Les Escaldes

Les Escaldes is a major tourist centre in the tiny Pyrenean Principality of Andorra, tucked between France and Spain. Its main draw is as a winter sports destination, though its stunning scenery, temperate climate, duty free shopping in nearby Andorra La Vella and excellent accommodation attract visitors year-round. There's a wonderful range of hotels and apartments in Les Escaldes to cater for all tastes and budgets. Stay in the heart of the commercial district in the spacious and family and business-friendly surroundings of the Hotel Ahotels Prisma; relax in the spa and take in the incredible panoramic valley views at the luxurious Hotel Roc de Caldes; or choose a conveniently equipped and inviting apartment at Aparthotel Cosmos. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife after an action-packed day on the slopes, or in a more tranquil location where you can really get away from it all, there is a hotel in Les Escaldes or an apartment accommodation you're after.

The Andorran slopes are varied enough to keep the most seasoned of winter sports enthusiasts hooked, while there are also gentler pistes for the less experienced. The incredible and unique backdrop of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley – a UNESCO world heritage site – provides wonderful hiking opportunities. The area is also home to the world-class, architecturally stunning Escaldes-Engordany Arts Centre, and year-round festivals, including the world-class Jazz festival every May.

Andorra has become widely recognised as one of the main European centres for relaxation and well being. Many of the larger hotels in Les Escaldes offer fantastic spa and therapy facilities on-site, and even visitors staying in one of the smaller apartments are never very far from a stress-busting massage or a dip in a thermal Jacuzzi. Located at an altitude of over 1000 metres, the Caldea Thermal Spa is probably the most renowned. The complex is the largest health spa in Southern Europe – the thermal waters from the Roc de Metge springs flow through the series of lagoons, baths and Jacuzzis and the spa also has a huge range of conventional and creative massages and therapies.