San Nicolás Spa — Thermal Baths of Alhama de Almería

The Establishment

An Inexhaustible Source of Life

The San Nicolás Spa is both a hotel and a thermal centre. It stands beside the mineral-medicinal spring of Alhama, at around 520 metres above sea level and at the foot of the Sierra de Gádor. From here flows a sulphated, calcic and magnesic water that emerges at 46 °C and is tempered to close to 37.5 °C in the bathing pools.

The main body of the building dates from 1772 and the spa began operating as such around 1874-1877. That 19th-century structure now coexists with modern hydrotherapy facilities: a heated thermal pool, bubble bath, Niagara bath, Scottish shower, sauna and massage area.

Therapies and Benefits

The Alchemy of the Waters

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Musculoskeletal System

Recommended for osteoarthritis, rheumatism and the after-effects of injuries, where the warmth of the water and the minerals ease joint pain.

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Respiratory Tract

As aerosols and inhalations, the thermal water helps treat rhinitis, bronchitis and other chronic respiratory conditions.

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Relaxation and Stress

The warm, magnesium-rich bath promotes relaxation and has traditionally been used to counter stress and disorders of the nervous system.

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Digestive System

Taken as a drinking cure, these waters have been recommended to aid digestion and relieve mild digestive complaints.

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Kidneys and Urinary Tract

Taken as a drink, they are also indicated for the urinary system and kidney problems.

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Wellness and Skin

The treatments are rounded off with massages, muds and paraffin, a good complement to programmes against obesity and cellulite.

Age-old Legacy

From the Romans to Modern Times

The first baths were Roman and stood beside the spring, at the foot of the Cerro Milano. Later the Arabs, who already knew the virtues of these waters, moved the baths some 300 metres to their current location and gave the village its name: al-hamma, "the hot waters", the origin of "Alhama".

The spa as we know it began operating around 1874-1877, on a building whose ground floor dates back to 1772. In 1928 it was declared of Public Utility by Royal Decree. It has remained in business ever since and today combines the thermal tradition of old with a hotel-spa open to anyone seeking rest.

Scientific Analysis

Mineral Composition

Temperature (spring) 46 °C

Temperature (pool) ~37.5 °C

Mineralisation Sulphated

Altitude ~520 m

Calcium Calcic

Magnesium Magnesic

Bicarbonate Bicarbonated

Iron Ferruginous

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The Thermal Legend