Wellness Holiday
Spa resorts, thermal springs and Ayurveda retreats: The best wellness destinations for body and soul.
Why a Wellness Holiday Does You So Much Good
In our hectic world, wellness is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. A wellness holiday gives body and mind the chance to truly recover: massages release tension, thermal water soothes ailments and sauna visits strengthen the immune system.
Wellness does not have to be expensive. From Budapest's historic thermal baths at 20 EUR to Balinese spa treatments from 15 EUR – relaxation is available at every budget. And even a weekend at a German wellness hotel can work wonders.
This guide shows you the best wellness destinations, offers tips for real relaxation and helps you plan the perfect pampering holiday.
The 5 Best Wellness Destinations
From historic thermal baths to tropical spa paradises.
Baden-Baden
GermanyGermany's wellness capital: Roman thermal springs, the legendary Friedrichsbad, the modern Caracalla Therme and first-class spa hotels. Plus an elegant town with a casino, parks and culture.
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Bali
IndonesiaThe Island of the Gods is the global mecca for wellness: yoga retreats in Ubud, spa treatments for just a few euros, sacred spring temples and a spiritual atmosphere that deeply relaxes.
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Ischia
ItalyThe thermal island in the Bay of Naples offers hot springs right by the sea, natural thermal gardens and an Italian way of life. The Poseidon Gardens and Negombo are unique open-air thermal parks.
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Budapest
HungaryEurope's City of Baths with over 120 thermal springs. The Szechenyi Bath is the largest thermal bath in Europe, the Gellert Bath an Art Nouveau dream. Wellness and city break combined – and affordable.
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Carinthia / Styria
AustriaAustria's spa region offers world-class wellness hotels with alpine panoramas. Rogner Bad Blumau (Hundertwasser), Therme Loipersdorf and countless 4- and 5-star spa hotels with mountain views.
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Wellness Destinations Compared
| Destination | Budget | Getting There | Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baden-Baden | $$$ | Central DE | Year-round | Classic-elegant |
| Bali | $ | 14h flight | Apr–Oct | Yoga & Spiritual |
| Ischia | $$ | 2.5h flight | Apr–Oct | Seaside thermal springs |
| Budapest | $ | 1.5h flight | Year-round | Historic thermal bath |
| Carinthia/Styria | $$ | 4h car | Year-round | Alpine wellness |
8 Insider Tips for Your Wellness Holiday
Book midweek
Wellness hotels charge up to 40% more at weekends. Sunday to Thursday you often get special offers and have the sauna almost to yourself.
Half board instead of full board
On a wellness holiday you don't need lunch – you're at the pool or in the sauna. Half board saves money and keeps the day flexible.
Bring your own bathrobe
Many hotels charge for bathrobe hire or only provide thin ones. Your own favourite robe is more hygienic and cosier.
Book treatments in advance
Popular spa treatments sell out quickly. Book massages and treatments at least a week ahead.
Drink the thermal water
In many spa towns the thermal water is drinkable and said to have healing properties. In Budapest there are public drinking fountains.
Plan a digital detox
Consciously put the phone away. Most spa areas ban phones anyway. Use the opportunity for real relaxation.
Know sauna etiquette
In Germany and Austria nudity is standard in the sauna. In other countries (Italy, Hungary) swimwear is worn. Find out in advance!
Day passes as an alternative
Don't want to book a wellness hotel? Many thermal baths offer day passes from 25 EUR – including sauna, pools and relaxation areas.
Wellness-Kurzurlaub zum Sparpreis
Handverlesene Hoteldeals, Kurztrips und Erlebnisgutscheine zu Sparpreisen. Perfekt zum Verschenken oder selbst Genießen.
* Weiterleitung zu we-are.travel. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Hotelgutscheine & Kurzreisen
Deals ab 29 € p.P. auf touriDat.com
Ready for Pure Relaxation?
Find your perfect wellness destination and treat yourself to the break you deserve.