Szechenyi Baths, Budapest
Szechenyi Baths, Hungary
During my travels around Europe I was lucky enough to visit Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Originally a medical treatment centre, this is the place to come for a sauna and a dip in the huge open-air thermal pool filled with local families and gentlemen playing chess on floating boards.
The Dead Sea, Israel & Jordan
As one of the world’s first health resorts due to the medicinal properties of the area’s waters and minerals, it’s no wonder the Dead Sea is famous to have been a favourite amongst the likes of King Solomon, Cleopatra and the Queen of Sheba. The water is also renowned for being so salty, individuals can literally experience weightlessness and float along the top.
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
Thermal waters brew just below the sand at Hot Water Beach in the North Island. For two hours, at either side of low tide, you can dig your own hole in the sand with a spade rented from the local café, then sit back and enjoy your own natural spa. However, be careful! During the peak tourist season it looks like its just been set upon by giant rabbits.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
As the country’s number one tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon is sometimes dismissed as overcrowded and too overpriced. But hey! What’s not to like about floating in a steaming pool of milky blue, surrounded by a landscape of dark and twisted lava fields? As well as the main pools, you can choose from a steam bath in a lava cave, a waterfall massage or a sauna.
Les Bains De Marrakesh, Morocco
For a luxurious bathing experience this place is just the ticket. As well as a traditional hammam experience, involving a pretty rigorous scrub down with black soap and a wire mitten, you can choose from gentler options such as chocolate body massages or candlelit oriental baths for two. In between treatments you can indecently lounge amongst cushions and drink your own body weight in mint tea whilst imagining your in A Thousand and One Nights.
Brit Backpacker 