Barcelona, Catalunya -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/01/2010 -- For many decades Barcelona has welcomed an eclectic mix of cheap beer and sangria drinkers, wine connoisseurs, sun seekers, architecture fanatics and gastronomy experts to its sun drenched Mediterranean shores. It now also welcomes those in search of sun soaked summer sanctuaries with the backdrop of a vibrant and bustling city centre.

Owners of well established Spa’s in popular Catalonian spa areas such as La Garriga and Caldes de Montbui have commented that competition to provide luxury body treatments in secluded peace and tranquility has always been fierce in Catalonia’s capital. However in recent times they have noted that tourists are now opting for the smaller lesser known Health & Spa centres in less touristy areas of Barcelona city.

These smaller establishments provide a range of exotic very well priced treatments for both men and women and are extremely diverse in their offering of special added elements to ensure a truly relaxing and memorable experience.

Take Mexican born Manuel de La Garza who has peppered his cosy pyramid decorated Mayan spa with an assortment of potted cactus’ to bring a touch of Mexico to the well- to-do “Sarriá Sant Gervasi” area of Barcelona. His popular 80 minute “Full Body Citric Seduction” ritual is designed to repair and rejuvenate skin which has been over exposed to the sun. “The Golden Maya” and the “Secret Stones” rituals are both designed to energise mind and body through the use of specially selected aromatherapy oils, powerful revitalizing stone massages and other secret sensual pleasures!

Another example of Barcelona’s holistic offering is Mailuna, a beautifully bohemian centre in the Raval area of Barcelona where you can buy a book on yoga, eat a nutritious meal, enjoy an aromatherapy massage for two and enjoy a relaxing meditation class all in one evening.

“Health and relaxation is certainly one of the most sought after experiences by our clients” says Josephine Anagor, Director of Experiences Company Lifestyle Barcelona. Her company offers 100’s of different fun experiences to tourists visiting Barcelona. “We now provide a selection of over 20 different massages ranging from the standard Thai and Swedish massage to the more exotic Balinese or Hawaiian massage. It’s funny, historically our clients used to make requests for Skydiving or Go-Karting but over recent years our clients simply seem to want to relax by day and party by night and what better European destination to do just that!”