A relaxing wellness break, soaking in a thermal bath, lounging in a steam room, and swimming in heated pools doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Europe is home to a wealth of spa cities, hot springs, thermal baths, and bathhouses, so you can enjoy the best of a luxury spa break without the luxury price tag.
Our travel experts have scoured the continent (and further afield) to compile a list of the best cities for an unforgettable wellness weekend, so you don’t have to!
The City of Spas: Wellness Weekends in Budapest
Since 1934, Budapest has been known as the ‘city of spas’ due to its location, sitting on over 120 thermal springs that feed 50 bathhouses and thermal spas with 70 million litres of mineral-rich thermal water each day.
It’s a goldmine for travellers wanting to experience the health and beauty benefits of thermal springs at an affordable cost. Budapest is amongst the cheapest cities in Europe to travel to, with a weekend stay costing around £150 on average and a thermal bath day ticket being between £20 and £30.
What to Wear to a Thermal Bath in Budapest
You’ll need appropriate swimwear to access any thermal bath in Budapest, like a standard swimsuit, bikini, trunks, Speedo, or full-body swimsuit (like a burkini) made of swimwear material. No thongs, micro-piece or overly exposing swimwear is permitted.
Appropriate footwear like flip-flops, rubber sandals, or clogs is essential for hygiene and safety. We also recommend bringing your own towel to sit on and dry off with, as rentals can be super expensive!
Geothermal Bliss: Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon
Tucked away on the Reykjanes Peninsula is Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon, which is known for its gorgeous milky-blue water, rich with minerals like silica and algae. It’s a hotspot for tourists wanting a luxurious wellness retreat with the incredible skincare benefits; the water provides ample benefits, such as deep hydration, nourishment, and rejuvenation, and mud masks are available on-site. We feel relaxed just thinking about it.
This geothermal spa can heat up to 40°C year-round, attracting large crowds of visitors even during winter’s colder months.
Sky Lagoon
Perched on a cliff edge overlooking the ocean, just a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon is a stunning, modern geothermal spa. It’s known for its infinity-edge pool that blends into the North Atlantic, sweeping panoramic views, and its signature 7-Step Ritual.
This wellness journey, inspired by Icelandic tradition, includes a warm lagoon soak, a sharp cold plunge, an ocean-view sauna, a cooling mist, a skin-smoothing body scrub, a deep steam bath, and a final refreshing juice shot of local berries and apple. This ritual of alternating between hot, cold, and exfoliation is said to promote relaxation and skin renewal.
The Ultimate Luxury Hammam Experience in Marrakech & Istanbul
With origins tracing back to ancient Rome and Byzantine Roman baths, hammams have been adopted by both Moroccan and Turkish cultures to become indispensable rituals for purification, socialising, and relaxation. In the West, the terms ‘Turkish baths’ and ‘hammam’ are used interchangeably to describe an endlessly relaxing ritual consisting of steam rooms, exfoliation, massages, and fragrant essential oils.
Turkish hammams are typically grander and more ornate, built with white marble and a grand central heated slab (Göbek Tasi) to warm the body on, while Moroccan hammams tend to be more understated and intimate, allowing for smaller crowds and a longer experience.
Secret Escapes Moroccan getaways and luxury Turkish stays allow you to benefit from the best each of these beautiful countries has to offer when it comes to spa experiences and the rest!
Affordable Luxury Spa Breaks in Europe
If you’d like to stay closer to home for your spa getaway, there are countless locations in Europe offering affordable spa breaks and wellness weekends.
Europe boasts several cities with natural hot springs, from historic spa towns like Bath, UK, a UNESCO site; Harrogate, UK, known for its Turkish baths; Baden-Baden, Germany; Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic; and Vichy, France, known as the ‘Queen of spa towns’. Each one features natural mineral springs, intricate architecture, and stunning landscapes.
These European spa towns often provide a variety of affordable packages that bundle accommodation with access to thermal facilities, treatments, and even dining, making a luxury wellness experience more accessible. Discover Secret Escapes’ spa break deals and find the best offer for your next retreat.
UK Spa Breaks
The UK is home to a wealth of spas, from natural thermal springs to countryside retreats and hotel spa city breaks. The main natural hot springs are located in Bath, Buxton, Harrogate, and Somerset, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, combining relaxing bathhouses and bustling towns with stunning architecture and entertainment.
It’s very easy to find a budget-friendly spa retreat in the UK, as many establishments offer spa packages including a hotel stay, meal, and spa access. Secret Escapes offers incredible deals on UK spa breaks, from country spa breaks in ornate, lakeside manors to romantic, secluded getaways and city stays.
Get Away from it all with Secret Escapes’ Spa Break Deals
Whether you seek the grand historic thermal baths of Budapest, the stunning natural geothermal wonders of Iceland, the purifying and intricate rituals of a Marrakech or Istanbul hammam, or the classic charm of a European spa town, there is a perfect destination waiting for you.
Secret Escapes can help you unlock these experiences with our unmissable deals on spa breaks across the world. Start exploring our exclusive holiday deals and treat yourself to luxury for less today.
For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine, or get in touch for more information.
