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Standout spas in Europe’s lakes and mountains

Whether we’re talking hot springs, saunas or traditional treatments, some of Europe’s best spas are found among lakes and mountains, from Slovenia and Switzerland to the Italian lakes.

So if you’re in the market for some holiday pampering, or just want to add a touch of wellness to your trip, check out these standout spots, as well as the best places to stay when you visit.

Best for rooftop mountain views: Tauern Spa in Kaprun, Austria

This spa (also pictured above) ticks off holiday wellness right in the middle of Kaprun’s stunning scenery. Choose from 12 different swim spots, though the highlight is up on the roof – a glass-sided infinity pool with amazing views of meadows and the Hohe Tauern mountains. Or settle into a scented sauna where infused water is poured over the coals to fill the air with the smell of pine and alpine herbs. Cap off your visit by booking an aromatherapy bath and unwinding with a glass of prosecco in hand.

Where to stay in Kaprun

Hotel Tauernhof

Right in the centre of Kaprun, the family-run Tauernhof is all about friendly, down-to-earth service and top-notch local cuisine. The stone-flanked pool keeps the spa vibes flowing too.

Best for soaking up history: Aquaria Thermal Spa in Sirmione, Italy

The Romans were the first ones to make the most of Sirmione’s natural hot springs, on the southern banks of Lake Garda, Italy. Follow in their footsteps and find some holiday zen at one of the best spas in Europe. Take in the views out across the lake from the infinity pool, or soak in one of the thermal pools for that ultimate aaah moment.

The saunas keep the scenery front and centre too, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake – and to give your skin a 5-star makeover, you can pay a little extra to have a salt scrub or mudpack treatment while you’re in there too.

Where to stay in Sirmione

Hotel Continental

Keep the lake views coming and the relaxation going with the Continental’s Wellness Spa. You’ll find two outdoor pools to pick from, and you can kick back in the sauna, Turkish bath or on a lakeside lounger.

Best for sauna lovers: Garda Thermae in Riva, Italy

You’d be hard pushed to try every sauna on offer here. If wellness is your thing you’ll be in heaven at this spa in Riva with mountains on one side and Lake Garda on the other. Try the herbal-smelling Mediterranean sauna or lie back in the steam bath. There’s a classic Finnish sauna too, as well as one that's milder in case you want to ease yourself in. And if you love a bit of hot and cold therapy, you’ll find coldwater pools and an ice waterfall.

Where to stay in Riva

Hotel Savoy Palace

Wellness comes as standard here. Start your day with a little lakeside yoga, get stuck into aqua aerobics in the large pool or stroll among the olive groves. The hotel runs guided walks too.

Best for next-level downtime: Aqua Dome in Obergurgl, Austria

Head to Obergurgl in the Ötz valley for a swim you’ll never forget in the Aqua Dome’s trio of outdoor pools. Let the gentle currents carry you along in the River Basin, sit back among bubbles in the Massage Basin, and float effortlessly in the saltwater of the Sole Basin while you listen to soothing underwater music. And on Fridays, the spa adds Moonlight Bathing to the mix, so you can visit after sunset and look up at star-studded skies while you soak in the steaming water.

Where to stay in Obergurgl

Austria Gourmet and Wine Hotel

Foodies and wine lovers get ready – the wine list here runs to 650, with tastings available, and the food’s top-notch too. There’s also a weekly farmers’ buffet for extra wholesomeness.

Best for feeling like you’re in a film: Fire & Ice Spa in Grindelwald, Switzerland

This swanky spa in gorgeous Grindelwald will give you film star feels. Flit between four saunas, a textile steam room, ice fountain, glacier-blue pools and more, all laid out in star shape that gives every area plenty of privacy. Finish your spa sesh in the soothing Cocooning Room, complete with flickering fire and mountain views, or take in the scenery from the garden terrace.

Where to stay in Grindelwald

Sunstar Grindelwald

If downtime’s what you’re after on holiday, you’ll find plenty of it here. Swim leisurely laps of the pool, then sip drinks while snapping the incredible mountain views from the terrace.

Best for balmy bathing: Garda Thermal Park in Lazise, Italy

Outdoor swims and summer hols go hand in hand, and at a constant 33°C, the Thermal Park’s bathing lake, near Lazise on Lake Garda, is ideal for a soothing dip. At one end is a rocky grotto where you can drift around surrounded by fountains and coloured lights, or head for the hot tubs in the middle if you just want to sit back and enjoy the warmth. The lake itself is set in 13 acres of leafy gardens, so lay out your towel and make a day of it with a picnic in the sunshine.

Where to stay in Lazise

Hotel Bella Lazise

With free hotel bikes and an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers, the modern Hotel Bella has you covered whether you’re in the mood for exploring or just lying back with a book.

Best for Scandi vibes: Spa Deep Nature in Chamonix, France

On the edge of a forest facing the Mont Blanc mountain range in Chamonix, this spa oozes rustic chic. You’ll find indoor and outdoor hot tubs, plus a Swedish bath, Finnish sauna and Norwegian shower. There’s a pool and relaxation area too and four cabins for treatments and massages, including one designed for couples. There’s a bistro is on site too, where you’ll find dishes made with a focus on local ingredients.

Where to stay in Chamonix

Le Cristal de Jade

These seriously classy wood-panelled apartments are great if you’re on holiday in a group. There’s a spa here, and a bar – take your drinks out into the gardens to breathe in the mountain air.

Best for water-themed fun: Aquapark Bohinj in Slovenia

Packing in saunas, spa treatments plus lots of watery fun for families, the Aquapark near Lake Bohinj ticks lots of the boxes. Splash around in the lazy river or choose from a menu of massages and treatments. Or for a different kind of health boost, spend some time in the salt room – the air in here is said to be great for both your skin and lungs.

Where to stay in Lake Bohinj

Bohinj Eco

This sleek hotel in the Julian Alps has won awards for sustainability. It’s linked to the Aquapark and you’ll get free entry with your stay. The hotel has its own spa upstairs too.

Best for hot springs: Alpentherme Gastein in Bad Hofgastein, Austria

Wellness goes way back to the Middle Ages in Bad Hofgastein, when thermal springs were discovered nearby. Nowadays, the Alpentherme carries on the tradition with its outdoor pool fed by an underground hot spring. Take a dip with views of the Hohe Tauern mountains all around you, before treating yourself to a Gastein herbal bath – with essential oils added to the water, it’ll leave you feeling oh-so calm.

Holidaying with little ones? Check out the separate Family World, with its waterslides and cinema pool where you can watch films on a big screen while you paddle in the shallows.

Where to stay in Bad Hofgastein

Hotel Österreichischer Hof

The Österreichischer Hof has stylish looks and its own spa, plus you’ll get free entry to the Alpentherme spa too. If you want to mix activity with pampering, join a guided walk to head out into the mountains.

Browse Lakes & Mountains holidays and get ready to unwind and recharge. And if you want to combine relaxation with fresh flavours, try these foodie experiences.

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 21/06/2024