7 OF THE BEST SPAS IN CENTRAL EUROPE FOR A WINTER RETREAT
As travellers search to escape the January blues, ITB lists some of the best spas in Central Europe for a unique pampering holiday.
ITB has revealed some of the best spas in Central Europe for those looking for a luxury wellness getaway off the beaten track. Wellness is increasingly on the agenda for more travellers in 2023, with many looking to discover less visited areas too. Therefore, we have put together a list of some of the best spas in Central Europe, which we believe deliver on both criteria.
Croatia: Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s Hotel Excelsior offers a luxury setting for spa guests with its calming stone and marble decor, private beach and views across the old town and Adriatic Sea. Facilities include jacuzzis, steam rooms, a freshwater swimming pool, a sauna, and a relaxation zone with heated beds.
Czech Republic: Health Spa Resort Hvězda, Mariánské Lázně
Mariánské Lázně gives visitors clinical-style treatments based on the 100 mineral-rich thermal springs in the region. The hotel is home to what is described as one of the best spas in Central Europe, where guests can take advantage of its pools, saunas and spectacular salt caves. While treatments include massages, thermal soaks and dry carbon baths. The historic spa town is one of several in the region, where visitors can enjoy visiting the bath houses and drinking water from the fountains.
Estonia: Energy Eco Spa
Set on the Navesti River in central Estonia, the Energy Eco Spa offers an organic experience using local hand harvested herbs, clay and plant extracts. The rural spa is made of wood-clad and offers outdoor activities such as hiking and boat trips as well as the use of its spa facilities. These include traditional wood-fired saunas, a Jacuzzi and plunge pool barrel, and a sundeck by the river where guests are free to swim.
Hungary: Szechenyi Baths, Budapest
Budapest is often referred to as the spa capital of Europe, boasting more than 100 thermal springs. Its largest spa – Szechenyi Baths – is another among the best spas in central Europe. Its beautiful neo-baroque building is decorated with white and yellow tones with vaulted ceilings and mosaic tile art, with three large outdoor pools and a further 15 indoors.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Also in the Hungarian capital is the Corinthia Hotel, which dates back to 1886. The royal spa is another top tourist attraction in Budapest, with its stunning art deco building and indoor pool. Guests can enjoy an impressive selection of sumptuous treatments surrounded by the stunning Corinthian columns of the building. Facilities include steam rooms and Jacuzzis.
Poland: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Krakow
Guests are invited to “feel the therapeutic power of a salt microclimate” at this fantastic health resort which draws on ancient beliefs in the healing powers of salt. Guests relax in the salt chambers 40 metres underground where they can also try therapeutic massage and breathing exercise classes either during a day visit or as part of a longer medical programme.
Termy Bukovina, near Zakopane
Also in Poland, Termy Bukovina spa is right at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. The resort is an oasis of peace, with a view of the national park and far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. As well as its luxurious spa and wellness centre, the hotel also boasts several swimming pools and slides. There are also eight saunas to try including traditional, steam and IR options.
Visitors can also indulge in care rituals based on the unique properties of the highly mineralised thermal water – rejuvenating both the body and the mind.
