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Caldea

Andorra la Vella, ANDORRE

Date
Mar, 14, 2018
Comments
3 Comments

Nestled in the Pyrénées mountain range between France and Spain is the lovely little enigma, Andorre.

Andorra (“Andorre” in French) is one of the handful of small independent nations in Europe.

vall nord ski resort

Key Points:

-They use the EURO

– Most people speak SPANISH (Catalan), but French and Portuguese is spoken.

-Andorra la Vella is the capital

-6th smallest nation in Europe

-NO taxes, which makes it a tourism hub

 

skis

Ski it Up

Andorra is well known as a prime skiing location. Visitors from all over Europe flock here for the crisp snow and pristine skiing conditions at VallNord.

ski lift andorra

We rented skis ahead of time, and stayed walking distance from VallNord. Which was amazing!

We could wake up early and WALK to the lift to the ski station.

VallNord is a complete ski resort with LOTS of runs (piste, in French) at every level, and chalets (for snacks, lunch & toilets!).

They divide the mountain into advanced and beginner runs, so keep that in mind when you take your chairlift.

 

Wanderlust?    Here’s $40 on Airbnb

Caldea

Caldea

Thermal water is one of the most highly appreciated natural resources in the Principality of Andorra. There are more than 35 natural springs in the country. The thermal waters of Caldea surface at 70ºC and are rich in minerals. They’re hypo-allergic and healing, as well as fun and relaxing.

This place was like the VEGAS of thermal spas, it had…

Large Indoor Pool: With 3 raised Jacuzzis
Outdoor lagoon:  it’s connected to the main indoor pool and wraps around outside for a lovely view of the mountains
Indo-Roman baths: One hot, and one cold pool. In the style of Indo-Roman baths on Elefanta Island in India, near Mumbai
Aquamassage: I firm stream of water shoots up and down to relieve tension in your back
Icelandic bath a space where icy cold and warm water pools next to eachother to help circulation in the joints. 
Hammam is regarded as the oldest bathing tradition in the world. Its temperature is around 55°C and has benefits for your respiratory system and general relaxation. I noticed the steam had eucalyptus essence. It also has a cold water fountain in the center to cool off. Of course, it was Arabic architecture.
Sauna Just like in Finland and the Nordics. It gives off a dry heat at 85 ° C. It aids in the elimination of toxins and relaxation of muscule tension. The sauna is composed of several wooden benches and a large window.
Sirocco bath it’s inspired by the Sirocco winds of the southeastern Mediterranean regions that originate in the Sahara and travel across the north of Africa and southern Europe at hurricane speeds. It’s a hot-air bath transition between areas

More posts about getting into the wild in France:  LE PAYS BASQUE, Ainhoa City Guide.

faux fur coat

Shopping & Upgrades

There is NO sales tax, which drives lots of tourism. SO as you can imagine, European tourists love to upgrade and make big purchases like perfume and alcohol. The city center has malls, galleries showcasing local art, boutiques, and restaurants.

For a glimpse of the history and culture of Andorra, there are guided tours of Casa de la Vell. A historic building from the 16th century filled with artwork.

 

Gonna be honest here at the end, it was RAINING the WHOLE time we were there. Even thunder and lightning one night.

But that doesn’t dull a weekend away, now does it?

 

Bisous, Anne

3 Comments

  1. Reply

    Carli

    March 19, 2018

    sounds like such a fun trip!! I would die to try out the spa

  2. Reply

    Shirin

    March 18, 2018

    What a beautiful skiing destination! The Vegas of thermal spas? Oo la la! I want to go here!

    Shirin | http://www.queenshirin.com

  3. Reply

    Michelle Carlton

    March 17, 2018

    What a beautiful place to visit, would love to go skiing there. Gorgeous

    http://Www.themixshopping.com/blogs/news

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