Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 2: Europe
We’re thrilled to share Part 2 of 8 in our Around the World in 80 Spas series. Known for being a country rich in traditions and beauty, and simply a traveler’s paradise, Europe is home to a collection of spas that range from luxurious and historical (think Marie Antoinette and Renaissance chapels) to holistic and healing with brine pools and rasul chambers.
With 47 countries making up Europe, it was difficult to whittle it down to just 12 hot spots. If you don’t see your favorite, make sure to let us know in the comments!
Miss Part 1? Check it out here.
Presented by Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, pictured. Read more about the spa here.
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – Zadar, Croatia
Alfred Hitchcock once said that “Dalmatia has the most beautiful sunsets in the world.” Enjoy it for yourself at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera in Zadar, Croatia. Situated on 30 acres of the Punta Skala peninsula, this modern Mediterranean style destination is the perfect blend of maritime and mountainside. In the 6,000-square-meter Acquapura SPA, guests will enjoy a menu of Anne Semonin treatments created exclusively for the destination, as well as an outdoor brine pool (which has three to five times more salinity than the ocean!), outdoor earth sauna with a sea view and Turkish hammam.
Learn more about Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera on SpaFinder.com.
Photo Courtesy of Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera
Four Seasons Hotel George V – Paris, France
Built in 1928, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, is an eight-story landmark offering uniquely Parisian views of the charming Champs- Elysées from its 244 amazing guest rooms, many which feature private terraces. The elegant spa was inspired by Marie Antoinette’s boudoir and features relaxing whirlpools, saunas and an indoor pool, all amidst trompe l’oeil garden murals and bright floral arrangements.
Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
SHA Wellness Clinic – Alicante, Spain
Combining traditional Eastern disciplines and innovative Western techniques, SHA Wellness Clinic works constantly to improve the health and wellbeing of its guests. Just 45 minutes from Alicante and nestled on Albir Beach on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, this destination is part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, one of Spain’s foremost ornithological reserves. SHA Wellness’ 1,300-square-meter spa is divided into a treatment zone and an aqua-lab zone, and features a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool, Zen garden and a flotarium using saltwater from the Dead Sea.
Photo Courtesy of SHA Wellness Clinic
Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa – Leicestershire, United Kingdom
State-of-the-art facilities meet the charm of the rolling Leicestershire countryside at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa. From its remarkable amenities, like the Volcanic Salt Heat Room, Colourflow Cave and Candle Pool, the spa has features that were exclusively designed for Ragdale Hall and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Hall itself was built in 1785 by the Sixth Earl and features views spanning 30-miles on a clear day.
Photo Courtesy of Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa
Mandarin Oriental – Prague, Czech Republic
A quiet respite in the cobbled streets of Mala Strana (“Little Corner”) and built on the site of a former 14th century monastery, the Mandarin Oriental in Prague offers an amazing slice of luxury while retaining its rich historical bohemian tradition. With views overlooking the city’s renowned red rooftops, this destination features the only spa in the world that is located in a former Renaissance chapel. The Spa is highlighted by an underground passageway that leads to facilities including a rasul, Vitality Pool and tea lounge.
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort – Grosseto, Italy
Named for the Roman god of the harvest, Terme di Saturnia lies in the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Maremma region. Due to the sulfurous thermal waters that remain at a constant 98.6°F, Saturnia has long been a site for healing. The spa focuses on hydrotherapy, beauty, stress management, massage and esthetic medicine. Guests can “take in the waters” at one of the four pools, which feature waterfalls and whirlpools, or enjoy services from the extensive spa menu in any of the 53 treatment rooms.
Photo Courtesy of Terme di Saturnia
Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort – Crete, Greece
With its whitewashed buildings overlooking the native olive trees, Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort offers guests the best of the Greek isles, from the cerulean coast of Elounda to the thalassotherapy programs in the Six Senses Spa. The spa’s Turkish hammam is made entirely of pink marble and features views of the remarkable Aegean Sea.
Photo Courtesy of Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa – Baden-Baden, Germany
Directly next to Germany’s Black Forest lies Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, a destination with more than 140 years of history under its belt. The 4,000-square-foot Baden-Baden Spa has been renovated to showcase a new mosaic floor and window panes which allow the 17-meters-long pool truly shine. From beauty and relaxation treatments to a world-class medical spa, Brenners attracts guests from all over the globe.
Photo Courtesy of Brenners Park Hotel & Spa
Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol – Jochberg, Austria
Known for its winter sporting activities, ski-in/ski-out spa resort Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol combines gorgeous mountain views with trademark Tyrolean charm. The 3,600-square-meter spa is located at the center of the resort, and here, guests can enjoy holistic, nature-based therapies and a wide array of unique amenities, including Tyrolean oil, or lava saunas, and the ice fog corridor.
Photo Courtesy of Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol
Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique – Monchique, Portugal
Focused on helping guests achieve a health and wellness-driven lifestyle, the eco-friendly Longevity Wellness Resort in the rolling green hills of southern Portugal’s Monchique municipality offers a perfect combination of nature and health. The resort is surrounded by cork and pine trees and fields of lavender, and the Medical Spa features holistic-based treatments and is comprised of three areas, each with a specific focus: Wellness and Relaxation, Beauty and Rejuvenation and Health and Longevity.
Photo Courtesy of Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique
Tschuggen Grand Hotel – Arosa, Switzerland
With its spa designed by renowned architect Mario Botta, the five-star Tschuggen Grand Hotel provides guests with a sense of Swiss Alpine nirvana. The four-floor, 5,000-square-meter spa and wellness area offers 11 treatment rooms, two spa suites and an indoor/outdoor pool area – all accessible over a glass bridge. A must-see at this Alpine resort is the hotel’s very own mountain railway, the Tschuggen Express.
Photo Courtesy of Tschuggen Grand Hotel
Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda – Gargnano, Italy
Situated on 27 acres of lush parkland on Italy’s northern coast, Lefay Resort & SPA offers guests an eco-friendly destination where they can revel in all that nature has to offer. The 3,000-square-meter spa is divided into three areas: Acqua e Fuoco, Natura e Fitness, and Nel Silenzio e fra le Stelle: Trilogia nell’Aria, and treatments blend classical Chinese medicine with Western science. The spa’s hydrotherapy area comprises a whirlpool, Kneipp path, ice fountain, saltwater swimming pools and a salt-water lake rich in Dead Sea salt.
Photo Courtesy of Lefay Resort & SPA
You Might Also Like:
- Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 1: North America
- Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 3: South Africa
- World’s Most Interesting Pools
- Time to Get Naked: Nude Resorts & Spas
- Branching Out: 5 Tree House Hotels, Resorts & Spas
- Top 10 All-American Road Trip Destinations
A special thanks to Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, pictured. Read more about the spa here.