Caldea

Caldea stands in Escaldes-Engordany, beside Andorra la Vella, under the glass spire that has become the country's most recognisable building. It is the largest thermal complex in the Pyrenees, built over the springs the parish is named for — escaldes means the scalding waters.

The water

The springs surface at 70 °C, among the hottest in the Pyrenean region, and are filtered and cooled before they reach the lagoons. The operator publishes the analysis: sodium 36 mg/l, sulphates 21 mg/l, silica 36 mg/l, chlorides 6 mg/l, calcium 4.1 mg/l, fluoride 3.8 mg/l and potassium 2 mg/l, with iron, ammonia, magnesium and aluminium in traces. The water is described as sodic and sulphurous, saline and oily with thermal plankton, and the effects claimed for it are analgesic, healing, decongestant and anti-allergic.

The complex

• A large indoor thermal lagoon under the glass, with outdoor pools looking onto the mountains.
• Grottos, jets, Roman and Icelandic baths, hammam and saunas.
• Massage, rituals and beauty treatments booked alongside admission.
• Two restaurants in the building.

Visiting

Admission is by timed entry, in one of two spaces: the general Classic areas, and a separate adults-only Premium level. Entry is charged and booked with the venue.