Thermal Springs in Europe: Relax and Rejuvenate

Thermal hospitals have been known in Europe since ancient times: nobles went to the waters to improve their health and just for fun. “Mandry” tells what the most popular spa resorts are today.

Walliser Alpentherme (Leukerbad, Switzerland)

In this picturesque location in the Swiss Alps, the weather is usually warm, and all because underground waters flow down from the mountains of Mainghorn and Torrentorn. There are 30 mineral pools in the city, but this resort is different from others. Walliser Alpentherme Spa is a bath complex with a sauna, jacuzzi, steam rooms, open and closed thermal baths and a wonderful view of the surroundings. The treatment menu includes traditional and Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, massage and wraps. A scrub made from local mud and plants for 50 GBP is simply unique. Prices on the page are as of January 2019.

A day pass costs 23 GBP, treatments – from 48 GBP. The cost of double rooms in the nearest Beau Sejour starts from 112 GBP (hereinafter – the price for each person per night).

Parador de Corias (Asturias, Spain)

At the foot of the mountains, above the green vineyards lies the town of Asturias, known since the Roman Empire. The hotel El Escorial de Asturias is located in a monastery of the 11th century, but its interior is surprisingly modern. The spa is located in the basement of the building, there is a swimming pool with vaulted ceilings, a steam bath, a sauna, a hot tub, a shower and even an ice fountain. It is worth trying hydrotherapy with Vichy shower (45 EUR) – a strong massage with a jet of warm water.

The Minerva Grand Hotel Resort and Spa (Băile Herculane, Romania)

Located in the mountain valley of Cerna, the resort town of Baile Herculane has long been famous for its healing hot springs, rich in minerals. Minerva Grand Hotel Resort and Spa is one of the most luxurious places to stay with a wide range of spa treatments available only to hotel guests. They have at their disposal a hydromassage pool, infrared and salt saunas, a jacuzzi, a hammam, pools with hot and cold Kneipp therapy. Several methods of treating diseases from rheumatism to neuralgia are used here, as well as relaxing wraps and massages.

You can book double rooms with breakfast and a full spa and bath package from 95 GBP.

Molitg-les-Bains (French Pyrenees)

This thalassotherapy spa in Molitg-les-Bains offers a variety of treatments, from Decleor wraps (86 EUR) to wellness programs recommended by the French healthcare system. The building looks like a large greenhouse and is located near a wooded gorge, so you get the feeling that you are swimming in the crowns of trees. In addition to hydrotherapy pools, there are white clay baths, a steam room, a mineral mist room and shower cabins where pressurized water massages tired muscles.

Order an evening spa pass for 35 EUR. Accommodation in the Grand Hotel in a double room without board costs from 100 EUR per night, in the rural hotel Residence Le Catalan studios for two cost 34 EUR per day.

Alpentherme (Central Austria)

This modern resort is located in the town of Bad Hofgastein in the Gastein Valley, there are 4 “water worlds”: family, relaxation, sauna and space for women only. There are steam rooms, cool lakes, a “lazy” river, thermal pools and, of course, mountain views. Pay attention to the medical complex, which uses water from a spring rich in natural radon. In the healing pool, you can pleasantly relax and restore the rhythm of the vegetative nervous system, stimulating metabolism and cell renewal (from 15 EUR per procedure).

A subscription to “Alpentherme” costs 34.50 EUR per day or 28.50 EUR for half a day (discounts for children). Aurora Apartments and Hotel offers double apartments from 36 EUR per night without board.

Hotel Heliopic (Chamonix, France)

Opened in 2014, this modern spa in an alpine chalet is located next to the Aiguille du Midi cable car station, from where you can reach the Mont Blanc observation complex. On the basement floor there is a swimming pool, an ice grotto, a jacuzzi with a view of the mountains, a steam room, a sauna and a relaxation area with hanging chairs and a fireplace. The procedures use cosmetics of the French brand Nuxe, and the massage is done with Huile Prodigieuse products (from 55 EUR).

A double room in a hotel with breakfast costs from 103 EUR per night, spa treatments – from 55 EUR.

Szechenyi Baths (Budapest, Hungary)

Budapest with more than 100 thermal springs is often called the spa capital of Europe. The Széchenyi Baths are the largest in the city, with 15 indoor and three outdoor pools. The baths are located surrounded by yellow and white neo-baroque buildings; the interior is decorated with mosaic tiles, statues and stained glass windows. A day pass with massage costs from 35 GBP.

