two people swimming in a thermal pool

Health Spa Therapy

Experience Healing Spa Treatments

Discover Relaxing Health Spa Therapies

Would you like to learn more about health spa therapies? Then you have come to the right place. On this page we have put together all of the essential information on health spa therapies for you to find the right therapy for you and where you can book it.

The most typical health spa therapies include local natural resources of the spa destination, such as natural thermal mineral water from local springs or special herbs and oils. Typical treatments are:

Baths, inhalations (oxygen or thermal water), masks (peliods, clay, wax), massages (oil, herbs, water), healing gas (gas bath, gas injections), physiotherapy (exercises etc.) and mineral water drinking therapies. They all contribute to the prevention of illness and the treatment of various diseases.

Read on to learn more about the history of health spa therapy and where you can find it.

main dans l'eau thermale

Do you already know what type of health spa therapy you want? Please use the search bar to get all available offers and filter them to your personal conditions. This way, you can easily find and book the perfect health holiday.


Brief History of Health Spa Therapies

As you may know, therapy using natural resources, like thermal water, is not new. Already in antiquity and in the Middle Ages, this healing method was frequently used. The Romans are also well-known for their love of thermal baths. It might surprise you that about half of all existing spas were built on the ruins of Roman baths! 

However, it was only in the 18th century, after the construction of roads and houses, that a true "spa tourism" developed. Just when young adults were sent on a coming-of-age educational trip to Italy, rich older masters lived in the popular thermal towns of Bath, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne. Of course, everything was professionalised over time. The springs became protected and from the 19th century well-trained thermal doctors supervised the health programmes.

Today, spa therapies are usually medically supervised and part of a personalized treatment plan. Much has changed in terms of locations and facilities. Many thermal hotels are directly connected to a larger thermal spring via the so-called "bathrobe corridor", so you can cross between the spa and the hotel without going outside.

Spa Therapies in Complex Healing

Spa therapies are usually organised into specific health spa programmes, such as the popular Complex Healing programme. They often include the typical spa treatments as well as other optional elements, such as fitness classes, Nordic walking, massage, ultrasound or electrotherapy. This is usually rounded off by a varied entertainment programme, from film or dance evenings to billiards or ball sports.

Roman Thermal Bath
a woman enjoys spa therapies

Benefits of Health Spa Therapies

Health spa therapies can be used to help most health issues. The most beneficial aspects include:

  • Heat: in thermal water, hot stone massages or saunas, stimulates the entire circulatory system, but also relaxes the muscles. In particular, this helps cardiovascular diseases, back pain or other muscle pain.
  • Minerals and salts: these can help with chronic joint disease, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis and gout as well as skin diseases such as eczema and allergies.
  • Internal medicine: e.g. in mineral water drinking therapy, the minerals can also relieve diseases of the digestive system, and when use in inhalation therapy, it can have a highly beneficial effect on respiratory diseases.

Last but not least, health spa therapy simply enhances your well-being. It can have a positive effect on stress, fatigue and burnout.

 Thermal Water in Karlovy Vary

Health Spa Therapy Destinations

Thanks to varied thermal water springs and natural resources, no two health spa destinations are the same. With so many to choose from, it is important that you find the ideal health spa for yourself. There are, of course, several excellent destinations to choose from:

Hungary

Hungary, known as the land of the thousand springs, looks back on a long tradition of spa tourism. There is not only a beautiful Mediterranean climate, but also an attractive range of leisure activities and very professional spa hotels.

Bad Heviz, for example, has the largest thermal lake in Europe. The high sulfur content in this water is particularly suitable for the treatment of rheumatic movement disorders.

Bad Sárvár's healing water also comes from a depth of 1000 meters. No wonder it can help especially with respiratory diseases.

Bad Bük impresses visitors with its idyllic location at Lake Balaton. In addition, Bük's healing water has a positive effect on stomach and gall problems.

Budapest is an ideal choice if you want to combine your health spa visit with a city break.


Czech Republic

Wondering about a trip to the Czech Republic? With its famous Bohemian spa triangle of Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, the Czech Republic is the perfect place for your health spa therapy holiday.

Follow in the footsteps of the many famous artists, musicians and politicians who visited the towns, or simply enjoy the soothing healing powers of the local mineral thermal springs. Thanks to the imperial style buildings and elegant bath houses, Czech spa towns have a unique charm.

The main health conditions treated in the Bohemian spa triangle are diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. However, Mariánské Lázně is also distinguished by another special feature: the idyllic city and its surroundings boast a total of 140 mineral springs of various compositions, which means almost every illness can be treated here.

 Spa Towns in the Czech Republic Spa Towns in the Czech Republic
Thermal baths in the Czech Republic Thermal Baths in the Czech Republic

Slovenia

Slovenia makes an idyllic spa town destination. From lakes, mountains and untouched nature to long sandy beaches and hot springs, your spa hotel will be nestled in beautiful nature. The natural beauty of the Adriatic coast, the picturesque mountains of the Dolomites and the hills of the Bacher Mountains (Pohorje) are all incredible. What stands out in particular for Slovenia's water is the heat. The water comes from up to 1500 meters deep and is 72 degrees hot. Cooled to a comfortable 36 degrees, it has a pain-relieving effect and is therefore often used for pain-related diseases such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis or after surgery. For example, visit Moravske Toplice, Rogaška Slatina, Portorož or the Zrece thermal baths and enjoy first-class health treatments.

