9 European Spa Breaks You Have To Experience

The best thing about European spa breaks is how indulgent they can be. I mean, there’s something to be said for going for a pampering day (heck, even a weekend) where all you have to think about is how hard you want your message.

As I’m becoming ‘longer in the tooth’, I’ve properly embraced the vital importance of a good spa break and it’s something I look forward to more and more nowadays. I’m not sure if it comes with that mellowing with age or if I’ve just become a little lazier…🤷🏻‍♂️ Whatever the reason, I swear it’s something that I long for nowadays. 😁

Now, one of the things that is so easily forgotten is that you don’t need to travel to some far-flung tropical island for a good spa. I mean, doing so is a treat that I’d jump at but it’s not a necessity. There’s often a whole heap of ways to enjoy some pampering closer to home and some lovely European spa breaks where you can actually chill out and sip on some bubbles. All whilst smothering yourself with every lotion and potion humanly possible. 🛁

Take a look at some of the very best European spa breaks you have to enjoy. 😉 Now, where those bubbles at??? 🤣

1.) Arctic Boat Spa, Norway

For one unique European spa breaks, you should definitely pop over to Tromso, in northern Norway. Here you’ll find one of my favourite spa experiences we’ve ever done. The Vulkana is an incredible ship that’s been totally kitted out with the best steam room, sauna, chillout rooms and snug that’s just out-of-this-world.

Spend the morning out in the Arctic, spotting whales all whist dipped within the toasty hot tub. The weather might have been -15 degrees Celcius (-5 Fahrenheit) but you’ll be kept so warm with the hot tub.

If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even take a swim in the Arctic Sea. We tried it… and let’s just say we SCREAMED! It’s sooooooo cold (just look at my face in the photo, below) ❄️

Read our first post on visiting Tromso, here 

2.) Watergate Bay, Cornwall 

The Watergate Bay is a one of the most relaxing European spa breaks and really packs a punch when it comes to an indulgent spa weekend away. Now, one of the things I loved most about Watergate Bay is the unpretentious luxury vibe it has. It feels and looks like a gorgeous seaside spa hotel, without any of the stuffiness (that can sometimes be a little too formal).

Make sure you try their Hot rocks detox. It’s the perfect relaxation after a day on the beach.

Read our full post on Watergate Bay, here

3.) The Giri Residence, Ibiza 

Perched in the countryside of northern Ibiza is the Giri Residence, possibly one of the best Europen spa breaks in Ibiza. Tucked far away from the nightlife, this intimate, luxury, the residence has only a few rooms with a chef that’s present 24 hours a day, a beautiful spa and refreshing outdoor pool that’s perfect on a summers day.

The girls and guys at The Giri Residence focus heavily Ayurveda which helps cleanse and looks after body treatments. All use island herbs and salts. Make sure to ask for their Lakshmi Ritual, which it includes a gorgeous mint water bath.

Read more about a spa break at the Giri Residence, here 

4.) Blue Lagoon, Iceland 

Iceland is a beautiful country to explore, I mean… there’s not that many places where you can see the Northern Lights, visit some impressive waterfalls or see the geothermal wonders all within a few hours from Reykjavik.

Now, one extra special experience has to be at the Blue Lagoon. Here you can spend a day in the pools, lather yourself up with plenty of silica and indulge in their floating massages on the hot pools themselves.

Read more about visiting the Blue Lagoon, here

5.) Costa Navarino, Greece

Tucked away, on the western coast of Greece is the gorgeous spot of Costa Navarino in Messinia. Here you’ll find one gorgeous spa with a focus on local herbs and massage practices that are used in all the treatments.

After indulging at the Anazoe Spa, head over to the castle of Methoni, built by the Venetians, conquered by the Ottomans and finally the Greeks. It really is an incredible piece of history to see.

Read more about visiting Costa Navarino, here

6.) Kong Arthur Water Temple, Copenhagen 

Copenhagen is a pretty beautiful city to visit. Think, colourful houses, scrummy food and mountains of history to discover. Which, makes a great place to stop for a little city and spa weekend away. I mean, who’s to say you can’t do both?

After visiting the gorgeous Rosenborg Castle and riding the tracks on one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters at Tivoli, think about indulging in a little spa day that’ll be well-deserved. Especially after traipsing all over the city.

Make sure to spend the day inside Kong Arthur’s signature Water Temple, grab a bottle of bubbles and chillout within the gorgeous spa.

Visiting Copenhagen? Make sure you see these sights

7.)  Budapest Baths

For one of the biggest thermal spas in all of Budapest, head to Széchenyi Thermal Bath. It’s one of the largest geothermal pools in Europe and really easy to visit when exploring Budapest. 

Also, don’t forget about the Gellert Spa.

Created in 1918, Gellert Spa and Bath Palace have come to be an institution in the city… and rightly so. Much cheaper than other European spa breaks, you’ll be able to enjoy a few days in the lap of luxury without having to raid the piggy bank.

The geothermal pools and buildings are so pretty. I mean, Budapest is a city of amazing architecture, so what do I expect?

Read more: Best things to do in Budapest

8.) The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Scotland has a whole heap of gorgeous places you have to visit… and cities for that matter, including Edinburgh. It really is a diverse country that’s got so much to see. On the other hand, it’s also an amazing place to chill out and pamper yourself, especially at the historic Balmoral in Edinburgh.

After chilling in the spa and Finnish steam rooms, head for a  marine mud wrap that’s finished off with a beautiful Oriental head massage. European Spa Breaks like these are totally worth the trip.

Read more on some secret spots in Edinburgh, here

9.) Indulge at home 

You know what, the best things about spa breaks are that they can be anywhere you feel most relaxed and sometimes, I just want to be at home and indulge in a little bit of pampering without any of the formality of actually going somewhere. I’m a firm believer that every type of spa break should be totally comfortable, relaxing and leave you feeling amazing… otherwise, what’s the point?

For a special at home treat, you’ll want to grab some high-quality goodies like the ones the professionals use. Ellisons are great for things like this, especially as they supply experts in the industry. They Also have an ebook on Spa Experiences to get some of those home ideas flowing. Who says we can’t copy the experts, right? 🤗

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