In our quest to find something between a boot camp and a spiritual retreat, we decided upon Thalasso Hotel El Palasiet in Benicassim. It seemed to offer the perfect mix of a structured exercise timetable, dietician-supervised meals and seafront Spa relaxation. On that front, we were not disappointed.
The staff were utterly charming and while some have been disappointed at their lack of English, we both are fortunate enough to speak relatively good Spanish, so no problem. The room, albeit a standard, was huge, spotlessly clean, well-equipped, bright, quiet, and with a comfortable two-metre bed – heaven. The food was beautifully prepared and presented – fresh and healthy. The location is unparalleled, overlooking the sea, and on the doorstep of the Via Verde, an easy-to-follow coastal 5.7km walking/cycling route from Benicassim to Oropesa full of gorgeous views and pretty watchtowers – take a bicycle from reception and off you go. Finally, the building is classical, tasteful and elegant, and the Spa and grounds immaculately maintained – with an almost sub-tropical feel.
It’s reasonable to point out that the average El Palasiet guest is to the senior end of the age spectrum. It’s wonderful to see their commitment to improving their health but, if you’re lucky enough to be more youthful, expect to have to put in your own gym time and fitness programme to supplement the timetabled sessions – if you want the best results. For us the fitness sessions (gym, aqua gym) were far too light but, again, they did suit the majority.
We both stuck rigidly to the programmed menus and activities and lost weight/centimetres and toned up – impressive for just four nights. If we cannot find a better halfway house between boot camp and spiritual retreat, with a slightly higher intensity fitness programme, we will for sure return to El Palasiet.
Sarah & Rosie, Spain - 04 oktober 2018
I returned home with good impressions of my stay at El Palasiet. The weight- loss program was very intense, but effective and met my expectations. Benicassim is a very beautiful and quiet place and there are a lot of opportunities for sports: running, walking, swimming. There is a good gym at the hotel. Unfortunately there were some problems with communication with the staff, because the employees of the Spa department and of the restaurant mostly spoke only Spanish.
I went to the airport by train from Benicassim to Valencia, it was very simple, and on the way I saw many beautiful places. And than I took in Valencia the metro to the airport. It was not necessary to take a taxi. Thanks for your help.
Olga, Netherlands - 10 juli 2018
Heerlijk! mijn lichaam voelt veel beter na deze Yoga week. Mila (de yoga lerares) was echt ontzettend goed! Bijna niemand spreekt engels van het personeel, maar dat is geen probleem door de vriendelijkheid!
Wendy, Netherlands - 29 september 2017
I would rate 10 points to my trip! Everything went great!!! The yoga with Lourdes was excellent, the food amazing and the service very friendly ( and I do not speak Spanish:-)) the hotel room was great, with an ocean view.
Alina F., Switzerland - 29 september 2017
Ik heb echt een heerlijke week gehad! Vond het een heerlijke accommodatie. De groepslessen en het schema waren fijn, de zee prachtig (overal in het hotel uitzicht op zee en slapen met het ruisen van de zee op de achtergrond). Erg spaans, en prachtig hoe de foto's en alle snuisterijen het nog authentieker maken. Ze zijn er trots op en vond het heerlijk een mengelmoesje aan spaans/portugees/ te spreken en alle contacten waren zeer fijn. Zowel van het hotel als de gasten; de groepslessen scheppen toch een bepaalde band en velen waren hier al meerdere malen geweest. Ik houd er wel van dat ze juist niet alleen engels spreken, maar dat is zuiver persoonlijk :-).
Marguerite, Netherlands - 20 maart 2017
Het was fantastisch! Heerlijk relaxen en lekker sportief, gezond doen was nog nooit zo makkelijk en leuk! Mooie ligging met een schitterend uitzicht over zee, heerlijk om in slaap te vallen ‘s nachts met balkondeur open. Leuk hotel in mooie tuin, niet te groot en zeker nu in juni nog erg lekker rustig. Aan de Via Verde, dus die fietsen kwamen erg goed van pas. Zo grappig, het hotel is van binnen net een klein Spaans museum, het staat vol met mooie (antieke) spulletjes. Bij de receptie werd goed Engels gesproken en overigens ook erg vriendelijk. masseuse was echt heel erg goed. Helaas was er geen ruimte meer om op de gewenste tijden nog iets extra’s te boeken. Ze waren erg druk en dat snap ik volkomen. Jullie programma is lekker divers en van alles wat. Niet alleen relaxen maar ook sportief. En door jullie SIS ook weer goed geregeld.