You can stay at the Danubius Hotel (which has its own pool and spa), double rooms with breakfast – from 82 GBP.

Loyly (Helsinki, Finland)

The Loyly Hotel on the waterfront in Helsinki, combining eco-style and design, has a spa and a traditional Finnish sauna for 20 people. From the bath with a wood-burning stove between sessions, you can dive directly into the Gulf of Finland. Wooden terraces protrude above the water, creating the effect of being on the deck of a cruise ship. The restaurant serves modern dishes of classic cuisine Finland, including venison, salmon soup and salmon.

A two-hour pass costs 19 EUR. Hotel Helka in the city center offers double rooms with breakfast from 115 EUR per night.

Hotel Excelsior (Dubrovnik, Croatia)

The Hotel Excelsior, a converted Royal mansion, boasts stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old City of Dubrovnik, the pearl of Croatia. The ground floor is decorated with stone and marble in calm neutral tones, and features a freshwater pool, jacuzzi, steam rooms, a sauna, and a relaxation area with heated beds. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful garden, a private beach, and a spa. The spa uses Sisley products with organic ingredients for smooth and supple skin (from 52 GBP).

Spa treatments start from 29 GBP, and double rooms with breakfast start from 120 GBP.

Castilla Termal (El Burgo de Osma, Spain)

This spa hotel is located in a converted 16th-century Renaissance monastery in the town of El Burgo de Osma in northwestern Castile and Leon. The underground spa features a thermal hydromassage pool with natural spring water. Visitors bathe under vaulted ceilings decorated with frescoes. The wellness programs use mineral waters, which are said to have a rejuvenating and cleansing effect, and are also beneficial for joint pain. The range of treatments also includes shiatsu massage (69 EUR), Ayurveda (72 EUR) and Hawaiian “Lomi-Lomi” (65 EUR).

A weekend package with breakfast and pool access costs from 67.50 EUR per person.

Friedrichsbad (Baden-Baden, Germany)

Founded by the Romans, Baden-Baden has become a fashionable health resort since the 19th century. The conditions of the Black Forest with clean mountain air and a complex of majestic buildings contribute to relaxation: there are many beautiful (including expensive) hotels with their own spa. The most affordable of them is Friedrichsbad, a luxurious public bath built in 1877, imitating Roman baths with mosaics and marble halls. The 17-step bathing ritual includes a sequence of procedures in steam rooms, mineral baths and under a cold shower with additional scrubs and massages.

A three-hour marathon costs from 25 EUR. Accommodation in the central hotel Merkur in double rooms – from 97 EUR per day.

Health Spa Resort Hvezda (Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic)

Marianske Lazne, one of the oldest resort towns in the Czech Republic, offers classic medical treatments using water from mineral-rich thermal springs (there are about 100 of them in total). Visitors drink water from fountains throughout the city and take water treatments in baths, often located at hotels such as Hvezda. Service packages include swimming pools, salt caves and saunas. The range of procedures is very wide – from traditional massages and thermal baths to dry carbon baths and CO2 injections.

The Wellness Star package, costing 354 EUR per person, includes 3 nights half-board with treatments – massage, mineral bath and two visits to the salt cave. A comprehensive medical spa vacation with full board, a doctor’s examination and 24 treatments per week will cost 121 EUR per person per day (minimum 7 nights).

Coastal Arbatax Park (Sardinia, Italy)

The hotel, bungalows and spa center Arbatax Park complex are located in the blue zone of Sardinia, which claims to be the territory of centenarians. The secret of longevity lies in spa treatments, nutrition, the environment and lifestyle. The Bellavista Spa offers freshwater and saltwater pools, saunas, steam rooms and a large hydromassage pool. Thalassotherapy (cost from 65 EUR) uses algae, provides a flow of fluid through the body and smoothes the skin.

A double room with breakfast at the Monte Turri Park Hotel with spa access costs 106 EUR per night, treatments – from 35 EUR.

Voya Seaweed Baths (Sligo, Ireland)

Located next to a surf school on the Wild Atlantic Way, Voya offers guests a unique range of spa treatments. Seaweed baths were revived here in 1996 by a triathlon master who took them to recover after races. Each session begins with a steam treatment, followed by a hot bath of hand-harvested seaweed packed with vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. Marine vegetation is said to make the skin soft and supple.

