Pyrenees Guide

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  Zestoa/Cestona Spa

According to tradition, the first medicinal waters were discovered when locals saw Marquis de San Millan’s dogs were cured after bathing in small pools of warm water. The waters, called "guesalaga" (salt waters) were officially declared to be beneficial to the health in 1792, and in 1804 Cestona Spa was opened and tourism in the Basque Country began.
The province of Guipuzcoa has a long spa tradition. At one point there were as many as 11 public spas in the area, of wich only Cestona Spa is still open today. The original 1804 bathhouse, built directly over the spring itself, has been renovated and modernised and continues to offer hydroterapy tratments, while the Grand Hotel, so emblematic of the spa, dates from 1893. After the great floods of 1893, Cestona Spa’s services and installations underwent a vigorous process of renovation. The latest hydrotherapeutic and spa technology was installed, putting Cestona on a level with the most famous European spas.

Water from Cestona Spa’s springs is used, according to different hydroterapy techniques, in swimming pools, baths, showers and in vapour form. The results on the human body vary from direct simulation to deep relaxation depending on the intensity temperature and duration of the technique applied. These installations offer a wide variety of treatments and techniques to ensure an effective response to any problem. For each individual case the most appropiate techniques are applied under the constant guidance and control of the Spa’s medical team.

Facilities: Medically prescribed thermal baths with hydromassage, Water jets with water temperature between 38º and 41ºC, Jacuzzis with underwater jets, Hot paraffin mud baths, Turkish bath, Respiratory ailment prevention saunas, Massage, Thermal pool with water temperature between 30º and 32ºC, Gym, 4 TV rooms, Games room, Lounge, Theatre, Café, Chapel and Gardens.

Water Properties: The water from Guesala springs contains chloride, sodium and sulphur, highly recommended for liver and gallbladder ailments, constipation, rheumatism, gout and general digestive systems disorders. The curative waters are drunk or enjoyed in the way of baths and showers between the months of April and December.

The hotel with its wide halls and corridors currently has 130 rooms (single, double and suites) spread over the building’s three floors, and can accommodate 140 people. The old wrought iron grille, which along with the magnificent Imperial staircase that leads to the upper floors formed part of the Hotel’s original decor, can still be seen on the reception desk.
The Grand Hotel’s Great Dining Room (Gran Comedor) is truly magnificent. This architectural Renaissance jewel has a surface area of 520 m2 and a ceiling 12 m high. Through the arched windows light pours into the great circular room wich can comfortably seat 550 guests. Music is the food of life, which is why an orchestra stand is situated over the entrance to this incredible dining room. Connected to the Great Dinning room is the Theatre, which has excellent acoustics, a spacious stage and can seat 200 people, and the modernist Hunting Dinning Room with its allegorical frescos depicting birds and animals. The Arab Dinning Room deserves a special mention. Built in the Mozarabic style with space for 160 people it is divided by three series of arches built in homage to the Arab culture, whose conception of water as ritual, sacred and medicinal lead to the building of many spas throughout Europe.

Getting there: Easyjet flies to Bilbao from London from £15.90 one way

Location: Paseo de San Juan s/n. 20740. Zestoa, Guipuzcoa, Basque Country.