We all need time off to experience some pampering every now and again and where better to relax than on a spa retreat. Being solo, treating yourself to a spa break means that you can enjoy the solitude and come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. With more of us looking to escape the daily grind and partake in pure indulgence, here are the best places for spas in the world.
Czech Republic
It may seem like an odd destination for a spa holiday but the Czech Republic is bubbling with spas and has more than 40 healing springs. Not only does this European country have classical palaces, it also has the oldest peat spa in Europe. The town of Jachymov is home to one of the most unique spas in the world and provides treatments using its radioactive springs.
The area of Karlovy Vary is the most famous and the jewel of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle. Alternatively visit Teplice – the oldest spa in Bohemia thought to have traditions dating back 2000 years before. Whichever spa you choose here Czech spas promise magic of ancient traditions and guaranteed relaxation for anyone who comes here.
Budapest
Budapest in Hungary has some of the oldest spas in Europe so you can bathe in neo-baroque architecture whilst enjoying the decor. Szechenyi Baths and Pool is one of the most famous and also one of the largest spa pools in Europe. Built in 1913, there are 10 saunas/steam rooms to choose from as well as a plethora of massage treatments and facials to indulge in.
Plus if you choose to bathe in one of the city’s natural pools, you’ll get the chance to meet some of the locals too. With more thermal springs that any other capital, it’s not known as the City of Spas for nothing.
St Lucia
Take yourself of to the Caribbean for a week-long spa break. St Lucia is known for its drive-in volcano with sulphur springs where you can take a natural mud bath and bathe in its healing properties. This lush Caribbean island is the perfect getaway for a detox and come back with radiant looking skin.
Whether you prefer a rainforest spa at Sugar Beach or the complete body treatment at the Body Hotel – the top all inclusive resort designed to relax and restore you with a wellness centre offering ginger body scrubs and yoghurt body wraps that will leave you feeling delicious. St Lucia knows how to do wellness plus you have the Caribbean back drop and the Pitons as eye candy too.
Jimjilbang (photo @ Noby Leong)
South Korea
Koreans have loved their spas since ancient times and offer world class spas on their Korean itinerary. You won’t just find the typical ones here either. A ‘jjimjilbang’ is a Korean style bath house which is a combination of a sauna and a spa. The Dragon Hill Spa offers an authentic Korean sauna experience amongst its treatments in addition to a seawater bath and salt room. As well as the sweating rooms in South Korea, you’ll find all different types of massages in such as Thai and Chinese to choose from.
For more traditional spas and personalised spa programs, opt for a five star Western hotel. But you simply must try a jjimjilbang. As the saying goes “when in Korea…”
Dead Sea
Whether you choose to stay on the Jordanian side or in Israel (the Dead Sea borders both), you will find luxury hotels offering all kinds of spa treatments here and some such as the Luxury Ishtar Dead Sea Spa has 30 treatment rooms to choose from including a hydro pool.
As well as unique spa experiences with treatments fused with therapeutic properties from the region, some spas provide therapies for psoriasis and also conditions such as arthritis. Even just a dip in the Dead Sea, the most saltiest spot on earth is enough to rejuvenate you, and the experience of floating is just so surreal.
