The Best Countries for Spa Lovers and Relaxation Seekers | Sixty and Me

Looking for the ultimate retreat to soothe your body and calm your mind? In this article about the best countries for spa lovers and relaxation seekers, you’ll find destinations that blend healing waters, expert treatments, and local traditions. Each country on this list offers world-class spa facilities alongside memorable cultural and natural experiences.

What Should You Look for in a Spa Destination?

A standout spa holiday pairs therapeutic therapies – like mineral baths, herbal wraps, or massage – with surroundings that refresh your senses. Think about whether you prefer mountain air, tropical greenery, historic bathhouses, or volcanic landscapes. Also consider the local customs: do you want to try an ancient ritual or a cutting-edge wellness technology?

How Can You Plan the Perfect Spa Itinerary?

Balance your spa treatments with gentle exploration: stroll garden paths, visit nearby landmarks, or sample regional cuisine. Book a mix of massages, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy circuits, and leave time to simply relax in warm pools or steam rooms. Aim for at least three nights in one place to fully unwind.

Read more: Stress-Free Nature Destinations to Explore in Your 60s.

Top Countries for Spa Lovers

Japan: Timeless Hot Spring Traditions

Japan’s onsen culture goes back over a thousand years, with bathing houses built around natural geothermal springs. The mineral-rich waters – often high in sulfur, sodium, or iron – are believed to aid circulation, relieve muscle tension, and clear the mind. At Gero Onsen Hotel Park, you can soak in outdoor rotenburo tubs that overlook forested hills, then slip into the indoor wood-lined baths when the temperature dips.

Spa Highlights: Traditional yukata robes, guided breathing exercises, and kaiseki meals served on tatami mats slow the pace and bring focus to simple pleasures.

Nearby Attractions: Wander the historic streets of Takayama, where artisans craft wooden sake cups; visit the open-air Hida Folk Village to watch thatch-roof houses; sample freshly grilled fish at the morning market.

Iceland: Geothermal Wonderlands

Iceland’s volcanic landscape creates a range of natural hot springs and luxury spa complexes. The Blue Lagoon is carved into a lava field near Reykjavík and offers milky-blue seawater pools warmed to around 38–40 °C. Rich in silica and algae, the waters gently exfoliate and hydrate skin. After cleansing in the steam rooms, apply a silica mud mask provided on-site to leave your complexion glowing.

Spa Highlights: In-water lounges, in-pool massages, salt grottoes, and in-room spa suites for private treatment.

Nearby Attractions: Follow the Golden Circle route to geysers at Haukadalur; explore volcanic craters like Kerið; chase waterfalls such as Gullfoss; and, in winter, hunt for the Northern Lights under a starry sky.

Hungary: Grand Thermal Bath Palaces

Budapest’s moniker “City of Spas” comes from its abundance of thermal springs – some 123 in total – flowing beneath urban streets. Széchenyi Thermal Bath occupies a striking Neo-Baroque building with 15 indoor pools and three large outdoor pools. Water temperatures vary from 18 °C in paddling pools to 38 °C in healing baths. Weekly “spa parties” add music and lights for a festive twist after dark.

Spa Highlights: Therapeutic underwater jets, group aqua-gym classes, and traditional Hungarian medical baths offering mud wraps and medical consultations.

Nearby Attractions: Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle; cruise the Danube at sunset; shop for handcrafted ceramics in central markets; dine on chimney cakes and paprika-seasoned goulash.

Thailand: Holistic Healing in the Tropics

Thailand’s spa industry blends ancient Ayurvedic and Thai massage techniques with contemporary wellness trends. At Chiva-Som International Health Resort, individualized health assessments guide programs that include stress-reduction yoga, detoxifying herbal steam treatments, and Thai oil massages performed by therapists trained in the Royal Thai tradition.

Spa Highlights: Plant-based facials, reflexology, rice-bran body scrubs, and mindful meditation sessions in garden pavilions.

Nearby Attractions: Wander Chiang Mai’s Old City temples by foot or bicycle; visit the Elephant Nature Park to learn about rescue efforts; sample street-food delights like khao soi; and take a Thai cooking class to master fragrant curries and stir-fries.

