SPA DAYS · SPA EXPERIENCES
A hammam in Istanbul, a thermal palace in Budapest, a massage pavilion in Ubud and a lagoon over the North Atlantic. The 15 below are the spa days worth planning a trip around, with what each one involves, how long it runs and what it costs before you book.
Spend one day at Széchenyi Baths, Budapest’s grand Neo-Baroque thermal complex. Your ticket covers one-time entry and a locker or private cabin, depending on your choice. Bring swimwear, towels, flip-flops, and a cap if you want to use the swimming pool.
“Loved all of it been before and would come again x”
Set out from Athinios Port on a traditional wooden boat with a multilingual guide. Walk across Nea Kameni’s volcanic ground, swim from the boat to Palea Kameni’s sulfur springs, stop at Thirassia, and add a bus ride to Oia for sunset.
“Enjoyed this beautiful cruise around the Aegean Sea. The volcanic hike was fun, and the swim to the hot springs was enjoyable. I only wish we had more time to soak in the hot springs--it seemed rushed!”
Travel from Krakow to Zakopane with an English-speaking driver, ride the Gubalowka funicular, taste Highlander cheese and regional alcohol, explore Krupowki Street, and finish with three hours at Chocholow Thermal Baths. Guides such as Bart, Mirek, Simon, and Niko are praised for clear care and good organization.
“My husband and I had a lovely day on this trip and would highly recommend it. Haroune was very informative and answered any questions we had about the places we were. We saw some beautiful sights and thoroughly enjoyed the thermal baths!”
Start with a steep, guided climb of Mount Batur before sunrise, then enjoy breakfast, volcanic views, and a relaxing hot spring. Guides such as Sar, Nova, Jordan, and Luna are praised for steady pacing and summit photos. Selected options add hotel pickup, coffee tasting, and drop-off across southern Bali and Ubud.
“For everything that was included in the tour - the breakfast at the summit, the personal guide, the hot springs, the coffee tour and the personal guide - it was phenomenal. Nova was an awesome guide and our driver Bagonk was also very accommodating and helpful.”
Spend the day at Reykjavík’s oceanside Sky Lagoon with a warm geothermal pool, infinity edge, panoramic sauna, cold plunge, steam room, body scrub, and crowberry juice. Choose the affordable Saman Pass with shared facilities or the Sér Pass with private changing rooms and showers.
“Well designed and equipped spa, active helpful management and staff. Wonderful in the lagoon with views out to sea. Great ritual activities, the sauna is spectacular. Nice cocktails at the bar.”
Book a private Bernard Beer Spa session in central Prague for one or two people. Staff explain the bath, beer, and relaxation routine before you soak in a bubbling tub, drink from the tap, and rest on a heated bed. Add a 20-minute massage, then take home Bernard beer and a certificate.
“Unbeliavable great it was! Everyone should have this experience!🤌”
Spend nine hours with a small group of up to nine people visiting Krabi’s Emerald Pool, Blue Lagoon, hot springs, and Tiger Cave Temple. Expect an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, glass-bottled water, included entry fees, and a steep climb of more than 1,200 steps.
“Amazing! The guide was so good at us and we could enjoy a wonderful time together. Would definitely do it again.”
At Ubud Traditional Spa, you get an approximately two-hour full-body Balinese massage, with your choice of oil and pressure. Expect a welcome drink, cold towel, herbal tea, shower facilities, and pickup from Puri Lukisan Museum parking lot. Therapists named in guest feedback include Putri, Asih, Luci, Ari, Tika, Intan, Lusi, and Tini.
“Nice and relaxing massage. Lusi and Tini did a wonderful job. The staff is very welcoming, friendly and clean with a very peaceful surrounding. Highly recommend the place.”
Spend a full day at Budapest’s historic Gellért Spa on the Buda side. Your ticket covers indoor and outdoor pools, thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, and a locker or private cabin. Bring a towel, flip-flops, and a swimming cap for the main indoor pool.
“Top place to relax and have a. Nice romantic spa day! The Hungarian customer service can be better but a part this the place is unique!”
Book a private Turkish hamam at Beethoven Senfoni Hotel in Istanbul’s Old City. You’ll receive a scrub and foam wash, with sauna, steam room, massage, and face mask options. Female therapists provide the treatments, while shared waiting and heat areas are used by other spa clients.
“Such a great experience. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul. The private Hamam is a wonderful treat after flying into the city. The staff was very friendly and accommodating too!”
Trade Hurghada’s resort pace for a Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, scrub, clay mask, and 45-minute massage. Choose a shared session, private 60-minute massage, or VIP treatment with private transport. Staff such as Dina, Ali, Hujar, and Fatma are noted for warm, professional care.
“Highly recommend, such a professional place and so relaxed. Thank you all”
Spend two hours at a female-run Marrakech spa with a 45-minute black soap and eucalyptus scrub, followed by a 45-minute natural oil massage. Pickup and drop-off are included, and drivers such as Hamza, Mourad, and Yassine often add useful local tips along the way.
“This was really worth booking. I had an amazing experience from start to finish the transportation was well organised and Mowgli our driver was helpful and friendly. I Would do it all again!”
Meet at the blue Maison Traditional Berber building for a 2-hour Marrakech hammam. Your session includes a 45-minute black soap and eucalyptus scrub, a 45-minute argan oil massage, warm towels, water, and mint tea. English, French, and Arabic assistance is available.
“Amazing and really good service. If you come morocco and marakesh must be visit here.”
Spend three adults-only hours at Mandala Day Spa in central Budapest, moving between four temperature-controlled pools, a 10-person jacuzzi, steam cabin, sauna, and a quiet relaxation area. Choose a basic, VIP, massage-chair, peeling, or food package, with towels and robes included only in selected options.
“It vas compleatly AMAZING experience. From staff, people, ambient. Evertything on the level and whole body regeneration! Fully recomended!”
Spend 90 quiet minutes at Hammam Al Andalus Málaga, moving between warm, hot, and cold baths, steam, mint tea, and a 15 or 30 minute aromatic-oil massage. Expect Moorish architecture, mixed bathing, silent relaxation, lockers, towels, and a calm break from sightseeing.
“Fantastic experience, wonderful ambience. Well looked after by helpful staff. Excellent massage. Spotless facilities. Good quality shower gel, hair conditioner etc. Loved it”
Pick a treatment, or the country that does it best.
