Why leave your 2024 holiday in the hands of meteorological forces when you can journey to one of these deeply healing health destinations that guarantee warmth? These Five Super Spa Destinations offer just that.
‘Therma tourism’ may sound like a ludicrous, post-internet buzzword, but travelling to destinations specifically for the purpose of experiencing thermal or mineral water treatments, for health and relaxation purposes, has been practised for centuries, with historical roots in civilisations such as the Greeks and Romans who valued the therapeutic properties of natural hot springs.
Thermal tourism centres around the healing properties of thermal or mineral waters. These waters are often rich in minerals such as sulphur, calcium, and magnesium, which are thought to have various health benefits including easing muscle pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
Such spa destinations can be found all over the world, from natural hot springs nestled in remote mountains to luxurious spa resorts in urban centres in countries such as Iceland, Japan, Hungary, Italy, and Turkey.
The UK even has its own phenomenon thanks to the Romans’ penchant for building settlements around hot springs, most famously Aquae Sulis, more recently known as Bath.
Regardless of their historical roots, many destinations have modernised their facilities to cater to contemporary travellers. Today, thermal resorts and spas often offer a wide range of treatments and amenities including massages, saunas, steam rooms, and wellness programs, meaning you can immerse yourself in culture while also being shamelessly pampered.
Five Super Spa Destinations:
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
Britain’s only natural thermal Spa benefits from the warm, mineral-rich waters which the Celts and Romans enjoyed over 2,000 years ago.
Located in the heart of Bath, Thermae is a remarkable combination of five historic buildings, and the contemporary architecture of the New Royal Bath.
Highlights include the open-air rooftop pool with wonderful views over the city, the flowing curves of the Minerva Bath, the multi-sensory Wellness Suite, and a choice of over 50 spa treatments and packages.
Hammam Al Andalus, Granada, Spain
Located in the Albaicín neighbourhood of Granada, near the famous Alhambra Palace, Hammam Al Andalus is designed to evoke the atmosphere of traditional Moorish baths, reminiscent of the ancient Arab baths that were once prevalent in the region.
In a renovated 13th Century building, the architecture and décor reflect elements of Islamic design, creating a tranquil and atmospheric environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The traditional Kessa treatment, which involves lying on a heated marble plinth and being lathered up in a soapy scrub, is worth splashing out on.
Lago Specchio di Venere, Pantelleria, Italy
Lago Specchio di Venere, or the ‘Mirror of Venus Lake,’ is a natural wonder located on the island of Pantelleria – a volcanic island in the Mediterranean Sea, situated between Sicily and Tunisia.
The lake is actually a crater lake formed within the caldera of an extinct volcano, and its waters are heated by geothermal activity beneath the surface, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation.
Visitors can enjoy bathing in the warm, mineral-rich waters while taking in the breath-taking scenery.
Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Leogang, Austria
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this luxury eco-friendly hotel is perfect for your next winter getaway.
Adventurers can hit the world-class slopes, or simply watch others ski while relaxing in the Japanese-inspired onsen pool which overlooks the blue run.
Also enjoy infra-red cabins, heated waterbeds, numerous saunas and gourmet cuisine.
Sky Lagoon, Kópavogur, Iceland
Located just outside Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon is a geothermal spa which offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Based on the Icelandic tradition of communal bathing, the seawater used in Sky Lagoon is sourced from underground hot springs, heated naturally by the geothermal activity that Iceland is known for.
Indulge in scrubs, massages and saunas under the glow (if you are very, very lucky) of the Aurora Borealis.
