My Favorite Countries To Visit For Budget Spa Relaxation

When I want to treat myself a little extra, I like to visit a spa resort and Visit For Budget Spa- I love the luxury of having a massage, facial or just soaking in a hot bath and letting the water wash away my troubles.

Since spa visits are rather expensive in Europe, I like to take the opportunity to have a few spa days when I travel to cheaper countries.

Here are 3 places I recommend if you want to travel somewhere where they have cheap spas:

Favorite Countries To Visit For Budget Spa

Indonesia (Bali)

Bali is full of health and spa resorts where you can get all from one day treatments to a whole month intensive detox.

We tried to book a week stay at a detox resort in Amed a few years back but you had to book in advance at that place, so instead we tried out some cheap facial treatments and body massages at different spas in Ubud.

Ubud turned out to be the perfect place to reside for a few days and relax and charge the batteries for a few days before continuing traveling.

The area itself is so beautiful, and the vibe of the place is very calm and relaxed.

New Zealand

Few other countries have such an abundance of hot springs as New Zealand.

No matter if you travel through the North or South island, the hot springs are never far away.

For those traveling on a budget, New Zealand has some great options to give yourself a bit of luxury.

The reason why I think New Zealand should be on the list is not the luxury, but because you can really get something on every budget.

Everyone can afford treating their skin with healing waters.

There is everything from luxury spas, water theme parks with spa pools, to baths which are something in between where you can either choose to just enjoy the day trying out the different thermal springs with healing properties or buy a package including treatments and meals.

Hanmer Springs is a place like that

I really enjoyed spending a few days there.

There are plenty of pools with different temperatures, it’s usually not very crowded and you can add on other treatments if you like, which are not very expensive.

But the cheapest way to enjoy the healing hot springs is of course for free.

There are both free pools like ”the butcher’s pool” (don’t ask why it’s called that, I have no idea!) near Taupo and also many hidden hot springs all over New Zealand that you can find if you have a car to take you there.

Many locals know about these places, otherwise digging your own Jacuzzi pool at the Hot Beach is a fun option..!

So yeah, New Zealand is full of spas, baths and hot springs – you will be guaranteed to find something for your budget there.

Thailand

In Thailand you can live like a star, and get pure luxury for a very small price compared to Europe and in the West.

While you can get dirt cheap foot and body massages in small parlors on the street there are also many high class quality spas and health resorts where you get amazing treatment by professionals for a quarter of the price at home.

Thailand is also a great example for having a variety of choices.

You can stay for months, weeks, days or just a few hours at a resort and get different treatments, all from the traditional Thai massages to Swedish massage or more experimental treatments.

I liked how easy it was to book a few days at a spa in Thailand – you could always book at the last minute, and there were many last minute spa deals online and pamphlets in the cities advertising great places.

Among all the massages we also did a colon cleanse in Thailand.

It’s really expensive to do in other countries and since it’s not the most enjoyable thing to do you don’t want to spend a huge amount of cash on it, so Thailand was the perfect place to try it, and it was all very professional.

Not Traveling Anytime Soon?

If you can’t leave the country and take cheap spa breaks in any of the places mentioned above, there are still ways to get a cheaper treatment and massage in your hometown.

Look up if there is a massage/beauty school in your area, they will most likely offer treatments for a much cheaper price than in professional parlors .

The great thing about these places is that most often the students who get to practice on real customers are about to graduate from their course and are just as good if not better than professionals.

Luxury Locations You Have to Sample

Luxury Locations ~ The time has come to plan your vacation.

Let this be the year that you pamper yourself in luxury on your vacation. Imagine a luxury cruise or visiting an ancient city.

You could also try renting a villa on the beach, staying in a historic castle, or relaxing under a coconut tree on a pristine beach with an expert masseuse.

Even families with kids take luxurious vacations.

China

Take a historic luxury cruise along the Yangtze River in China.

This river is one of the longest waterways in the world and the travel through the historic Yunnan province is a great way to relax and get away from it all.

Get comfortable on the deck and enjoy the glorious sight of the Three Gorges.

The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectricity producer in the world and is an engineering marvel.

Visit villages and experience life as a villager in China, try local tea, and explore the many historic sites that this 5000-year-old civilization has to offer.

Luxury holidays in China offer a unique cultural experience.

Finish your day by watching the fabulous sunset with the breathtaking wonder of China’s nature in the background before heading off to a meal of fine dining.

Imagine staying at an ancient castle in Scotland with full modern amenities.

Live like royalty as you spend your days travelling through the beautiful rolling hills of purple heather and take in the spectacular sites of the natural lochs.

Sample locally made whiskey at one of the many private distilleries and try interesting local cuisine like Haggis.

Israel

Travel in style through wondrous country of Israel, a country that is steeped in rich history, and culture.

With your own guide, the best accommodations and the itinerary of your choosing you can check out the wonders at your leisure.

Visit Jerusalem and be amazed by the rich historical sites and religious areas that this city has to offer including the Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

When on holiday in Israel you should travel to the Dead Sea and float this one of a kind natural wonder.

Make sure you travel to Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coast and check out everything this amazing city has to offer.

