Top 5 Spa Vacations in Europe

Spa treatments date back to early human history, when people traveled to natural mineral springs produced by volcanic activity. People traveled to these destinations for medicinal and therapeutic treatments. Ancient civilizations, specifically Romans and Greeks, used hot water treatments as "fountains of youth." Spa treatments, once reserved for the wealthy, have become a part of people's daily lives. European spa resorts provide numerous therapies for physical and mental well-being.

Thermae Bath Spa

The Hetling Pump Room

Hot Bath Street

Bath, Avon, BAI 1SJ

United Kingdom

+44 (0)1255 33 1234

Thermae is a day spa located in Bath, named for the natural mineral-rich waters on which this spa destination was built. The thermal waters contain more than 42 minerals and trace elements like calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and silica.

Spa treatments include massages, dry flotation and mud, algae and cream body wraps, and botanical face and body treatments. Water treatments such as Watsu relax the body. This water therapy is a combination of massage and gentle stretching. The spa restaurant serves light meals, including vegetarian options. Full-day services cost £52, or about $82 U.S. There are about 10 hotels close to the spa.

Grotta Giusti Natural Spa Resort

Via Grotta Giusti 1411

51015 Monsummano Terme

Italy

+39 0572 90771

This European spa, resembling a Tuscan villa with gardens, contains underwater caves in a thermal lake and steam rooms surrounded by rocks. As you go further down the cave, the temperature increases. The spa has an outdoor thermal, hydro-massage pool amid a floral garden. You can also get one of 80 treatments that include reflexology, aromatherapy, balneotherapy and hydrotherapy. The luxury resort has 64 rooms and six suites with white marble bathrooms that use thermal water. La Veranda serves Tuscan cuisine. Rooms are about 164 Euros, or about $241 a night.

Les Bains de Lavey

Route des Bains

1892 Lavey-les-Bains, Lavey-Morcles

Switzerland

+41 24 486 15 15

This European spa offers different services for relaxation, weight loss, skin restoration, or energy recharging. The facility has thermal baths and a wellness center. Two outdoor pools provide therapeutic treatments for relaxation and energy restoration. Indoor pools maintain warm temperatures year round. Other water treatments include Turkish baths, water fountains and Swiss showers. This spa has a medical center that treats health problems like rheumatoid conditions. Bio-Bar "L'Arc-en-ciel" is the health food bar that serves fresh fruit juices, salads and sandwiches. Single rooms start at 110 Euros, or about $161.

Hammams de Al Andalus

Banos Arabes Medina Califal

c/ Corregidor Luis de la Cerda 51

14003 Cordoba

Spain

+34 902 333 334

Islamic culture once dominated the southern regions of when the Moors ruled Spain. Their influence is seen in the architecture of the country, including the arched doorways of this European spa. Water treatments offered at the spa demonstrate the continued cultural influence of the Moors. The spa has warm rooms, cold rooms, hot rooms, and steam rooms. Aromatherapy massages use fragrant flowers like orange blossom, jasmine, lemon, and rosemary. Baths include exfoliating massages done with natural soaps. Arab baths start at 25 Euros, or about $36 U.S. The area has hotels and resorts near the spa.

Les Sources de Caudalie

Chemin de Smith Haut-Lafitte

33650 Bordeaux-Martillac

France

+33 (0)5 57 83 83 83

This French spa combines wine with spa treatments. One treatment includes submerging in the natural warm springs infused with wine and grape extracts. The spa claims that the mixture of mineral waters and grapes protects skin against free radicals that cause aging and strengthens blood vessels. Other Vinotherapie treatments include red wine baths, merlot wraps, honey and wine wraps, and grape marc baths. They use Caudalie beauty products that contain grape parts. These products have been researched by Bordeaux Faculty of Pharmacy. This spa destination also has slimming and fitness packages. Prices vary according to season; you pay an average of 300 Euros for two nights, or about $441 U.S.

Spa treatments have been a part of human culture for centuries. Spa treatment using thermal baths, massages and skin care relaxes the human body in preparation for daily activities. Multiple spas in Europe are built on natural springs containing minerals touted for their therapeutic qualities. Spas that don't include on-site accommodations often have hotels or other places nearby for overnight stays.