A Relaxation Guide to European Spas

If you are overworked and stressed, you may be a great candidate for some relaxation in body and mind. Each one of these spa locations offers unique scenery, treatments, and room packages. Most spas offer facials, massages, saunas and other forms of relaxation techniques, including their own signature treatments that make them unique from the others. If you are planning a trip to Europe, add one or more of these wonderful places into your itinerary.

1. The Four Seasons George V, Paris, France
This hotel, considered by some to be the most luxurious in Paris, is located in the heart of the city on the Champs-Elysses. Built in 1928, many rooms feature terraces overlooking the "city of lights. The hotel offers many different room styles and packages with rates starting at 730 Euro (1,069.43 USD). The spa boasts of several saunas, whirlpools, and a pool as well as a VIP room that has a private sauna, whirlpool, and two massage tables. The health treatments include, Aromatherapy, osteopathy, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, and mother-to-be. The relaxation treatments include hot stone massage, Swedish, and Shiatsu to name a few. The spa rates start at 155 Euros (227.08 USD) for massages and 110 Euros (161.15 USD) for facials.

2.Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
This hotel is located on Positano Bay. Most of its rooms and suites have balconies or terraces that overlook the water. It has been owned and operated by the same family since its inception in 1951. It offers a variety of specials such as couples, ladies weekend, and a monthly special with rates starting at 441 Euros (648.65 USD). The spa at Le Sirenuse is an AVEDA spa with an emphasis on health and rejuvenation. Its treatments include the four handed massage, the Caribbean body scrub, and the Rosemary Mint Awakening body wrap, starting at 70 (102.98 USD) Euros, as well as facials starting at 50 Euros (73.55 USD).

#3. Villa d' este, Cernobbio, Italy
This hotel was once a 16th century princely residence on the shores of Lake Como. It mixes magnificent ambiance of ages past with the amenities of today. It's "Beauty Center" offers a display of lighting, water, and colour to create a Zen experience for ultimate relaxation and serenity. Its spa offers traditional relaxation techniques such as water jet, massage, and reflexology as well as the unique non-traditional facial "Power Peel". The staff is well prepared to meet individual needs to give you the best relaxation experience possible. The hotel offers a spring package as well as a autumn package each available for 395 Euros (580.92 USD).

#4. Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa, Baden Baden, Germany
Built in 1834, this hotel has changed names several times until it was bought by the Brenner family in 1872, where it stayed until 1969, when Alfred Brenner retired from the board. The traditions live on, however, in the employees who recognize its value. It has played host to many foreign dignitaries including a Maharaja, U.S. President Bill Clinton, King Chulalongkorn of Siam, and the Dalai Lama. It has both a medical spa and a beauty spa. The medical spa handles the healthcare, dental, naturopathic, and nutritional needs of its guests, while the beauty spa handles their relaxation needs. The beauty spa houses the saunarium, Kanebo Harmonising and care center, as well as the mystical FUTURESSE suite. Room rates and treatment rates were not available at this time.

#5. Le Meridien Limassol Spa , Limassol Cyprus
Located on the island of Cyprus in the blue Mediterranean Sea, lies the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Le Meridien Limassol Spa. It is the only 5 star chain hotel on the island and it offers guest rooms with magnificent views of the Sea. Its spa features indoor-outdoor seawater pools, waterfalls, and passageways and is known for its water based thalassotherapy. It uses 7 indoor-outdoor seawater pools with differing salinity for ultimate relaxation. Its other treatment options include four hand harmony massages, "Journey to the Senses", "Watsu" underwater therapeutic massage, and "Elemis Mother-to-be". Because it is a chain spa resort owned by Starwood hotels and resorts, there are multiple packages available including honeymoon package starting at 198 Euros (290.68 USD). You can also redeem star points for special discounts and free nights. Spa treatments are extra.