A good bath after a busy day is one of the small pleasures that make life great, but it is nothing compared to the refreshment offered by spas. From the idyllic Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the chicest spa in Switzerland, here are the best of Europe's health spas.
Iceland, Blue Lagoon © Photograph by Janine Allgower
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The style: seeing is believing
Nestled in a lava expanse 30 minutes from Reykjavík, this stunning turquoise pool may be mistaken for one of Iceland's natural wonders, when in fact it is a man-made complex fed by the mineral-rich waters of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. There are also mud baths for appropriate beauty and wellness treatments.
Vals Thermal Spa, Switzerland
The style: Alpine chic
This minimalist spa is so refined that its devotees are not afraid to travel the 200 km from Zurich to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. Night-time treatments are offered to guests at the Therme Vals hotel, designed by renowned spa expert architect Peter Zumthor.
Bath Spa, England
The style: romantic English
The beneficial properties of England's only hot spring have been enjoyed by Celts and Saxons since their discovery by the legendary Prince Bladud in 863 BC. Using the waters from the spring that feed the historic Roman baths, the Bath spa has herbal steam rooms and four spa rooms including a rooftop pool with romantic views of the Abbey.
Széchenyi Baths, Budapest
Style: there is something for everyone
Known as the city of thermal baths, many of the 16th and 17th century Turkish baths in Budapest are still in operation today. With 18 baths, 10 saunas and steam rooms, the neo-Baroque Széchenyi complex is one of the city's main attractions.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic
The style: wellness inside and out
Discovered by Emperor Charles IV, who founded this town in the 14th century, the waters of Karlovy Vary are known for their beneficial internal and external properties. Many hotels, such as the famous Carlsbad Plaza, have traditional spas, but you can also drink the water in many fountains under the colonnades of the old town.
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Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany
The style: beauty care
A true idyll in the heart of Tuscany, Terme di Saturnia is one of the most renowned spas in Italy. Fed every four hours by a volcanic spring, the main pools contain sulphurous waters at 37.5 °C. Also accessible to non-spa guests, the complex offers mud baths and a menu designed for spa guests.
Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, Weisbarden, Germany
The style: a sumptuous buen retiro
Celebrating its 100th anniversary. This art nouveau complex was built on the site of ancient Roman baths in 1913. In addition to regenerating thermal baths, it houses a Russian bath (different from the Turkish bath because it has higher temperatures) and a Finnish sauna.
Aqua Dome, Tyrol, Austria
The style: futuristic relaxation
Discovered in the 16th century, the Längenfeld geothermal spring was abandoned in the 1960s. Reopened in 1997, it is now the main attraction of this Tyrolean resort with its three open-air pools. On Fridays, romantics can bathe under the stars.
SPA fountain in Laugarvatn, Iceland
The style: blissful country solitude
77 km from Reykjavík, the new Fontana SPA complex recently opened on Lake Laugarvatn, whose waters are said to have healing properties for arthrosis sufferers. Built right above the spring, the steam baths are particularly pleasant.
Lake Heviz, Hungary
The style: back to nature
Dotted with water lilies and surrounded by carefully tended gardens, Lake Heviz is the largest lake in Europe with medicinal properties. Its spa is perfect in winter, while in summer it is delightful to bathe in the lake's waters, which reach 38 °C.