Fancy a mud bath!

We recently discovered the excellent SPA Salino close to Castro Marim.  This is a fantastic way to spend a relaxing couple of hours and really pamper yourself.

The Spa is located on the main road from Castro Marim to Vila Real De Santiago, close to the Salt Pans.  A tip when driving is to approach from VRDS,  the turn for the Spa is on the right just before the turn off for Castro Marim.

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, speak excellent English and will happily explain the various treatments and the health benefits of the salt pool and the mud.  We enjoyed these 'treatments' for about €10 per person.

Before entering the salt pool, you use elements from the 3 bowls pictured to prepare yourself.  The first bowl contains water mix to clean the skin, the second an oil and salt mix to exfoliate the skin and the final bowl, mud to act as a sun block on face and chest.

Once you've applied your 'sun block' you enter the salt pool.  The water is incredibly buoyant and this makes it extremely easy to float. You can ask for additional blow up 'float' for your neck to keep your head out of the water.   The water is not deep and nicely warm.  The aim in this pool is to open your pores.   After about 30 minutes in the relaxation pool you can move on to the Mud!

Basically, just smear the mud all over your body (including hair if needed).  The mud is meant to be great for ailments and skin conditions.  There are loungers available where you can sit or lie and allow the the mud to dry.  Within about 20 minutes the mud will have dried.

Finally, another dip in the salt pool to wash off a good portion of the mud.

There are showers to wash off any remaining mud and salt.  You will need to bring your own towels and swimming togs, but there are lockers on site for your valuables and car keys.

Overall great fun and your skin feels amazing at the end.

There's a nice area to lounge after your treatment and enjoy a drink or a snack.

You don't need to make a reservation for the salt relaxation pool or the Mud/mineral treatment. Additional treatments and activities are available.  These include, Salt massage, Yoga and guided tours around the salt pans.  Yoga, massage and guided tours will need a reservation.  More details on the Spa's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/aguamae.cm/

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