Some of the top – and most unusual – spa break destinations across the world. From Hungary and the Czech Republic to New York, Iceland and the UK, there’s bound to be a perfect choice for you.
Over the past few years, the popularity of spa breaks has absolutely rocketed as people seek stress relief, rejuvenation and a bit of pampering.
However, not every spa is the same – some are more about beauty treatments, others about ambience and history, and some utilise natural thermal springs and pools. So which one to pick for a spa break? Well, it depends on precisely what you’re looking for…
The Blue Lagoon
Where: South-west Iceland, about 40 minutes from Reykjavik.
Who for? People who’d like to go swimming on the moon.
Why go? Looking like a set for a science-fiction film, The Blue Lagoon takes advantage of Iceland’s unique geography. The natural thermal waters form a milky blue lake, with a steamy mist blowing across the water. At the sides there are special silica face packs for everyone to slap on, and rows of white faces swimming towards you just adds to the surreal feel of the place.
What else? While everyone else is mooching about in the space water, there are also plenty of treatments available. Some involve getting massages whilst floating in the pools.
Spa
Where: Belgium.
Who for? Those with a sense of history.
Why go? While every town and posh hotel seems to have some kind of spa of its own these days, it’s this Belgian town that gave birth to them all. And, more to the point, gave the world the name ‘spa’. Back in the 14th century, people came from all over Europe to bathe in the town’s famous hot springs, believing that they were good for the health.
What else? Chateau des Thermes is the place to go for a spa break near where the whole thing kicked off.
Aquacity
Where: Poprad, Slovakia.
Who for? Those who don’t mind the cold.
Why go? Part water park, part conference centre and part spa, Aquacity is most famous for its cryotherapy treatments. This involves going into a special chamber where the temperature is minus 120 degrees Celsius. Which is apparently good for you.
What else? For those who find the thought of such temperatures a wee bit terrifying, there’s far more fun to be had with the large selection of waterslides. They’re not just for kids, you know.
Chiva Som
Where: Hua Hin Resort, Southern Thailand
Who for: Pampering perfectionists.
Why go? Consistently rated amongst the best health retreats in the world by the likes of Condé Nast Traveller and Travel and Leisure, Chiva Som combines luxury with traditional Thai practices. All guests get a personal health and wellness advisor, and stay in gorgeously tropical surroundings.
What else? Part of the spa’s glowing international reputation has come due to the fabulous food on offer. There’s a policy of fresh and healthy cuisine, cooked by top chefs.
Oasis Day Spa
Where: New York City, United States
Who for? City slickers.
Why go? There are plenty of day spas within New York, but the Oasis arguably has the best reputation for affordability mixed with quality of treatments. Along with beauty treatments and waxing, Oasis offers a wide range of massage treatments in its three Manhattan venues.
Bath
Where: South-west England
Who for? Those who like to keep it British.
Why go? Bath is home to Britain’s only natural thermal spa (hence the name of the city), and people have been coming to the city to bathe in its waters for over 2,000 years. However, in recent timess people hadn’t been able to follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Celts, so the Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006.
What else? As well as the great pools of water, a bewildering array of treatments is on offer. These include a Kraxen stove – a traditional Alpine hay chamber.
Chodova Plana
Where: Czech Republic
Who for? Boys that don’t particularly get the whole spa thing.
Why go? Situated at a brewery, the novel treatments at Chodova Plana involve lying in a bath of beer. Apparently beer yeast has rejuvenating properties, and the treatments improve the complexion as well as soothe muscles.
What else? After the beer bath, recipients get to lie down on a bed in a darkened room, listening to relaxing music. They’re then encouraged to have a massage. And probably a pint or two.
Hashani Spa
Where: The JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort, Tucson, Arizona, United States.
Who for? Followers of celebrity fads.
Why go? Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow have descended on Arizona to undergo the fashionable – if utterly bizarre – cupping treatment. This involves having suction cups put all over the body, and apparently it’s an ancient practice in Asia. It leaves marks on the skin for a while, but reportedly the boost in blood circulation more than makes up for it.
What else: There is, of course, a range of less odd spa treatments available.
Heviz
Where: Western Hungary.
Who for? People-watchers.
Why go? Lake Heviz is the largest thermal lake in the world, and its waters are thought to have curative effects. In summer, the lake is full of fat German tourists in rubber rings, and it’s enormously entertaining to get out amongst them. Many spend a day there, scoffing down ice creams when they’re not in the lake.
What else? The spa treatment centre sprawls over the water like a giant wooden octopus.
Carolus Thermen
Where: Germany, about 90 minutes west of Cologne.
Who for: Those on a budget just wanting to test the water.
Why go: With swirling circular pools, waterfalls and jets all over the place, the Carolus Thermen is great fun, and offers a great introduction to the world of spa towns. Aachen has been a popular thermal destination since the Middle Ages, and the multi-million euro complex is a relatively new addition. The best news is that it only costs EUR10 to get in.
What else? Saunas and traditional treatments are available for those bored of splashing around and prepared to shell out some extra cash.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
