conditions are perfect to support a spectacular array of exuberant vegetation. Nourished by nutrient-rich soils, the gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful – just as the founders had dreamed. Revel in the fragrances of sprouting herbs, sub-tropical fruits and slender pine trees or discover semi-arid succulents and the dragon tree with its cylindrical trunk. A pattern of harmonious shapes and contrasting colours uses the vivid hues of Funchal Bay as a backdrop to create a tapestry-like floral carpet. Exotic plants from all continents combine to produce a glorious celebration of colour, from lilies, birds of paradise, magnolias and azaleas to bromeliads, cacti and hibiscuses.
For a truly romantic voyage through the gardens and beyond, take the Botanical Garden’s cable car up to the historic village of Monte with its beautiful church, gardens and wicker sledges. Savour expansive vistas of stunning tropical splendour, romantic Oriental tea-gardens and secluded love-seats tucked amongst the palms. Gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean as you cosy up in silent wonderment to the gentle sounds of seabirds and lapping waves. Monte’s fairytale aura once captivated Europe’s high society; today it is synonymous with miracles and centuries-old romantic legends. Since 1850, couples have observed the tradition of sliding at high speed on two-seater toboggans along Monte’s narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. Steered by two men dressed in traditional white cotton clothing and straw hats, the sledges glide on wooden runners. Poles are used for propulsion and rubber-soled boots as brakes, so lock hands and close your eyes for this romantic leap of faith.
The Madeira Botanical Gardens are lush, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful.
SPAIN
TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1
TELEPHONE CODE +34
CURRENCY Euro
LANGUAGE Spanish
POPULATION 40.4 million
SIZE OF COUNTRY 504,782 sq km (196,865 sq miles)
CAPITAL Madrid
WHEN TO GO Spain is generally divided into a temperate north and a hot, dry south, with April to October the most popular time to visit. In the height
