12 great spa hotels in Europe - our top tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Fancy a spa weekend? Here are 12 great spa hotels in Europe, in as many different countries, that we've tried ourselves. Where would you rather go on a spa holiday?

Spa hotels in Europe

There are plenty of spa hotels in Europe, in many different flavours. In Central and Eastern Europe, the old spa culture is still partly alive, often mixing traditional treatments with new and creative wellness options. Of course, spas are also available in the rest of Europe - in both northern and southern latitudes. In this busy data age, relaxation seems to be more and more in demand.

1. the Czech Republic: Danubius Health Spa Resort Nove Lazne in Marianske Lazne

The entire spa triangle in the Czech Republic (Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne) is filled with spa hotels and wellness centres, so it's really hard to choose one Location. Danubius Health Spa Resort Nove Lazne offers a variety of spa baths, including those with exquisite Roman columns.

2 Estonia: Hotel Telegraaf and Telegraaf Spa in Tallinn

During our recent visit to the Estonian capital, we visited the Telegraaf Spa, located in the exclusive Hotel Telegraaf. Here we each enjoyed a relaxing treatment, and we also hung out for a while in the relaxation area, by the beautiful pools.

3. Croatia: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Split

One year we celebrated Christmas in Split, Croatia, and it was really cosy. We stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy pools, relaxation and various forms of treatments. A fantastic luxury, which is perfect to combine with visits and experiences in the historic city of Split.

4. Germany: Ostseeblick Beach Hotel in Heringsdorf

On the beautiful island of Usedom on the Baltic coast, a lot is about spa and wellness. We stayed at Strandhotel Ostseeblick, a family-run spa hotel in a prime location in the centre of Heringsdorf. Here you'll find everything from great food to pools, views and relaxing treatments.

5. Georgia: Crowne Plaza in Bordzjomi

Bordzjomi is a classic and historic spa town in Georgia, with large parks, natural areas, sulphur baths and waters considered healing to drink. Of course, there are more modern spa hotels too, like the Crowne Plaza. There's a swimming pool, gym, sauna and the possibility to book treatments.

6. Poland: Hotel Buczyński i Świeradów-Zdrój

Świeradów-Zdrój is located in the south-west of Poland, and just getting here is relaxing in itself. The area offers mountains, natural areas, sky walks and opportunities for excursions to castles and cosy villages. At the hotel you can enjoy good food, spa baths and treatments.

7. Bulgaria: Graffit Gallery Design Hotel in Varna

For a stylish and modern stay in Varna, on the Black Sea, check into the Graffit Gallery Design Hotel. This hotel has a great location and a relaxation area with a swimming pool, sauna, gym and the possibility to book treatments.

8. Finland: Naantali Spa Hotel & Resort in Naantali

Perhaps best known for the Moominworld, Naantali is also an incredibly beautiful place that was once a popular bathing and spa resort. Today, the traditions are kept alive by the Naantali Spa Hotel & Resort, where you can enjoy pools, saunas and various treatments.

9. Latvia: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel in Riga

If you stay at this hotel in Riga, you'll also find the 5-star ESPA Riga spa on the same site. However, this large and delicious spa works as a day spa, so it works well to book in here even if you do not stay at the hotel, which we did once many years ago.

10th Malta: Barceló Fortina Malta in Sliema

This hotel in Malta may have changed its name, and perhaps some of its focus, since we were here, but the location and stunning views remain the same. There's a pool, sauna, gym, massage and various spa treatments.

11. Turkey: Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery in Istanbul

The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery may not be primarily a spa hotel, but if you want to combine an Istanbul holiday with a Turkish hammam, it's perfect. The hotel is also very nice, has nice rooms, good breakfast and excellent location.

12th Sweden: Copperhill Mountain Lodge

 Copperhill Mountain Lodge is a nature-orientated and luxurious spa hotel in Åre. The hotel is located on a mountain and offers both a relaxing spa and a Nordic menu with local ingredients. What we liked best here was lying in the warm water and looking out over the snowy landscape and skiers outside the large windows.

More tips on spa hotels in Europe?

Do you have more tips on great spa hotels in Europe? Please let us know!