Hi! Ceb, it seems to me that the Spanish economy is highly dependant on tourism, construction, and the production of traditional foods and wines.
As to the Spa business, I think they are mostly regulated by local governments. So it may be a good idea to first decide where you want to establish your business and go from there.
Also, and I do not know what kind of investment you have in mind, but the spa's I have seen on tv are absolutely beautiful, even the small ones. So it seems like a very competitive market.
Every time I watch shows like "Desde Galicia para el Mundo" or "Asturias, Paraiso Natural" they feature local businesses, and I hear the same story…”We inherited this big old house from
la abuela, and in partnership with some "friends", we invested X number of millions to turn it into a Spa...Our Spa offers all of the benefits of the native plants and mineral waters, as certified by our local council, as well as some of the finest local cuisine.” Have you noticed the same?
Check out this website
http://www.balnearios.org/ ceb, I just read on the other message you posted that your mom is planning on taking the Spanish citizenship. Have you heard the good news? Next year comes into effect a law that will allow you (the grandchild) to take the citizenship too. However, your mom has to take the citizenship first...I do not know if your husband is Spanish, but now you have another option to become Spaniard. If your husband is not Spanish, he will be allowed to become a legal resident. But you have to wait until 2008. Good luck!