A day at Piedra de Agua

Being with our kids 24 hours a day, seven days a week can take a toll. We love our kids, but every once in a while we like to get away for a few hours to spend time together, just the two of us. Michael and I went on a date to Piedra de Agua thermal spa.

The spa is a 20-minute taxi ride from the city center. The cost of the taxi was $3. We arrived at 2:30 pm and left at 8:00 pm. We went on a Monday when the spa had a 2-for-1 special on their 3-hour spa circuit ($35 total for both of us) and 2-for-1 cocktails (a cocktail $8). In addition to the spa circuit, we had access to two swimming pools, hot tubs, and a lounging terrace. We opted for a 30-minute massage ($25 per person), and we ate a delicious dinner. The entire evening including tips and the cab rides was $143.

The 3-hour spa circuit starts with 20 minutes in a Turkish bath (steam room). The next stop is a red mud pool. We rubbed the mud on our skin, let it dry, and then rinsed it off. This mud acts as an exfoliant.

Then we went to the blue mud pool. The blue mud is for skin rejuvenation and hydration. The fourth stop on the circuit is contrast pools. We spent 8 minutes in the warm pool and 1 minute in the cold pool and then repeated it. The hot and cold water is for opening and closing pores. It also stimulates the nervous system.

Next, we went into a wooden cabinet filled with steam. The steam eliminates toxins and relaxes the body. The Japanese pool was our last stop on the circuit, and we spent about 30 minutes just relaxing in the pool and on lounge chairs.

After the spa circuit, we each got a 30- minute massage. I chose chocolate, and Michael chose lavender as the oil for the massage. We both had excellent massages. We ended the evening with cocktails and dinner. The dinner entrees are about $12, and they are phenomenal. Michael had seafood, and I had a steak with mushrooms. We also ordered cheese empanadas for our appetizer. We are in awe that a gourmet meal and two rounds of drinks end up costing less than $50.