Don’t forget to sample the local delicacies like falafel and delicious almond pastries.

Greece

Travel to the ancient country of Greece.

This country has hundreds of ruins that you can visit including the Parthenon temple, and the Acropolis citadel.

Visit one of the glorious beaches and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Consider renting a villa on a hillside and enjoy fabulous cuisine and some of the best wine in the world.

Thailand

Relax in style on one of the many pristine beaches that Thailand has to offer.

This country is renowned for its spa services and you relax in luxury in one of the many private spas before heading out for some sun.

Join one of the many beach parties going on at night before heading to our private and tranquil resort for a night of blissful sleep.

Luxury Holiday Destinations and Luxury Hotels

If you’re going on holiday this summer, you should do so in style – here’s a round-up of the top holiday destinations if you’re craving luxury and exclusivity.

The Maldives

With over a thousand islands dotting the Indian Ocean, there’s no shortage to choose from.

Perhaps because of their exclusivity, the Maldives are a favored destination of celebrities—Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise honeymooned here, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z chartered a yacht to explore the islands.

If like, 99.9% of the population, the notion of crystalline clear waters, charming thatched roofs and a thirty-degree year-round temperature sets the pulse racing, the Maldives are for you.

In the Maldives, the five-star resorts that are car-free and feature seamless transitions for sea to shore, are the icing on the cake.

Florida

For tropical gorgeousness and celebrity appeal, Florida is a luxury destination closer to civilization.

Miami has a legendary nightlife frequented by hip-hop moguls, pop stars, and high flyers, and Florida’s stretch of coastline offers numerous opportunities to book a luxury hotel with its own beach.

The idyllic Sandpiper Bay is one of Florida’s more alluring spots.

You can visit Florida with Club an all-inclusive vacation at this exclusive resort.

Ecuador

If you haven’t yet heard, the jungle may beat the beach as the new exotic destination.

While the joys of sandy beach may become monotonous after a few days, the Amazonian jungle is a constant source of wonder.

Ecuador’s small patch of Amazon is the most bio-diverse on the planet, and the opportunities to immerse yourself in wildlife are many.

There are bird-watching ventures, boat excursions down the Amazon and night tours where you can encounter even more species.

Luxury lodges with accompanying spas and all-inclusive packages have developed across Yasuni National Park and the Napo River Valley, so there are plenty of opportunities to arrange a luxury holiday in the jungle.

The Amalfi Coast

A classic destination for ancient Romans and modern movie stars alike, the Amalfi Coast is a continental favorite for those craving stunning settings, famously fantastic food and a location with historical and cultural importance.

The Roman emperor Tiberius built his summer villa at Capri, and Pompeii was known as the playground for wealthy Romans until Vesuvius erupted and buried it in volcanic ash.

In the fifties and sixties, classic movie stars like Sophia Loren and Paul Newman chose Amalfi as their favored holiday spot.

The Amalfi may not look exactly as it did a couple of thousand years ago, but the stunning cliffs, charming towns and Neapolitan cuisine that bring forth its legions of admirers haven’t disappeared.

Between private islands, remote jungle lodges and exclusive beaches, there are plenty of luxurious options for you to choose from.

The hardest part will be making that choice.

If you are looking to book a luxury holiday, it may be worthwhile waiting just a little longer, as the following five luxury hotels are all set to open next year.

Four Seasons Hotel – Manama, Bahrain

Located on an island in the center of Bahrain Bay, upon completion, this 47-story hotel will rise over 200 meters above sea level, dominating the Manama skyline.

The luxury hotel complex will offer 260 guest bedrooms and a ‘Skypod’ restaurant, which will offer un-rivaled views of the city.

Bahrain, situated off the western shores of the Persian Gulf, receives around 8 million tourists every year and has a reputation as one of the region’s most liberal countries.

It also annually plays host to the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The Castle Hotel – Dalian, China

With a wonderfully distinctive castle design, this hotel overlooking Xinghai Bay is sure to be a popular choice for tourists heading to Dalian, China.

The hotel will offer 301 beautifully decorated guest bedrooms, each with amazing views and will host four high-class restaurants and a spa.

Dalian itself is a popular tourist city due to its choice of beaches and its importance in modern history; its ports played a major role in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War.

Mukul Hotel – Guacalito de la Isla, Nicaragua

Named after the Mayan word for ‘secret’, this hotel is situated in a new 1,700-acre private beach community on the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, in central America.

Scheduled to open in January 2013, this luxury boutique hotel will offer 37 ocean view accommodations, each with a private pool and private staff on hand to attend to your every need.

There are six spas and Guacalito de la Isla also plays host to an 18-hole golf course.

Hotel Sofitel So – Singapore, Singapore

The Sofitel So Singapore, is neo-classical accommodation with 134 guest rooms and more than 20 suites.

The hotel is set to offer a fantastic blend of the latest technology mixed with classic Singaporean style and is situated within walking distance of both the Orchard shopping belt and the Marina Bay area, which hosts the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Singapore is noted for its fine cuisine, which mixes elements of Indian, Chinese and Malay food.

