If you fancy a spa break this summer, check out the UNESCO-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe…
There are eleven spa towns across Europe that make up this eclectic collection of grand spa towns in the Victorian and Edwardian style, dating from when the well-heeled unwell would travel abroad to take the waters in the hope of curing everything from gout to fainting fits.
These days, the Great Spa Towns offer an impressive combination of a wellness break, stunning architecture and a great deal to do and see. Each has an impressive array of bathing houses and associated facilities like casinos, gardens and theatres. Better yet, they tend to be off the beaten track as far as UK visitors are concerned, so you can often find some enticing bargains and treatment packages.
There are Great Spa towns in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you’d prefer a staycation, then Bath is the sole UK town on the UNESCO list.
Austria’s Baden bei Wien lies about 16 miles south of Vienna. It’s been known for the restorative powers of its 14 hot springs since Roman times, when the town was known as Aquae Cetiae. The town is located at the mouth of the Schwechat River in the Wienerwald Mountains, so there are lots of hiking and climbing opportunities if you’re feeling reinvigorated after a session or two at the Thermal Lido.
These days. Marienbad is known as Mariánské Lázně in the Czech Republic. Your best bet is to fly into Prague, which raises the possibility of a great two-centre break. It’s one of the most beautiful spa towns in Europe, with hotels that look like the castles of improbably-moustachioed Arch-Dukes of long-forgotten countries. Try the Falkensteiner Resort or get in a round or two at the Hotel Esplanade Spa and Golf Resort.
The Czech Republic has three Great Spa towns, so you could also explore Karlovy Vary and Františkovy Lázně
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany is perfect for history-loving spa fans. It’s been a spa since medieval times, when it was the site of several battles and epidemics, before the Habsburgs began to build bathing complexes, palaces and grand villas. Now it’s a tranquil oasis of relaxation and high-end wellness resorts based round the town’s eleven thermal springs. There are almost thirty spa hotels and resorts to choose from and the facilities and treatments on offer vary considerably, so a little research is needed. Outwith the spa resorts, there are lots of local vineyards worth exploring and the antiquated funicular railway will take you up to Montecatini Alto, a charming village. Back in Montecatini, you can join half the town in dressing up and promenading along the streets, chatting to their friends and nodding to acquaintances. Grab an outdoor table and enjoy people watching.
Belgium takes its membership of the Great Spa towns rather literally with Spa. It’s probably better known for its legendary racing circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, there’s lots to do even if you’re not into motorsports. As well as traditional spa hotels like the Manoir de Lebioles, you’ll find modern chains like Radisson Blu, so there’s something to suit all tastes.
The wildlife area of Domaine of Bérinzenne offers forest walks, biking trails, picnic areas and a nature museum which is, naturally, closed at weekends. More offbeat attractions include a museum dealing with the history of washing clothes, though we feel the laundry can wait until your holiday is over. The city of Liège is nearby if you need to explore Belgium’s shops and Antwerp is just 100 miles away with trains every hour or so should you be after some diamonds. After all, what’s a holiday without a souvenir or two?