Elegant Spa and Wellness Vacations for a Relaxing Escape
Searching for a top-notch, rejuvenating getaway that will leave you feeling like a million bucks? Look no further! This guide highlights some of the world's premier destinations for luxury spa and wellness holidays. From natural healing hot springs to unparalleled health-centered attractions, these locales have it all.
Budapest, Hungary
Capitalizing on its copious hot springs, Budapest is undoubtedly one of Europe's best destinations for unwinding. Harking back to Roman times, these mineral-rich waters are now used primarily for relaxation purposes, and a day spent soaking in warm pools paired with a luxurious spa treatment or two is about as relaxing as it gets.
Things to Do
Budapest boasts numerous noteworthy bathhouses, from traditional Turkish structures to modern, contemporary facilities. Here are a few favorites:
- Rudas Baths: With a history dating back to the early 16th century, Rudas Baths is a must-visit for those seeking a traditional Turkish experience. The bathhouse offers a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, therapeutic swimming facilities, saunas, and a full suite of physiotherapeutic treatments. The drinking hall provides cures from three water springs. During the week, Rudas Baths is men-only, but women are welcome on the weekends.
- Gellert Baths: Depicting a stunning Art Nouveau design, Gellert Baths is among Budapest's most beautiful indoor bathing facilities. Visitors can enjoy thermal pools, a swimming pool, wave pool, and a wide array of spa treatments all within this gorgeous establishment. Plan to spend the entire day exploring and rejuvenating your senses here.
- Szechenyi Baths: This expansive bath complex boasts a history that dates back over a century and is Budapest's largest and most popular thermal bath. With 15 thermal baths and three swimming pools bathing in heady waters of 38°C (100.4°F), Szechenyi offers a comprehensive spa treatment complex alongside ample saunas and a fully equipped fitness center.
Where to Stay
While you can't actually stay at the thermal baths, Budapest offers a fantastic selection of luxury five-star hotels complete with on-site spas, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools.
- Corinthia Hotel: Situated on the Grand Boulevard, guests at this hotel can indulge in the five-star treatment at the on-site spa, restaurants, and bar. The spa offers several relaxation areas, saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, exercise rooms, mud baths, seaweed baths, and an assortment of luxurious treatments. The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu of international and local cuisine, often featuring live piano music in the lobby bar.
- New York Palace: Housed in a historic 19th-century building in central Budapest, the New York Palace offers an unparalleled experience to those aiming for a touch of opulent ambiance. The decor includes Italian furniture, silk wallpaper, and Murano chandeliers. With a New York-style café, elegant bar featuring live piano music, and high-end dining, this venue also provides an opulent spa facility equipped with sauna, steam bath, and relaxation pool, as well as a fully-fledged fitness center.
- Ritz-Carlton: Nestled just a short walk from St. Stephen's Basilica and the Danube river, the Ritz-Carlton remains another excellent choice for travelers seeking a spa and wellness luxury holiday. The rooms are a flawless mix of elegance and comfort, and many suites offer sweeping views of the nearby park and shopping street. Guests can relax in the hotel's sophisticated lounge, restaurant, and bar, or indulge in exclusive treatments at the spa. The spa also features a steam room, infinity pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Read our guide on the Best Luxury Hotels in Budapest.
Bath, England
As an English alternative to Budapest, Bath boasts an extraordinary array of architectural treasures complemented by a long history of thermal bathing. The entire city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Although it may not have the sheer number of bathhouses as Budapest, Bath is home to one of the world's best-preserved Roman bathhouses. For those who prefer their luxury spa holiday with a British twist, Bath is a fantastic choice.
Things to Do
Bath has much more to offer than just baths. Here, visitors will also find stunning Georgian buildings, sites of literary importance like the Jane Austen Centre, and a captivating abbey.
- Roman Baths: One of the world's best-preserved Roman bath complexes, a visit here is essential. Tour the entire compound and learn about the rich history of Roman bathing practices and socializing. While water still flows into the baths, souvenirs have replaced swimming gear. To soak in naturally heated mineral-rich waters, cross the street to Thermae.
- Thermae Bath Spa: Infused with the same underground source as the original Roman baths, those seeking rest and relaxation should head to Thermae. This award-winning spa offers a wide array of relaxation opportunities, including thermal pools, sauna, steam room, and over 40 different spa treatments. There's also an open-air rooftop pool with panoramic city views.
- Bath Abbey: A non-bathhouse attraction that shouldn't be missed, Bath Abbey is a breathtaking example of British heritage. Visitors can marvel at the elaborate carvings of biblical scenes, stained glass, and the stunning Victorian Gothic chapel. There's also the option to climb to the tower for impressive city views.
Where to Stay
Bath has numerous lovely five-star hotels, many of which boast on-site spas and wellness centers dedicated to indulgent relaxation.
- The Gainsborough Bath Spa: The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel in Britain with direct access to naturally heated thermal water. There's an on-site spa facility offering massages and other exclusive treatments, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The fitness center provides exercise classes and personal training sessions.
- No. 15 Great Pulteney: Located just a short stroll from the Roman Baths, No. 15 Great Pulteney offers a quaint townhouse-style hotel with a luxurious feel. Guests can take advantage of the on-site bar and restaurant and an exclusive spa offering beauty and massage treatments, as well as a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi.
- The Bath Priory: Situated on four private acres, the Bath Priory Hotel offers the perfect countryside retreat. Visitors can dine at the restaurant serving French dishes or sip drinks at the bar while enjoying views of the gardens. The Bath Priory spa features an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor pool with nearby views, a pool-side sauna, and a steam pod. The spa also offers an array of beauty and spa treatments.
When to Visit
Bath experiences rainy winters and relatively sunny summers. The city is beautiful at any time of the year, but summer (May through September) provides the best weather and more chances for sunshine.
Still unsure? Check out our Best Luxury Spas in the UK for more inspiration.
- After taking a break in Budapest, Hungary, for a rejuvenating spa holiday, consider a luxurious British experience in Bath, England. With its well-preserved Roman bathhouses and stunning Georgian architecture, Bath offers a different take on the spa and wellness scene.
- For those seeking a haven of relaxation in Bath, indulge in the award-winning Thermae Bath Spa, accessing the same mineral-rich waters as the ancient Romans. Or, delve into the Bath Abbey, a breathtaking example of British heritage adorned with elaborate carvings, stained glass, and stunning Victorian Gothic architecture.
