Plunge into the Thermal Spas of Europe.
Europe’s thermal spas invite you to relax in the lap of luxury. Filled with natural waters and accompanied by lavish treatments, Europe’s pools and modern resorts provide you with the perfect opportunity to unplug, relax and unwind.
Why are spas and bathhouses such a huge part of European culture? It all dates back to the Roman period, when hot springs became a popular way to purify the body and soul. Bath, England, is home to the ruins of a famous Roman bathhouse which visitors can still enjoy today. Choose between a modern spa experience complete with jets, bubbles and spa treatments, or dip into the historic pool situated next to an original Celtic shrine. Baden-Baden, Germany, is also home to a hot spring originally discovered by the Romans. Today, the Baden-Baden spa is in the Belle Epoch style with restorative spring water and spa treatments.
The Finnish sauna has an interesting story as well. Built for cleaning the mind as well as the body, spas and saunas are found throughout Finland, even in homes and cottages. As a matter of fact, there are over three million saunas in Finland — enough to accommodate every Finn in the world.
Immerse yourself into the warm waters of the Széchenyi Medical Thermal Bath, the largest Turkish bath of its kind located in Budapest. Marvel at the spa’s unique neo-baroque design as you dip into whirlpools full of bubble jets, neck-massage showers and back-massage streams. Stick around for Széchenyi’s light show and live music known as Cinetrip for a completely unique bathhouse experience.
While trekking through Turkey, be sure to rest your feet at Pamukkale, a thermal spring with terraces of pools that boast different minerals and different temperatures. Before taking a soak, be sure to look at the terraces from a distance to see the famous cotton-like view. For a truly Mediterranean experience, stop at the island of Gozo in Malta. Although two very different ambiances, you’ll feel equally relaxed after a dip.
For a natural relaxation experience unlike any other, treat yourself to a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, where the spring’s water trickles through a geothermal plant, ideal for a visitor’s relaxation. Don’t miss out on adding a silica-rich geothermal mud mask to your to-do list at the Blue Lagoon, too. Your skin, body and soul will be more vibrant than ever after just a short trip.
No European vacation is complete without a trip to a hot spring, thermal spa or bathhouse. After a few days on your feet exploring all that Europe has to offer, be sure to check in to at least one spa to rejuvenate your traveling mind and body.