City on the Adriatic Coast in Slovenia Spa Towns in Slovenia
Thermal Baths in Slovenia Thermal Baths in Slovenia

Germany

Germany and its many spa towns also have a long tradition of health spa therapies. Here, it is especially the federal states Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg that stand out:

For example, travel to the Bavarian Bad Griesbach where the soothing thermal water comes from the depths of the Rott Valley. Or discover Bad Gögging, which not only provides a thermal source, but also some sulfurous mineral water. These sources have beneficial effects on joint problems and helped the Roman soldiers with rejuvenation already 2000 years ago.

The Black Forest is also home to many health resorts, most of which are located at a height of 800 to 1000 meters. Likewise, the quantity of mineral springs located here is quite impressive. For example, Baden-Baden boasts a total of 12 thermal sources for healing a range of different health conditions.

Spa Towns in Germany Spa Towns in Germany
Thermal Baths in Germany Thermal Baths in Germany

Poland

If the sound of beautiful lakes, natural rivers, mountain scenery and medieval castles as well as great value for money sounds good to you, then we recommend taking your health spa break in Poland.

Bad Flinsberg is a picturesque resort on the slopes of the Jizera mountains. The local thermal water with high radon and sulphur content has been used since the 18th century to treat diseases such as rheumatism, asthma or psoriasis.

Spa Towns in Poland Spa Towns in Poland
Thermal Baths in Poland Thermal Baths in Poland

Spain

The largest thermal spring in Spain is found in Cuntis, in the country's beautiful northwestern region. The spring is in a large spa park which is surrounded by several hotels. Cuntis is especially popular for the treatment of weight problems and skin diseases. A plus is also its proximity to the famous pilgrimage site, Santiago de Compostela.

For those who want to experience a thermal treatment of the highest class in the middle of a breathtaking rock landscape, the thermal springs in Segura de los Baños are perfect. Here, you sit in the outdoor pool during your spa treatment and at the same time enjoy an excellent view of the impressive cliffs. Active holidaymakers are delighted by the many opportunities for hiking and cultural enthusiasts are excited about the surrounding villages' castles and monasteries.

Spa Towns in Spain Spa Towns in Germany
Thermal Baths in Spain Thermal Baths in Spain

Italy

The magic word in Italy is "Fango", a traditional mineral mud treatment, which makes a wonderful addition to the local thermal water. Just a few kilometers away from Padua are the two resorts of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme. They are embedded in the Eugean hills, a series of hills of volcanic origin that produce wonderful warm salt water.

There are also hot springs in Tuscany. Visit Montecatini Terme which impresses visitors with 9 thermal springs. Their various compositions promise relief from several health problems, including problems with the digestive system.

Spa Towns in Italy Spa Towns in Italy
Spa Towns in Italy Thermal Baths in Italy

Slovakia

The most famous health spa in Slovakia is Piešťany. The thermal source, which is embedded in a forest, as well as most spa hotels, is located on an island nicknamed the "health island". Since the 19th century, rheumatic diseases have been effectively treated here. There are also suitable options for leisure: admire the Art Nouveau buildings, rest in the city park or be active and play a round of golf.

Spa Towns in Slovakia Spa Towns in Slovakia
Thermal Baths in Slovakia Thermal Baths in Slovakia

Lithuania

Another excellent destination for a health spa break is Lithuania.

First and foremost, the spa town of Druskininkai should be mentioned, which is one of the oldest health resorts in Europe. The small town was founded as early as 1794 and a few decades later, Tsar Nicholas I. made the city the first holiday destination for officials of the tsarist kingdom. In addition to this historical splendor, Druskininkai convinces with his health factors. It has healing peat mud and 12 mineral springs which together form the basis of the health spa treatments performed here.

Another interesting place is Birštonas with its high-quality mineral sources. Many of the thermal hotels are idyllically situated in pine forests and use nature as an important basis for relaxation and healing.

Spa Towns in Lithuania Healing Holidays Spa Towns in Lithuania
Thermal Baths in Lithuania Thermal Baths in Lithuania

The Dead Sea

For those who are looking for some winter sunshine or want to improve a specific health condition, then the Dead Sea on the border of Israel and Jordan is perfect for you. Here, the unique climate, hours of sunshine and salty seawater are perfect natural elements for climatotherapy and balneotherapy. The most commonly treated health issues here include psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema and much more. Click on the links below to find out more details:


How to Book Your Health Spa Break

Book with SpaDreams and you will be in safe hands. We are Europe's number one healthy holiday company and look back on 40 years of experience in this field. This means that we can offer you very good prices for exciting holiday packages.

In order to achieve optimal results during your health spa holiday, we recommend a treatment length of about 2 to 3 weeks. But for general relaxation and wellbeing, one week is usually enough.

It is especially beneficial if you book your spa therapy holiday a few months in advance and during the low season (spring or autumn). Combined with early booking discounts and low season special offers, you can travel up to 40% cheaper. In addition, our excellent spa hotels offer special long-stay rates for trips with medical therapy from 3 weeks.

It is best to consult your doctor before booking a medical spa treatment. Let them give you an individual recommendation and mention the health conditions you would like to target. Based on this information, you can then choose the right programme for yourself: use the search bar below or contact our experts. We look forward to hearing from you!

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