Hidden among the offices and the noise of the buses in downtown Buenos Aires is a spa with hot springs dating back to 1895 — the first of its kind in Latin America, even mentioned by Borges. Enjoy relaxing in a modern spa reminiscent of Turkish baths and straight out of a European palace.
A spa dating back to 1895 where you can relax in thermal waters just a few meters from Plaza de Mayo
Luis Colmegna was a young Italian massage therapist who founded Latin America’s first spa in Buenos Aires in 1895. What’s incredible about having this spa in Buenos Aires is that it was conceived as a sanctuary inspired by the Baths of Caracalla in the Roman Empire.
As a pioneer not only in Argentina but throughout the region, it quickly became a haven for Buenos Aires’ elite in the late 19th century. Did you know that the original design is believed to have been the work of Francesco Tamburini, the same architect responsible for the Teatro Colón and the Casa Rosada? In this spa, you’ll find columns made of Carrara and Verona marble, Calacatta and Bardiglio floors, handcrafted stained-glass windows, ornate moldings, and original bronze hardware.
A spa where Gardel, Borges, and Maradona crossed paths
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For decades, the Colmegna Spa was a gathering place for prominent figures in Buenos Aires’ cultural, political, and artistic life. Its halls were graced by such important politicians as Julio Argentino Roca and Marcelo T. de Alvear. Artists such as Astor Piazzolla, Mercedes Sosa, Tato Bores, Spinetta, and Alfredo Alcón were also regulars there. Did you know that Carlos Gardel wrote his tango, *Mi Buenos Aires querido*, there, and that Jorge Luis Borges mentions the spa (“the Turkish baths on Sarmiento and Esmeralda”) in *The Aleph*?
What You Can Do at This 19th-Century Spa
Photo: https://explorepartsunknown.com/
The spa may have been the first in Latin America, but today it’s a modern spa equipped with all the latest technologies for relaxation—just set in a setting from a bygone era. The experience includes hydrotherapy, massages, facials, hair salon services, and beauty treatments. This spa is located on Sarmiento Street in the 800 block, surrounded by office buildings—you’ve probably walked past it many times without even realizing that all of this was hidden behind its doors.
📍Sarmiento 839
🗓️Tuesday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday
