The mission On a flying visit to the city for a shot of urban culture, I wanted to offset the effects of pavement and gallery-floor pounding with more focused exercise and a massage, leaving me refreshed rather than footsore.

USP Metropolitan life by the Med in the dramatically glam, rather rock'n'roll Hotel Arts. Opened at Barcelona's Olympic Port in 1994, the Ritz-Carlton-owned landmark was titivated last year.

The spa opened a couple of years ago and has been joined this year by a gym, both managed by the Thailand-based Six Senses Spas. Guests can match exercise and fitness sessions with R&R.

The spa is 43 floors up in one of the highest buildings in Spain. An outside pool seems to nestle under the belly of the beachfront fish sculpture, by the architect Frank Gehry.

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Background

• Aqua Diagonal Wellness Centre, Barcelona

• Hotel Real, Santander

• The Mardavall Hotel and Spa, Majorca

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• De las Letras Hotel & Spa, Madrid

Ambience Up in the spa you enter a sleek, metrosexual South-East Asian world, with lots of dark wood and a black-tiled wet room. There's an extraordinary view across the harbour from the sauna and spa bath; you can sink up to your neck on an underwater chaise longue and look out to sea. Scented candles burn in the post-treatment chilling room; the changing rooms smell of peppermint.

Quality of experience After an hour-long Pilates-based session, the 50-minute Urban Escape package started with a superbly relaxing aromatherapy back massage, followed by an “unwrap” - a mixture of oil and gel - which left me invigorated and with palpably soft skin. A facial included rose and evening primrose, and “serum”, a word that promises a quasi-medical magic.

In-crowd A mix of bling and business.

Food The Arola restaurant serves a funky take on tapas by the Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola. Once you've had a detox massage, start topping up again with 24 types of cava.

Wallet watch Room rates start at €325, plus 7 per cent tax. Hotel guests have free use of the spa facilities if they book a treatment. These cost from €49 for a 25-minute foot revival to €79 for a 50-minute Urban Escape massage. Spa packages include one night's bed and breakfast for two, 50-minute massage for two and use of the spa, for €695, plus 7 per cent tax.

Need to know Hotel Arts, Marina 19-21, Barcelona. Phone 00 34 93 221 1000; www.hotelartsbarcelona.com for reservations.

For more than 260 independent spa reviews log on to timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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