The Region of Murcia sits in southeast Spain and enjoys a Mediterranean climate year-round, with more than 300 days of sunshine annually. During my time in Murcia I traveled from the futuristic streets of Lorca and the historic port of Cartagena to the lively capital city of Murcia, with a restful stop at the Mar Menor in between.
Mar Menor is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, a narrow strip of land stretching nearly 14 miles. After driving the length of La Manga I found a tranquil stretch of shore on Mar Menor that felt like a private sanctuary.
My visit to the Mar Menor area emphasized wellness. That afternoon I sampled the lagoon’s famed therapeutic mud. Rather than covering myself completely like some fellow visitors, I dug up handfuls of the soft mud from the seabed and smoothed it over my arms, neck and chest. The mud’s mineral-rich composition is believed to offer benefits for the skin and general well-being.
Later that day I checked into the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf, Resort & Spa, located within the Mar Menor Golf Resort complex. The resort features the 18-hole, par-72 Mar Menor Village Golf Course and a five-star spa. Set on beautifully landscaped grounds with expansive views and elegant accommodations, the property proved so peaceful that only a spa appointment lured me from my room’s balcony.
I arrived at the spa through antique wooden doors about 90 minutes before closing and was the final appointment of the day. Apart from one other guest who left before my treatment ended, I had the serene space almost entirely to myself, which enhanced the calming, restorative experience.
Enjoy a steam bath under a starry sky © Intercontinental Hotels Group
The spa encourages guests to use its thermal circuit before or after treatments. This water-based circuit promotes hydration, circulation and relaxation and includes a revitalizing pool, a tropical shower, a steam bath beneath a simulated starry sky, a frozen rain feature, a chromotherapy sauna, an ice fountain, a waterfall shower, a relaxation area, a heated pool and a gym.
Ready for my massage, I followed the spa team’s recommendation and chose the Placid Paradise treatment. The massage uses scented sachets of nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom combined with rice, sesame and almond oils. Priced at €78 (approximately $88), it felt accessible for a five-star spa. Another popular option on the menu is the Ayurveda massage, which employs warm oils to help eliminate toxins, stimulate metabolism and restore energy.
The treatment lived up to its name. Soft music and the warm, spicy aroma filled the treatment room as the therapist began with gentle taps using the spiced pouches along my back and legs, leaving a subtle, lingering fragrance on my skin. The session blended delicate, rhythmic motions with firmer, more traditional massage strokes, guiding me into a blissful, semi-conscious state.
Time passed quickly. With dinner plans awaiting, I couldn’t stay as long as I wished, but I did spend a little time in the relaxation room afterward. The room’s dim décor and tiled accents evoked the atmosphere of a Turkish hammam. The spa also offers a private hammam experience where couples can enjoy synchronized treatments, an aromatic bath and traditional hammam rituals.
Sipping a warming tea on a cushioned lounger, I reluctantly left the peaceful spa that had served as a private retreat at the close of a long afternoon.
The spa’s treatments draw inspiration from India and Pacific Island traditions and include massages, exfoliations, body rituals and facials as well as hair and waxing services. Signature treatments such as Exotic Sri Lanka, Mediterranean Light and Exotic Orient take guests on a wellness journey through diverse healing philosophies. Other indulgent options, like the Litho Zen Ritual, incorporate mousse exfoliation techniques and the use of precious stones.
Beyond the spa and golf course, InterContinental Mar Menor offers two outdoor pools, a children’s club, refined accommodations and eight restaurants and bars featuring an international selection of cuisine. Mizu, located at the spa, serves traditional Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. The resort’s golf offerings are notable: the complex includes six Nicklaus-designed courses suited to players of varying skill levels.
InterContinental Mar Menor Golf, Resort & Spa
Calle Ceiba, Mar Menor Golf Resort
30700 Torre Pacheco
Murcia, Spain
tel 968 041 840
intercontinentalmarmenor.com