Deep in the rolling hills of the Belgian Ardennes lies a name that has become synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation — Spa. This small town in the province of Liège gave the world the very word “spa”, a testament to its centuries-old reputation as the birthplace of European hydrotherapy.
At the heart of it all stands the Thermes de Spa, a modern sanctuary built upon ancient springs. Combining mineral-rich waters, cutting-edge facilities, and panoramic views of the forested valley below, Thermes de Spa isn’t just a wellness center — it’s a living legacy of healing, luxury, and tranquility.
🕰️ A History Steeped in Healing: The Origins of Spa
Long before luxury wellness became a global trend, Spa, Belgium was already a pilgrimage site for kings, philosophers, and travelers seeking the restorative power of nature. The town’s fame began in the 16th century, when its bubbling mineral springs were discovered to possess curative properties — particularly for skin, digestive, and rheumatic ailments.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, Spa had become known as the “Café of Europe.” Nobles and aristocrats from across the continent — from Peter the Great of Russia to Marie Antoinette — came to bathe in and drink the famous waters. Elegant villas, casinos, and promenades were built, transforming Spa into a glamorous hub of health and culture.
Today, while much of that old-world charm remains, the Thermes de Spa carries the torch forward — blending tradition with contemporary wellness science.
🏛️ The Modern Thermes de Spa: A Sanctuary in the Clouds
Perched high on a wooded hill above the town center, the Thermes de Spa complex looks out across sweeping views of the Ardennes forest. The moment you arrive, serenity takes over — the architecture itself seems designed to harmonize with nature, inviting calm through glass, light, and water.
A Journey Begins with the Cable Car
Your experience starts even before you enter. A glass funicular (cable car) connects the town center to the spa, gliding silently up the hillside and offering a beautiful aerial view of the historic rooftops and green valley below. It’s a symbolic ascent — leaving the everyday world behind as you rise toward rest and renewal.
💦 The Healing Waters of Spa
The lifeblood of the Thermes de Spa is its natural mineral water, drawn from the legendary Clémentine, Marie-Henriette, and Groesbeek springs. Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and carbon dioxide, the waters are known for their detoxifying, circulatory, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Locals say that bathing in Spa’s waters doesn’t just relax the body — it “resets” it. The sensation is gentle yet profound: soft, slightly effervescent water that leaves the skin refreshed and the muscles weightless.
🧖♀️ Facilities: Where Ancient Water Meets Modern Wellness
Spanning over 800 square meters, the Thermes de Spa offers a full range of thermal and wellness facilities — all designed to envelop you in calm.
1. Thermal Pools (Indoor & Outdoor)
The centerpiece of the complex are the two large thermal pools, both fed by natural mineral springs and maintained at a soothing 33°C. The indoor pool features underwater jets, bubble beds, and gentle currents — ideal for muscle relaxation.