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The Balneario da Toxa (Galician for: Spa of the A Toxa Island) or Grand Hotel of A Toxa is a spa-hotel located in Island of A Toxa, in Galicia, Spain.
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In 1945 the building was restored, with an almost complete refurbishment carried out, although various old elements subsist.
18th Century
In 1808, local fishermen of the local ria realized the warm waters of the island; had healing qualities. Later, a loaded donkey with number of ulcers and ringworm was abandoned by its owner on the island. After a few months the owner was surprised to find the animal healthy and jumping happily. The donkey had wallowed in the mud and its wounds had disappeared. This story was told by the Countess of Pardo Bazán in 1911. This story helped make way for the creation of a Grand Hotel in A Toxa.
Former Balneario de A Toxa
In 1907 the hotel was built, based on the popular spas of the time such as the Marienbad in Germany.
Two pavilions were built, one room and the casino, connected by a gallery. The architect was Daniel Vázquez Gulias. The interior was decorated with frescoes in the halls and stairs. A Toxa, was at that time a site for the upper class of Galicia. The hotel had several boom years, was famed across the peninsula and came to be known by the court in Madrid, at the time A Toxa was already placed on the map as a spa.
Restoration
In 1945 there was a restoration, the towers were pulled down and an almost complete refurbishment was done. Today it is a five stars hotel maintained by its director Francisco Marcos. The striking staircase and windows reminiscent of its glory days, the rooms have been restored, the building has furniture from the past, and has views of the island. The building's old columns remain, but all the rest is new.