The premise of the Algarve Spa Week is elegant in its simplicity: 7 days, 13 spas, any treatment, 50% off.  That’s it.  It’s an opportunity to try the treatments you’ve always wanted but can’t really afford, or simply to indulge in your favourite luxuries without the guilt of spending a fortune.  Ultimately, it’ll leave your mind replenished and your purse strings tight.

Held from the 1^st to the 8^th of October 2011, the week sees the spa divisions of some of the region’s most luxurious resorts and splendorous hotels offer their services for a slither of their usual cost.  Head to Vilamoura to try the aromatherapy rituals at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Almond Tree Spa, or to Monchique for a preventative medicine consultation at Longevity Medical Spa.

Other delectable treatments designed to smooth your skin and repose your muscles include lime and ginger peels, chocolate wraps, Swedish and Thai massages, and Thalasso treatments that harvest the therapeutic powers of the seas.  Don’t believe it?  Now’s your chance to challenge the theory.

There are plenty of treatments for him and her, as well as a smattering designed for couples, all of which can be booked directly with the participating spas.  Some of these spas are so fond of Algarve Spa Week they extend their offers throughout the month of October (check out the Real Thalasso Spa at the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Hotel in Albufeira in particular), while a second Algarve Spa Week is scheduled to take place in the Spring of 2012.

Participating Spas:

Longevity Medical Spa, Monchiqu; 282 240 155

Seven Spas, Hotel Vilamoura; 289 032 0950

The Spa by Blue & Green, Lake Hotel; 289 320 733

Grande Real Sta Eulalia, Albufeira; 289 598 000

Real Marina Hotel & Spa, Olhao; 289 091 300

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, Porches; 282 310 100

Hotel Quinta do Lago, Almancil; 289 350 350

The Almond Tree Welness Spa, Crowne Plaza Hotel; 289 381 911

Vila Monte Resort, Montecarapacho; 289 790 790

Angsana Spa Tivoli Marina, Vilamoura; 289 303 777

Elements Spa Tivoli Victoria Hotel; 289 317 400

Ritual Spa, Pine Cliffs REsort, Albufeira; 289 500 237

Sanctuary Spa, Monte do Casal, Estoi; 289 990 140/289 991 503

For more information on wellness in the Algarve, along with a comprehensive guide to everything the region has to offer, please visit MyDestination.com/algarve.

Alex Plim, My Destination
October 2011

Follow me on Twitter: @AlexPlim