The Romans loved their public baths, which were places to relax the body and mind and enjoy the social scene. Where Romans colonized, they bathed, and thus you can see the remains of Roman baths, or thermae, in the United Kingdom, Holland, France, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Romania, and Spain. Baths were often built at the site of natural mineral springs, whose waters have always been believed to have healing properties.
During the 18th and 19th centuries the idea of bathing for health became enormously popular again. Royals and the aristocracy were the principle customers, and the social scene that went with “taking the waters” was as important as “the cure”.
Although spas never went completely out of style, it is safe to say that currently they are going through another boom. One association committed to promoting spas and health resorts and monitoring their quality and consistency is the European Spa Association. It has established the EUROPESPA Seal of Approval, which attests to the quality of the general therapy infrastructure, hygiene and safety. Their Visit European Spas site is a goldmine of information on European spas.
If you’d like to throw yourself back in time and enjoy a spa the way the nobles did, visit one of the Royal Spas of Europe, a collection of spas in Spain, Germany, Hungary, Finland, and the Czech Republic that all have counted monarchs and the aristocracy as clientele.
If some of the jargon bandied about in “spa talk” is mystifying, check the European Spa Association glossary for clarification; there is an entire spa vocabulary! Spa experiences can last from a few hours at an urban day spa to a few weeks at a health resort, where a whole range of treatments, exercise, and special diet are on the menu. Wellness vacations can take place at wonderfully preserved historical spas, or at state-of-the-art well-being centres. Because of the medical orientation of spas in the past, you’ll find that European spas are concerned not just with polishing external appearances, but in designing an overall healthy lifestyle. What a great vacation – you come home in better shape than when you left.
The town of Spa in Belgium has given us the name we now use generically for all spas. In addition to its own spa, the town is known widely for its Casino and Grand Prix. You’ll also find lovely spas housed in chateaux and at the seaside in Belgium.
The sauna has been an integral part of life in Finland for centuries. More than just a place to wash, it is considered perfect for rejuvenating body and soul. There are saunas of every size and type across the country, from the electrically powered variety at swimming pools, hotels and sports complexes to the idyllic and more intimate lakeside cabins and the rather sooty smoke saunas.
One of the very finest examples of a Roman bath, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in the beautifully preserved town of Bath (United Kingdom). This isn’t the only place you can enjoy some pampering in Britain – spas are in every direction. Cross over to Ireland for a healthy sojourn in gorgeous scenery that’s a mental spa treatment in itself!
Germany has hundreds of spas and wellness resorts, all dedicated to your well-being.
Iceland is a natural choice for spa adventures you’ll never forget.
The waters of France are known - and consumed – the world over. Just think of the treatments at Vichy, Vittel, or Evian! There’s much more on offer and many other special spas to choose from; will it be a mountain retreat, a chic Parisian oasis, or thalassotherapy (seawater treatment) on the coast?
The Iberian Peninsula has both a superb climate for spas as well as a range of fabulous scenery. The hundreds of natural springs in Spain have long made it a major spa center in Europe. Portugal’s Algarve region and the island of Madeira offer spa facilities in equally fantastic settings. Pamper yourself with a thalassotherapy treatment or just relax in one of the several thermal spas in Portugal.
The Romans had much to do with starting spa fever in Italy, and aren’t we thankful that the custom spread so widely? In addition to viewing numerous Roman baths, you can treat yourself to a modern-day Italian spa in any of its twenty regions, including Sicily and Sardinia.
Wherever you go in Europe, you can take time out to revitalize at the world’s finest spas and wellness resorts!