Switzerland: Alpine Thermal Resorts

In the Swiss Alps, crisp mountain air and high-altitude vistas add an invigorating touch to spa treatments. Tamina Thermal Baths in Bad Ragaz draws on mineral springs discovered by monks in the 13th century. Its futuristic glass-and-steel structure houses indoor pools, while the outdoor “Mountain Spa” offers panoramic views of the Pizol peaks.

Spa Highlights: Kneipp pools for contrast therapy, salt-inhalation rooms, Swiss chocolate body rituals, and alpenglow yoga classes.

Nearby Attractions: Ride the historic Tamina Gorge funicular; explore St. Gall’s UNESCO-listed abbey library; hike trails around Lake Walen; and sample artisanal cheese and cured meats at local alpine inns.

Indonesia (Bali): Sacred Springs and Green Retreats

Bali’s lush landscapes and warm climate are perfect for eco-wellness resorts and sacred spring ceremonies. At Tirta Empul, villagers have bathed in holy waters since the 10th century to cleanse mind and body. Many nearby resorts offer private plunge pools fed by the same spring, with treatments that use indigenous herbs like lupis leaves and volcanic ash.

Spa Highlights: Balinese boreh body masks, coconut oil scalp massages, sound-healing sessions with gongs, and yoga classes under frangipani trees.

Nearby Attractions: Cycle through emerald rice terraces at Tegalalang; visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud; explore Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave); and watch a kecak fire dance at sunset.

Costa Rica: Rainforest Hot Springs

Costa Rica’s combination of active volcanoes and protected rainforests creates a unique spa setting. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa sits at the foot of Arenal Volcano, where multiple hot springs flow through landscaped gardens into tiered pools. Treatments incorporate local volcanic mud and natural ingredients like guava and papaya enzymes.

Spa Highlights: Open-air massage bungalows beside waterfalls, volcanic mud wraps, hydrotherapy circuits, and cacao facials.

Nearby Attractions: Canopy zip-lining above the rainforest; boat tours on Arenal Lake; birdwatching for toucans and howler monkeys; and a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall.

Morocco: Ritual Bathing and Ancient Techniques

Moroccan hammams date to the Roman era and remain central to community life. Hammam de la Rose in Marrakech offers gender-segregated steam chambers lined with hand-cut zellige tiles. Rituals start with eucalyptus steam, followed by a vigorous black-soap exfoliation, ghassoul clay mask, and warm oil massage.

Spa Highlights: Rhassoul clay applications that unclog pores, argan-oil hair treatments, and rooftop terraces for post-bath mint tea.

Nearby Attractions: Lose yourself in the souks of the Medina; visit the Bahia Palace; stroll through the blue lanes of Chefchaouen; and dine on fresh salads, tagines, and sweet pastries.

India: Ayurvedic Wellness by the Coast

Kerala’s peaceful backwaters provide a tranquil backdrop for Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing system. Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort on a coconut-fringed beach offers programs tailored to Vata, Pitta, or Kapha constitutions. Treatments include Nasya (nasal oil), Shirodhara (continuous oil flow on the forehead), and Panchakarma detox.

Spa Highlights: Customized herbal baths, body purification routines, breathing exercises (pranayama), and guided meditation.

Nearby Attractions: Glide through palm-lined canals on a houseboat; tour spice gardens to see pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon; attend a Kathakali dance performance; and sample fresh seafood curries.

New Zealand: Geothermal Mud Pools and Māori Healing

Rotorua’s geothermal zone features bubbling mud pools and silica terraces. Polynesian Spa offers 28 different pools fed by two mineral springs – one saline-chloride for muscle relief, one silicate for relaxation. Māori healing traditions are woven into spa rituals, with salt-scrub ceremonies and native flax poultices.

Spa Highlights: Private mineral-water pools, geothermal steam caves, and guided mud-pool excursions.

Nearby Attractions: Walk among giant redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest; tour the Hobbiton Movie Set; experience a Māori hangi feast and cultural show; and kayak on Lake Tarawera.

Each of these countries combines therapeutic treatments with cultural experiences and natural beauty, so you’ll return home feeling rested, recharged, and inspired by local traditions that honor holistic wellness. 

Read more: 12 Nature Destinations for Women Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been to one of the countries on our list and treated yourself to a spa experience? Do you have any other countries to recommend that are perfect for spa lovers and relaxation seekers? Tell us all about it in the comments below.