Weighty Issues

I used to like Santa, but as I've grown older, his gifts have become markedly less pleasant. This year, for example, he didn't just leave me the usual January overdraft, but decided to bestow me with a muffin top, too.

Until then, I'd managed to blame the slipping waistline - just a little bloatedness, you see - on intolerance to lactose, wheat or something. But when one's back flesh starts popping out to say hello, then even I know that it's time to hit the gym.

So it's no bad thing that Club Metropolitan has just opened its newest, and so far largest, centre in Barcelona: some 7,000 m2 of spa and health club with views of La Sagrada Familia. If you aren't familiar with Club Met, then think upscale Arsenal-like facilities, but at a price level closer to DiR.

That's certainly one major upgrade for your buck. But perhaps the most attractive feature is the long weekend opening hours: no longer is it necessary to trade off sleeping in, lunch (ok, on a diet, maybe not always a bad thing) and working out. Santa, that's one muffin top heading back your way, double time.

Club Metropolitan Sagrada Familia - now open
Provença 408, Eixample Dreta - 93 507 3325
From EUR 49 per month
Monday-Friday 7h-23h, Saturday-Sunday 9h-22h

by SNo