Hotel Norat Marina & Spa

“Spa heaven”

My husband booked for us to stay at this wonderful hotel as a treat for my 40th birthday. We stayed for 2 nights on a special offer which was called "Breakout Awake Your Feelings" which included treatments and unlimited access to the spa. We stayed in room 1006, a suite, which was well worth t... more

My husband booked for us to stay at this wonderful hotel as a treat for my 40th birthday. We stayed for 2 nights on a special offer which was called "Breakout Awake Your Feelings" which included treatments and unlimited access to the spa. We stayed in room 1006, a suite, which was well worth the money. The room was immaculate and very comfortable. The bed was enormous and had the extra touches of sweets, chocolates and petals. The en-suite was also large with jacuzzi bath and shower. The bedroom could be shut off from the living area with a sliding door and had a large screen tv, a large sectional sofa, fridge and unusually for Spanish hotels a kettle with a selection of herbal teas (no coffee). This room also has patio doors which open out on to a huge terrace. The staff were delightful and the receptionist spoke English, however the spa staff that attended us that day didn't speak English. However, I personally don't think that is a problem as most treatments involve just lying there and relaxing, there isn't any need to talk. The spa was compact but had ample jets for massaging different parts of the body. There was also an ice-room, a dry sauna, a wet sauna and hot beds to lie on. We were given dressing growns and towels, but you will need to take flip-flops and a swimming hat- both can be bought at the hotel if you forget to take your own. My husband went for the chocolate therapy which involved being coverd in chocolate and then wrapped up in foil. He really enjoyed it and said it was very relaxing. I chose the strawberry therapy which involved a strawberry scented scrub followed by "chorro". I knew this involved being sprayed with water, but I wasn't quite prepared for being jet-washed. I found this to be painful, but maybe I'm extra-sensitive. However, after being hosed-down, I then had a wonderful massage which left me feeling extremely relaxed. There are many other treatmennts to choose from so I'm sure everyone would find something to their liking. As part of the package, we received free entry to La Toja which will be reviewed separately. It is a very easy 15 minute stroll across the bridge, not far at all. The breakfast was superb. At last, a place in Galicia that does "tostadas con tomate"- this is very popular all over Spain, but seems to be very hard to come by here in Galicia (where we live) so that was a bonus for me. There was a huge range of cakes, breads and jams, cheese and cold meats. There were 2 different cereals, lots of flavoured yoghurts and plain yoghurt, a lot of fresh fruit and of course tea, coffee and fruit juices. On the first morning, i noticed there were eggs and bacon, but I didn't fancy it. the enxt morning, that option wasn't there and I asked a member of staff if the English breakfast was just for Sundays. It turned out it had been demolished by the early birds and she immediately went away and 5 minutes later we had 2 perfectly cooked eggs and bacon breakfasts. Quite simply, everything was superb and we will definitely visit again. The hotel is excellent, the staff kind and efficient and the position of the hotel is fantastic. You can walk everywhere and yet it was very quiet.

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