Leonardo Hotel – Berlin, Germany

It is hard not to be impressed by the the amazing glass and metal structure of the Leonardo Hotel.

Designed by Eike Becker, the hotel is situated on the Friedrichstrasse Spree waterside and will offer 311 luxury rooms, a VIP lounge and a Bohemian style interior.

Berlin itself is Germany’s capital city and the third most visited city in the European Union.

Popular tourist attractions include what remains of the Berlin Wall, in Friedrichshain and Museum Island, the site of five internationally significant museums.

These top luxury destinations are sure to please you.

Many families with kids are taking luxury vacations as well.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels In The Seychelles

Perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Seychelles Archipelago is comprised of 115 stunning islands – home to an array of unique flora and fauna and juxtaposed by the elegant luxury of its hotels, it is a destination not to be missed.

The exclusivity of these properties is mirrored in their high levels of service, with pampering and relaxation never far away – to discover the top 5 most luxurious hotels and resorts  very best the Seychelles has to offer.

(photo credit: mahlatini.com)

Banyan Tree Resort

The gentle sway of nearby palms and the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean set the scene for a very pleasant stay at the Banyan Tree Resort.

A mix of contemporary and colonial design, the high sloping ceilings and airy verandas, awash with a sea breeze, allow for certain relaxation

(photo credit: mahlatini.com)

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

True indulgence, however, can be found in the luxury spa treatments and yoga sessions of Maia Luxury Resort & Spa.

Located on a small forested peninsular, the resort offers guests the chance to kick back and take it easy with over 300 different species of plant and flower to admire in the 30 acres of gardens the resort offers.

Four Seasons Resort

With the air scented by the smell of cinnamon trees and punctured by the chirps of tropical bird life, enjoying your infinity-edge pool becomes all the sweeter.

There’s one of these pools found in each villa in this hideaway atop a hill, luxury has never been easier.

Fregate Private Island

Possessing an almost otherworldly quality, this private island boasts seven idyllic beaches to enjoy – holding strong eco-policies, Fergate has worked hard to conserve the natural wildlife on and around the island, including the Giant Aldabra Tortoise.

With a Jacuzzi in every villa and large terraces from which to look out from it is also the perfect place for romance.

(photo credit: mahlatini.com)

North Island

Literally fit for a King; North Island was the first choice of future King and Queen of England, Will and Kate, for their honeymoon in May 2011.

North Island is the height of exclusivity in the Seychelles, with intimate and comfortable villas, hand made by local craftsmen – such accommodation affords perfect beachfront views and furthers the evanescence of reality; this is a place you can easily lose yourself.

Unusual Hotels From Around the World

Best Spa Destinations In Europe

People have been indulging in spas, hot pools and healing treatments for a really long time, and today there are more Spas offering treatments inspired from all over the world, than every before.

Europe has some absolutely incredible spas for all types and likes, many offering some tempting spa offers – so what better way to start or finish your holiday than with a relaxing spa experience?

During our travels we have visited many spas in Europe and picked up a few spa vouchers along the way.

Here is a sum up of 4 top destinations for spa lovers in Europe:

Iceland

Iceland with its Icecaps and glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls, geysers and hot pools – is a perfect destination for those wanting both some adventure as well as a relaxing holiday enjoying some of nature’s work: the hot springs.

Iceland is richer in geothermal activity than any other country, and has around 800 hot pools, some even with geysers!

The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik is the most famous one, with its beautiful milky turquoise water – but if you think it’s too crowded, there are many others to choose from!

Hungary

Budapest is often recognized for their many spas and baths in the city, and for a good reason too.

There are both modern bath houses as well as traditional ones to choose from, but for the most unique and traditional experience, the old traditional baths are the best.

Gellert Bath is one of the most popular ones, built in 1912 and 1918 the building is in true Art Nouveau style with a gallery and glass roof.

The 15 million gallons of water which flows into 118 springs daily is known for its medical indication, helping joint illness, asthma, spine problems among others.

Other famous baths are Szechenyi Spa, built in Baroque style, being the largest bath.

There you can be sure to see groups of men sitting in the baths for hours playing chess and women small talking.

Istanbul – Turkey

Istanbul is famous for its Turkish hammam baths, where you can indulge in some traditional treatments like the authentic Turkish massage, steam baths and of course a cup of Turkish tea.

The Cagaloglu hammam is one of the most popular Turkish spas, a classical spa that is almost 270 years old!

Tuscany – Italy

The hot pools in Tuscany have been enjoyed for centuries, and the spas in Tuscany all have a long and fascinating history dating back several hundred years.

Many of the thermal springs, such as Bagni San Filippo were already known and used by Etruscans and the Romans.

Campo Muri is one of many historical spas, which was used in the middle ages, and then rediscovered again in the 19th century.

Giuseppe Garibaldu came here to recover from injuries he got from Aspromonte, which was a good decision as the waters here have healing dermatological capabilities.

There are plenty of more spa destinations in Europe, and in the future we will share some more places worth visiting for a relaxing holiday in Europe…

(photo credit: 1 – 1 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 1 – 2)