by Wendy
Avoiding rainy beach getaways was not our strong suit this summer. We had our heart set on visiting San Sebastian/Donostia – one of the prettiest city beaches we have ever seen – but there’s rain in the forecast. A week or so before our trip I frantically start searching for ideas on what to do in San Sebastian when it rains. The more I read about La Perla Centro Talaso-Sport, the more I think Jack and I should visit this spa even if it doesn’t rain.
Of course it does rain, so we visit La Perla in the early afternoon hours of a Friday. Wow, this place is a treasure.
La Perla is nestled against the boardwalk, right on the beach. The beautiful belle-epoque building is over 100 years old, with large windows looking out onto the sea.
We walk in and buy a 2 hour pass to access the fitness circuit (pools), but you can also purchase other spa treatments. The two passes, two rental towels and bathing caps (required!) total about 62 euros.
We are given a card to swipe for entry into the changing room. It’s unisex, but everyone gets a private dressing room to change into a swimsuit (don’t worry, also required). There are rows of lockers, and it would be nice if there was an electronic combination lock, but instead there is a key on a string. Jack stashed it in a velcro pocket in his swim trunks, but I suppose you could also wear it as a necklace or bracelet. There are separate bathrooms for men and women, as well as showers.
Obviously no one was walking around with a phone, and it’s important to respect privacy at these places, so I have no photos. There are all different sizes and shapes and ages of people – and everyone has the dorky bathing cap on – so no need to be intimidated. If you have the opportunity, you don’t want to miss this place.
Jack and I begin the water circuit, trying to follow the numbers and complete each stage in order. There are several hyrdotherapy pools of different temperatures and features, and most if not all use seawater. Some of the stages are really unique, while others feature more typical spa amenities such as sauna and steam room. There are hooks for your towel throughout the circuit; next time I would rent 2 towels apiece and keep dry ones in the locker for the end of the session.
The first stop is a large pool with about four wide lanes. In each lane, you float along the wall to take advantage of specific massage water jets. There is a little picture card depicting the purpose of each. One for feet/calves, one for abdomen/back, and another for neck/shoulder. The lights are dim and it’s really peaceful. We lean against the wall in the heated salty water while tense muscles are soothed. This is a blissful respite for chronic worriers like me, while Jack feels relief from shoulder pain that has persisted all summer. Stress melts away. So relaxing that it’s almost comical.
Shortly after Jack enters this first pool he says: I would totally buy a weekly pass if I lived here. Which is perfect one-sentence review of La Perla.
I am happy to answer any questions about the experience but agree with others who have said part of the fun is being surprised – so I’m not going to detail the whole circuit. I will add that the second stop was hard to locate at first, but take the time to find it! We had so much fun.
So thanks, rainy weather, for giving us the perfect excuse to try this indoor activity on one of our favorite beaches. We are certainly not medical experts, but left the spa with such a sense of well being and tranquillity that we personally feel convinced of its health benefits.