Wellness Travel: Discover Braga with the The Perfect Wellness Stay at INNSIDE Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Northern Portugal, Braga is a city that beautifully combines ancient history with modern charm. As one of the oldest cities in Portugal, it offers a wealth of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. One year ago, I planted some roots for work and community building in this captivating city, and I lately I had the pleasure of treating myself to staying at the newly opened INNSIDE Hotel by Melia, a wonderfully designed space that places a strong emphasis on sustainability and wellness. It also warmed my heart that this hotel is pet friendly and they cater for our fur babies with open arms!
Let me take you on a journey through Braga and show you why the INNSIDE Hotel should be your go-to accommodation for a wellness-focused trip to this vibrant city.
Exploring Braga
Braga's history is deeply rooted in the Roman era. Known as Bracara Augusta during the Roman Empire, it was an important administrative centre. The influence of this period is still evident in many of the city's landmarks.
The Roman presence in Braga is truly palpable; as you walk through the city, you can't help but notice the remnants of its ancient past. The Roman Thermae of Maximinus, are a testament to the city's historical significance. These well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Romans who once called this place home. Another significant site is the Roman theatre, which stands as a reminder of Braga's cultural and social history.
One cannot talk about Braga without mentioning the Sé Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Portugal. This magnificent structure, with its mix of architectural styles, reflects the city's rich history and diverse influences shaping its architecture as well as its culture. Another must-visit is the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its baroque stairway is both a spiritual and architectural marvel. This beautiful place also serves as one of the most beautiful natural sites; with greens all around to uplift the spirit and feeling grounded.
While Braga is steeped in history, it is also a forward-thinking city that is actively working towards a sustainable future. The city is currently in the running for the prestigious title of "Green European City" for 2024, highlighting its commitment to environmental preservation.
The Sustainability team at the Municipality of Braga has launched several projects aimed at promoting sustainability, green living, circular economy and conscious consumerism. From expanding green spaces to enhancing public transportation and encouraging eco-friendly practices, the city's efforts are evident. One of the most impressive initiatives is the transformation of abandoned urban areas into beautiful parks and gardens, providing residents and visitors with much-needed green spaces. Now Braga is home to several parks and gardens where you can unwind and enjoy nature. The Garden of Santa Bárbara, with its meticulously manicured flower beds and historical backdrop, is a perfect example. Another favourite is the Parque da Ponte, a large urban park that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is clear that Braga is a city that caters to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a nature lover, there's something here for everyone. Let’s not forget to mention that for those who enjoy the great outdoors, Braga does not disappoint. The Peneda-Gerês National Park is located just a short drive from the city, and is a paradise for nature lovers.
What about those of us who value all of the above plus wellness? Braga does not disappoint! The city has grown a lot in the past 3 years and the expansion came with new cuisine, catered to healthy and plane based living, as well as more spas and health sanctuaries to sooth the soul!
During my stay in at INNSIDE Hotel BRAGA Centro, I had the chance to explore this new hotel and its facilities and ethos too! This new addition to the city's accommodation options perfectly aligns with Braga's commitment to sustainability and offers a unique, wellness-focused experience for its guests, if they wish.
The INNSIDE Hotel BRAGA Centro is a modern, stylish hotel that places a strong emphasis on wellness and sustainability. Opened recently, it has quickly become a favourite among travellers for its aesthetic appeal and eco-friendly efforts.
The hotel's design is a feast for the eyes. It features a soothing palette of pastel colours and natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The extensive use of wood and other natural elements not only enhances the hotel's aesthetic appeal but also aligns with its commitment to sustainability. Energetically, the space also flows incredibly smoothly, allowing guests to feel at home once here.
Sustainability is certainly part of INNSIDE Hotel’s ethos. From the building materials to the amenities, every detail is designed with the environment in mind. Even the toiletries provided, for instance, include compostable bamboo toothbrushes and other natural products, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. I love that the rooms offer a range of products for use, without small plastic bottles usually found in most hotels.
The rooms at INNSIDE are a perfect blend of comfort and style. They are designed to be cozy and welcoming, with careful attention to detail. They are well-lit, creating a bright and cheerful ambiance that makes you feel at home. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep after a day of exploring Braga or, in my case, working hard! The thoughtful design and comfort-focused amenities make it an ideal retreat for wellness travellers, or those, like me who are looking for an occasional escape whilst not leaving the city!
The hotel features a small but pleasant spa, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. While it may not have the extensive facilities of larger spas, it offers a cozy and relaxing experience. However, it's worth noting that the SPA per se does not have a reception desk, which limits the experience of the spa somehow; it is also solely available to hotel’s guests, unlike its parent SPA at Melia Hotel.
I had a wonderful experience at the El Spa Melia too in June, where the treatments were top-notch, even though the spa itself could use some updates; I guess when you combine the two; you get the best of both worlds! The two hotels do share the therapists, so you will definitely enjoy the massages, as the girls working here are excellent! Despite this, the spa at INNSIDE provides a serene space to relax and rejuvenate, enhancing the overall wellness experience. I actually preferred it to larger space at Melia. And for those who like to maintain their fitness routine while traveling, the hotel offers a well-equipped fitness centre too. With modern cardio equipment and a range of weights for functional movement. All within a welcoming atmosphere.
INNSIDE hotel's dining options include a very extensive continental breakfast. The spread is impressive, with a wide variety of choices to cater to different tastes. However, I noticed a lack of plant based vegan options, which was very disappointing. Considering the growing demand for plant-based food, this is an area where the hotel could improve. A focus on wellness should naturally extend to offering nutritious and diverse food options and truly understand how to cater for such needs, given that the fastest growing segment of the wellness and travel industry is focused on plant-based cuisine.
Despite the overall impressive efforts and services, there are areas of improvement that could be added to the experience to make it flawless. Food options, as mentioned above, are very important, but also having clearer communication on SPA opening hours, when sauna and steam room are operational, customer service and language are also to be addressed, as they are slightly inconsistent depending on who is at reception. I would love to add that the kindness of ALL staff is undisputed, they are welcoming and kind, but some training on delivery would be beneficial.
The last thing that I believe needs some improvement, is the cost for having your pet with you. The “pet it” costs 35 euro and it does not discriminate on size of dog. It is also a fixed daily rate, rather than descending depending on the length of stay, considering that they do not clean the room daily (at least mine wasn’t in the two days that I stayed)
Aside from this “room for improvement”, why Choose INNSIDE Hotel for Wellness Travel?
One of the major advantages of staying at INNSIDE Hotel BRAGA Centro is its prime location in the city centre. This strategic position allows guests to easily access Braga's main attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas and most importantly; getting your steps in, because you can walk everywhere!
The hotel is well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas and beyond. Whether you're looking to visit the outskirts of Braga or take a day trip to another city, the hotel's location makes it incredibly convenient.
I am going to have to mention this again but, the comfort and design of the hotel are among its standout features. The use of space and materials have created a serene and relaxing environment that is perfect for unwinding. This ambiance is perfect for wellness travellers who seek a peaceful and calming environment, good for the body as well as mind!
Braga’s charm and INNSIDE style are the perfect marriage for a wonderful experience, whether you are traveling here as a tourist, or would like to experience the city away from the mundane routine of our lives! I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful hotel
Pack your bags and get ready to discover how you can upgrade your Braga experience by staying at the INNSIDE Hotel. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a part of the city experience. Happy travels!
