Hydra Spa Drams

Unfortunately, it's only open to hotel guests now. Otherwise, it's very nice and certainly the best place in Punta Arenas. Arenas

Sailing around the world on boats and hitchhiking all in the name of research for my next series of books The Mermaid's Guide, there are moments when you just need to relax and unwind. I'd had been at sea for 3 months, and on land for a week when I discovered Hydra Spa, and so it was time for some self care and a whole lots of self love and reflection here in the peace and tranquility of the spa area. I did consider going to the gym, as it had everything you would expect from a great gym. The equipment was new and clean, and the fellow users were really friendly. Not surprising when you consider the greeting you get from the ladies on the front desk. Resisting the urge to go and squat my backside off, I headed straight tot the pool for some lengths and the views over the Magellan Straights was just what I needed... Especially as I had sailed along them just a few weeks before. Seeing them from the perspective of land was something else. The jacuzzi pool was a perfect temperature which allowed me to massage my lower back and shoulders, and the jet showers were perfect for those tight knots in my neck, especially as I didn't have time to take advantage of the magical hands of the therapists working in the treatment rooms. The menu of treatments looked so enticing and had I had a couple of days I would have indulged myself with two whole days of treatments from top to toe. Making my way to the solarium I was greeted by a tranquil space where no children were allowed and a steam room which was just perfect! I have been I a lot of steam rooms around the world but this one gave you space, light and didn't burn you with stupidly placed jets. The air was a clean smell too, none of the damp mouldy smell here like you get in some steam rooms. After my steam, I relaxed on the loungers and helped myself to the mint and lemon water which was in endless supply, before allowing my mind and body to rest. Then the warm orange glow of the large sauna beckoned and I spent several sessions in their, whilst rotating with the warm and cold plunge pools, of which there are two to choose from. Then it was back in the steam room for one last blast before relaxing once again on the loungers. After I had done sweating and relaxing I was welcomed by a perfectly pressurised shower in the locker rooms, which had large lockers and several different dressing areas. All in all a really fabulous afternoon, so grab your swimsuits, a great book and make sure this is one of your visits whilst in Punta Arenas.