You can book a single bath with a steam room for 25 GBP.

The ultramodern Glasshouse Hotel in the town of Sligo offers double rooms with breakfast for 89 EUR per day.

The Chedi (Montenegro)

This new hotel overlooking the Bay of Budva and the Adriatic Sea fits perfectly into the local landscape, its red tiled roofs and plastered walls blend in with traditional buildings. The interior uses white, wood and turquoise colors of the sea coast. The hotel has its own pebble beach, a panoramic pool and a spa with an indoor bath, steam room, sauna and yoga room. The spa uses oriental massage techniques, including Balinese, Thai, Ayurvedic or Shiatsu (all 75 EUR per hour).

You can book spa treatments on the website, their price is from 40 EUR, double rooms with breakfast are offered from 145 EUR.

Eagles Palace (Halkidiki, Greece)

Near Mount Athos “finger” is Eagles Palace – a luxury resort hotel with a quiet beach and gardens overgrown with plumeria and olives. The bright modern spa has indoor and outdoor pools, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, and yoga and Pilates classes. Treatments can be done inside the complex or in a gazebo on the beach: the popular nourishing body nectar wrap (90 EUR) will cool tanned skin. The menu of the Kamares by Spondi restaurant was developed by chef Arno Bignon, twice awarded a Michelin star.

Spa treatments from 50 EUR, double rooms with breakfast from 133 EUR, now the hotel is temporarily closed for the winter period, opening – in April 2019.

Secret Lagoon (Fludir, Iceland)

Built in 1891, this geothermal pool located 100 km from Reykjavik boasts even more breathtaking scenery than the famous Blue Lagoon. With basic facilities including changing rooms, a shower, and the pool itself, it offers a simpler experience. However, the picturesque surroundings with volcanoes and a snow-covered plateau more than compensate for any lack of luxury. The water temperature in the pool remains a constant +38…+40 °C throughout the year, and a small geyser erupts every 5 minutes, adding to the unique charm. The cafe serves hot drinks and snacks, and in the evenings, you might even catch a glimpse of the Icelandic Northern Lights.

A day pass for adults costs 18 GBP and can be purchased on the official website.

Double rooms with breakfast at the nearby Icelandair Hotel Fludir start from 104 GBP per night.

Farnham Estate (County Cavan, Ireland)

Nestled in the Irish countryside, the Farnham Estate Spa is a picturesque retreat offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Both indoor and outdoor pools provide views of the verdant landscape, while the luxurious Water Mint Thermal Suite features a steam room, sauna, salt inhalation rooms, and a Greek Laconium heated with stone slabs. Guests can experience the invigorating Kneipp walk, alternating between hot and cold water to relax and tone muscles. The Derrigid massage (95 EUR) is inspired by the surrounding landscape and encourages leisurely walks to further connect with nature. The spa uses Espa and Yon-Ka products for its body wraps, and treatments start from 60 EUR.

Book a double room with half-board and spa access from 120 EUR per night.

Energy Eco Spa (Estonia)

This nature-based spa provides organic treatments using locally hand-harvested herbs, clay, and plant extracts. Situated in the heart of Estonia on the Navesti River, this wooden resort offers not just relaxation but also opportunities for hiking and boat trips. Saunas, including a traditional wooden sauna, a jacuzzi, and a cold plunge pool, are perfect for warming up and preparing the body for treatments. After enjoying the steam room, guests can unwind on the sunny terrace or take a refreshing dip in the river.

Book an Eco Spa package, including half-board in a double room and one spa treatment of your choice, starting from 135 GBP for two on the spa’s website.

Wieliczka Salt Mine (Krakow, Poland)

This unique wellness complex is located entirely underground, allowing guests to experience the healing powers of the salt microclimate. Based on the ancient belief in the therapeutic properties of salt, the spa offers multi-day health programs as well as single-day experiences. Descend 40 meters underground to relax in salt chambers, practice breathing exercises, and enjoy therapeutic massages (from 12 GBP). A full-day program costs 35 GBP.

The “Healthy Sleep” package with an overnight stay in the mine starts from 24 GBP, while a night at the Grand Sal Hotel in a double room with breakfast starts from 55 GBP.