The 10,000sq ft (929sq m) vinotherapy-focused spa has opened at the five-star Spanish retreat Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine – an exclusive abbey hotel and winery dating from 1146. Designed by Marco Serra, the modern spa – called El Santuario – was built underground to maintain the property’s historic ambiance.

Below the abbey’s original stables and within close proximity to the Duero River, Serra had to overcome the high moisture level of the surrounding soil by creating an “impermeable shoe box structure” within which the spa has been encased. The stables above ground were simultaneously converted into eight additional guest rooms with direct spa access – bringing the total number of hotel guestrooms to 30.

The spa uses solar panels and groundwater pumps to generate energy for heating and cooling. A dedicated water treatment plant means water is recycled and used for irrigation too. Geothermal storage systems installed at the spa are said to compensate for the seasonal fluctuations in energy demand.

Within the spa there are four individual treatment rooms, a spa suite, outdoor rain showers, an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, plus separate male and female wellness areas – each inclusive of a sauna, steambaths, experience showers, hydrotherapy pools, a relaxation room and changing areas.

The spa’s vinotherapy concept is based on a blind tasting of wines and the smelling of oils. Each guest has a bespoke treatment designed for them by a “spa sommelier” based on palate and aroma preferences. The spa sommelier guides the spa guest throughout their spa journey, supported by a number of spa butlers. For guests who do not drink alcohol, wines are replaced by seasonal teas and juices.

Further wellness-focused activities at the retreat include pilates, personal training sessions, yoga, meditation and Qigong.

Other popular leisure pursuits at the retreat include horseback riding across the estate’s 1,730 acres (700 hectares) of farmland – 500 acres (202) of which is dedicated to vineyards. Tours of the winery are also on offer, in addition to helicopter rides to view the landscape and falconry displays.

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine was originally opened as a hotel in 2012 after a complete restoration – again by Marco Serra.