When your brain starts to feel like a Chrome tab with 48 windows open, sometimes there's just one way to reset: disappear for a few hours in warm water. And it doesn't get much better than Thermes de Spa for that. Nestled high up in Spa, right in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, these ultra-famous thermal baths have been attracting visitors for over 300 years.
The birthplace of the word “spa”
Here’s a fun little fact that always gets a smile: the word “spa” comes from the town of Spa. As early as the 18th century, all of Europe’s aristocracy flocked here to “take the waters.” Princes, writers, royals, and even some inveterate gamblers—along with probably a few party-goers—everyone passed through this little Belgian town nicknamed back then “the café of Europe.” Even today, the place maintains that special blend of old-school elegance and sheer relaxation.
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Warm baths with a view of the trees
The main highlight of the Thermes de Spa is, of course, the heated outdoor pools. You find yourself in naturally mineral water, gazing at the treetops swaying around you, with the town of Spa below, and sometimes even a hint of mist in the Ardennes. Contemplative film vibes are immediately activated. At the...cute;rier, you'll also find jacuzzi baths, massage jets, steam rooms, panoramic saunas, and honestly very pleasant relaxation areas.
The perfect spot for a relaxing weekend in Belgium
What we also love about Spa is how easily the city can be combined with a broader weekend getaway. Many take the opportunity to stop by Liège, Durbuy, or even take a shopping detour at Maasmechelen Village. And in between devouring Belgian waffles and spending three hours in the hot baths, honestly, the mental reset is quite effective.
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An ultra calm place… even when it rains
The detail we love: even in the rain, the experience remains amazing. Watching the steam rise from the pools while a light drizzle gently falls around the trees is almost even more enjoyable than in bright sunshine. This is definitely the kind of getaway that makes you feel like you've traveled much farther than Belgium.
Address: Colline d'Annette and Lubin, 4900 Spa, Belgium