Sandra, Netherlands - 20 maart 2017
Een hele ervaring, Ik ga zeker weer!
Helen, France - 01 november 2016
Both hotel staff and SIS staff were extremely supportive, understanding and helpful.
Emma, Spain - 30 september 2016
This is a very good package. The treatments were all superb. I really enjoyed my stay and would return to this hotel!
Trish, United Kingdom - 01 augustus 2016
I had a truly wonderful, relaxing and pampering experience, full of activities and great fun. Excellent staff, high quality facilities, treatments and activities.
Lorella, United Kingdom - 30 mei 2016
We had an absolutely fantastic time. The hotel was lovely, the spa and treatments amazing and the food great!! A big thank you for organising our holiday.
Sarah, United Kingdom - 11 maart 2016
Even after three visits there in the space of 13 months (!!) I am still really pleased and satisfied the hotel and progam,
Sheila, Spain - 05 oktober 2015
Lekker fit worden en tegelijkertijd het verminderen van overmatige stress door aangename inspanning en ontspanning
Theo, Netherlands - 25 september 2015
Het was echt een fantastische reis. De sfeer, omgeving en service was perfect.
Anouk B., Netherlands - 13 augustus 2015
The program exceeded my expectations, it was such a wonderful experience!
Inas, Egypt - 29 juli 2015
ik heb een heerlijke (en intensieve) week gehad. Prachtige locatie, uitzicht op zee was geweldig. Ook geen massa toerisme wat ook prettig is. ik vond het wel heel intensief en soms was het programma qua tijd (en omkleden) wel heel erg krap. Maar ook hier weer prettig om in een mooie gymzaal (met uitzicht en zonder zweetlucht) te staan en het aanbod was breed.
Ans, Netherlands - 27 oktober 2014
Amazing!
Daniela, Russian Federation - 03 oktober 2014
It was absolutely wonderful! I loved it, and my husband too enjoyed it very very much. The hotel is just fantastic, great decor, a REAL place, ever so slightly old-fashioned, but very well kept, loved the restaurant atmosphere, you feel you are in an older Spain... the staff there are absolutely lovely. We would definitely consider returning to El Palasiet next year.
S.Leary, France - 24 september 2014
I spent a week here alone as a treat to myself, well I certainly got it a good stay, massage, pool, spa, more massage, a low calorie diet ... A physical and mental cure needed in these busy times we live in.
Meritxell, Spain - 13 februari 2014
This hotel is an oasis, with exceptional sea views. A place to recharge the batteries before returning to the daily grind. The family atmosphere gives a special charm.
Jorge, Spain - 13 februari 2014
The Palasiet is a special place. It is so beautiful and so peaceful. It was the perfect place for us. We were looking for a Mediterranean hotel where we could relax and "be healthy". The Palasiet brought that to us and much more. We enjoyed the food, which was delicious and very healthy; the massages and spa treatments were fantastic; and our room had the most fabulous and romantic view. It is perfect for relaxing. We loved it and we are planning to go back soon!
F.D, United States - 13 februari 2014
We felt truly pampered. Superior service in a beautiful environment. We will definitely return.
Marcela, Italy - 13 februari 2014
The hotel is in a lovely position on hillside with beautiful views of the hotel pool and sea. The hotel itself is like going back to the old beautiful Spain as I remember when I was a child. To me it seemed rustic and charming, the rooms are clean and has all that you need. The pool area is lovely and peaceful. The staff are lovely, most only speak a little English but I like that, the spa is also very nice.
Mary, United Kingdom - 13 februari 2014
After a hard year, El Palasiet has been the perfect place to forget about the daily problems and just focus on health, relax and fun in such a great city as Benicassim is. The room was really big, had an amazing view of the sea. The staff were charming, and took constant care of our needs. The Spa and the offer of massages is outstanding, and has a great price-quality relation.
J, Italy - 12 februari 2014
