Planning a spa break in Europe? Discover our round-up of the very best spas and wellness breaks in the region.
Europe is home to many leading spa and wellness hotels, many of which have been charming wellbeing seekers for decades. So, whether you are looking for the best pampering treatments, cutting-edge longevity programmes or the most picturesque surroundings, the Citizen Femme team share their favourite – tried and tested – spas in Europe, from France to Switzerland.
Les Sources de Caudalie, France
Nature, wellness and wine combine at Les Sources de Caudalie – a luxurious spa nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards. Located at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the spa is renowned for its vinotherapy treatments, which harness the rejuvenating properties of ‘wine’, specifically the antioxidant and anti-ageing prowess of grapes and vine extracts. With a serene atmosphere, guests can indulge in barrel baths, grape-based scrubs, and massages and facials using products infused with essential oils derived from the vines. The space, which is inspired by the surrounding landscape with soft tranquil tones throughout, also offers a heated glasshouse indoor swimming pool, a hammam, relaxation rooms and natural hot water spring bath – all with stunning views across the vineyards.
The signature treatment
The Vines Ritual at Les Sources is the perfect introduction to the benefits of vinotherapy. Using the antioxidant-rich benefits of the local grapes, you are treated to an indulgent bath, crushed grape scrub, signature massage and skin boosting facial, which leaves you floating on a cloud.
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
You’ll find Euphoria Retreat tucked in the pine-clad mountains of the Peloponnese in Greece, an award-winning wellness destination, with particularly breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. Known for its signature Sphere Pool – offered alongside a hammam, saltwater pools and saunas for an enhanced hydrotherapy experience – the atmosphere is serene but the treatment experience is incredibly thorough. In fact, while the nature and waters that surround you keep you feeling heart rate-loweringly zen, the four-floored medi-spa is doctor-led and results-driven, with tailored week-long programmes specifically targeting stress, detox and immune health. That means it’s the reset your mind and body needs, with results that will last far after you rise from your post-massage slumber.
The signature treatment
Emotional Harmony is the latest retreat offered by Euphoria and its designed specifically for anyone struggling with grief or burnout. With 15 treatments over five days (or an impressive 22 if you stay for seven), the array of sound healing, massages, meditation and therapeutic therapy sessions is a gift to your mind and body.
Hotel Zuiver, Amsterdam
Considered one of the best nude spas in Amsterdam (a place where naked bathing isn’t reserved just for the most daring of wellness seekers), Spa Zuiver is a true, freeing escape, not far outside the heart of the bustling European city. Being naked can feel a little unnerving at first, but with the extensive range of facilities, including multiple saunas, steam baths, plus indoor and outdoor pools, its a must-try experience, with the colours, scents and music of the spa, plus the different sensations of hot and cold on your bare skin, all designed to supercharge your rejuvenation experience. Nervous to take the plunge? The spa also offers ‘swimwear days’ should you prefer to cover up. You can read our full review here.
The signature treatment
Spa Zuvier is known for its vast array of hot/cold therapy experiences, and you should make sure you take the time to enjoy them all. There’s not one but four saunas, including a colour therapy sauna and a music sauna to deepen your relaxation, plus a salt caladium with Himalayan salts and a Hammam where you can enjoy traditional cleansing rituals.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
The healing credentials of this Swiss grand dame hotel date all the way back to the 13th century, when mineral rich thermal waters were first discovered there. It’s been a hotspot for wellness seekers ever since. Surrounded by the Swiss Alps in the Rhine Valley, the five-star resort is celebrated for its thermal spa, which draws healing waters from the nearby Tamina Gorge. Here guests can enjoy a variety of therapeutic treatments, including hydrotherapy and massages, as well as state-of-the-art medical facilities for programmes that are designed to help you look and feel healthy for longer. Add to that the celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants on site and the classically elegant suites and you have an award-winning wellness experience that’s at the top tier of luxury.
The signature treatment
With Grand Resort Bad Ragaz’s NEWYOU method, your individual wellness goals are put first, with highly personalisable programmes across detox, yoga, recharge and smart ageing. That means there is something for everyone, with a delicate blend of medical-driven therapies and wellbeing-boosting treatments designed to treat and soothe you from head-to-toe.
Preidlhof, Italy
Set amid lush vineyards and overlooking the picturesque mountains, Preidlhof is a luxurious adults-only retreat located in the stunning South Tyrol region of northern Italy. Combining traditional Italian hospitality with cutting-edge wellness practices, the spa space includes a unique six-floor sauna tower with exceptional views, plus an impressive selection of 14 indoor/outdoor pools, meditation cabins, salt rooms and Turkish baths. Slipping out of the spa (which is hard to want to do), you’ll also discover gourmet mediterranean cuisine at the Wellness Restaurant, and nine curated retreats led by highly skilled healers, including in trauma, yoga, aura-cleansing and sound therapy. These will help guide you through multi-sensorial treatments, personal training sessions and meditations to ensure you easily reach your wellness goals.
The signature treatment
Alongside a wide range of aromatherapy and massage treatments for every concern (from pregnancy to sleep), the spa at Preidlhof offers innovative therapies like the Deep Sea Relaxation experience, which uses sensory deprivation to promote deeper relaxation.
SHA Wellness, Spain
With luxurious accommodation, gourmet macrobiotic (gut-boosting) cuisine, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities, SHA Wellness has a globally-renowned 360-degree approach to wellbeing. In fact, you’re quite likely to check in alongside a host of A-list names seeking the long-term health boost you can achieve there. Specifically, the clinic is renowned for its personalised programmes, focusing on detox, weight loss, stress management, and healthy ageing. The spa combines cutting-edge medical treatments powered by genetic testing, with a dairy-free, sugar-free and gluten-free eating plan inspired by the founder’s own battle with ill health. Perfect for hardcore wellness seekers, while the plans are certainly thorough, there’s still plenty of mindfulness practices and skin nourishing therapies to ensure you leave feeling suitably pampered.
The signature treatment
The Detox Program is the original body cleanse, which combines a personalised diet plan with lymphatic drainage massages and advanced medical treatments like colon hydrotherapy. It’s the sort of retreat that takes the weight off – on the scale and within your mind.
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Lead Image Credit: Preidlhof
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