REVIEW | Caldea hot spring spa and treatments in Andorra la Vella

September 2023. Oriol and I are flying to Toulouse for a road trip in Occitania and (French) Catalonia. We include the Principality of Andorra, which I can finally tick off the bucket list, and Llívia, Spain‘s exclave in France. Besides Toulouse we visit Mont-Louis, Villefranche-de-Conflent, Perpignan and Carcassonne.

“Caldea is a spa. And it is also a spa that has nothing in common with a spa. Find here the differences between each spa and experience the contrast between the relaxing SSSSSPA moments and the more playful SPAAAA situations”, is Caldea’s (failed or successful, that’s up to you) attempt at being funny on its website.

I knew little about Andorra’s sights and attractions, but I knew Caldea. So we had to visit.

“Caldea is a spa with jacuzzis to relax in the thermal waters. And also a spa with live music, acrobatics,… to take a bath under the starry sky and enjoy an explosion of flavors. A spa, where your sensations are the protagonists”, it says a bit further.

Presentation

As a building Caldea is huge modern complex of all the infrastructure you expect and need. Pools and hot tubs, obviously, but also change rooms, restaurants, saunas, offices, massage rooms.

Do not expect something ‘authentic’ or quaint as a natural hot spring or onsen as in Japan or Iceland. Caldea looks more like a generic water park.

Caldea has different “spaces”.

Thermoludic

In Thermoludic, Caldea’s largest spa, you can “playfully experience all the states of water in spectacular facilities”.

“This is not a traditional wellness centre or a conventional spa. Anyone over the age of five can enter, and it’s perfect for families, young couples and groups of friends. Guaranteed fun!”

Thermodulic is the main event at Caldea. It’s big. There is the interior lagoon, the outdoor lagoon, the Indo-Roman baths, the saunas, the hammam, the outdoor jacuzzis, the hydromassage cups, the reactivation circuit and the outdoor terraces,

Panoramic thermal lagoon

“Discover a new way to enjoy our thermal waters with the panoramic lagoon that lets you fly above the Gran Valira River“, this part of Thermodulic is described.

“An awe-inspiring bathing area situated on the outdoor terrace, with a total area of 100 m2, a depth of 1.20 m and a temperature of 32-34 ºC. And while you bathe… don’t forget to wear your best smile and look to the camera! As you leave our centre you can take an unforgettable souvenir.”

Origins

Origins is situated above Thermodulic.

The Grapefruit bath is “a Japanese-inspired themed bath you will find floating grapefruits which, thanks to the properties of the peel, provide exfoliation and softening when gently rubbed on the skin. It can be found in the middle of a Japanese garden and features delicately designed decorations that will allow your mind to escape the pressures of everyday life”.

The Aztec bath is “ideal for releasing tension in the nerve endings of the feet. You will find stones that—when combined with the current in the bath – massage the part of the body which suffers the most, helping you to relax the soles of your feet and improve circulation to the lower half of your body. The Aztec bath is surrounded by a tropical garden to enhance the pleasure of this experience.”

The outdoor jacuzzis at Origins enjoy spectacular views of the Andorran mountains. “Located on the terraces and surrounded by gardens, here you will find peace and tranquillity with ambient music that will maximise the pleasure of this experience.”

The relaxing bath with lemons is situated at the centre of a zen environment to provide superior relaxation for our visitors. “The waterfall that can be found here is chromatic; and as the colour changes, the temperature of the water changes too. This improves circulation and relaxes the muscles of your back.”

The hammam is a wet sauna equipped with wide benches where you can stretch your legs and a source of ice and cold water that will help you cool off during your stay. “Enjoy the purifying effects of the steam and remove toxins from the pores of your skin as you relax.”

On the outside terraces of Origins you will find hammocks and a solarium “perfect for taking advantage of the benefits that the sun provides. Complete your experience at the centre in the best possible way: relaxing on a lounger after enjoying the combination of the waters and themed baths from the whole world of Origins.”

On the indoor terrace you can cool off and drink some water while you rest between one bath and the next.

The dry saunas in this space are separated by gender and there are several along the route for the convenience of our visitors.

Likids

Likids is the spa that’s exclusively for children aged between 3 and 8 years old. In this space, they can have fun while they learn through the many activities that are directed by our team of specialised monitors. And, while they are there, the little ones can also enjoy an introductory experience to well-being.

The father or mother must access through the Thermoludic ‘s changing rooms and accompany the child to the door of the spa, where he will be welcomed by the monitors. Parents are not allowed to enter the spa.

Inúu

Inúu, Caldea’s adults only (16+) space, invites you to restore your wellbeing with the extraordinary properties of thermal water and our highly specialised treatments, in an environment of absolute peace and tranquillity.

A visit

We visited Caldea on a Monday morning at 10.15 AM. We booked a two-hour time slot for Thermodulic and Origins. A ‘complete pass’ including Inúu is not available. You must choose.

We expected few people but we were wrong. Caldea was crowded, even on a Monday Morning. Many elderly visitors from France, but also Castillian and Catalan speaking teens. Luckily Origins was calmer.

The lagoons are huge indeed, you must be patient for a nice little spot near at jet streams, for instance.

Origins is a bit quirky. Having grapefruit or lemons floating around is cute gimmick. Does it do anything? Not really. Is it photogenic? Yes. Bringing your phone is fine by the way. The little shop and towel dispensing area sells waterproof cases.

So?

Caldea is a must when in Andorra la Vella. Two hours seemed a lot at the start, but they flew by. Actually, we went a bit over the two hours. We did feel relaxed afterwards.

Perhaps the major drawback is how too organised it all is. It’s just too used to big crowds. There’s nothing exclusive about Caldea. Which is a nice thing and also not.

Oh, in case you wondered, Caldea is a clothed affair so bring your swim suit.