Europe’s historic baths and spas are the perfect blend of history and holistic care.

Far from the typical day spas one may find at a lavish hotel, the geothermal hot springs are eco friendly attractions that’ve drawn visitors from around the world for millennia. The Romans adored these hot springs so much that you can find their ancient bathhouses in Italy, Hungary, Britain, and beyond.

When energy efficient travel and eco friendly attractions are a priority of your vacation, Europe’s historic baths offer a way to visit eco friendly tourist destinations without sacrificing fascinating history and supreme pampering near the continent’s greatest cities.

Europe’s Historic Baths

Bath Spa | England

Britain’s city of Bath is one of the most historic, and eco friendly attractions in the UK. The fantastically preserved Ancient Roman Baths in Bath were constructed nearly 2,000 years ago and still fill with steaming water from the hot springs. Unlike other eco friendly attractions that allow you to dip into the soothing waters, the Roman Baths in Britain offer immersion only through touring the ruins and visiting the dedicated museum.

See Britain’s only natural hot springs for yourself on Luxury Gold’s British Royale, one of our luxury tours of England. This 10-day tour brings you to Bath where you can stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture, visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, and enjoy a Michelin-starred meal at Olive Tree Restaurant.

Szechenyi Baths | Hungary

Hungary embraced the continent’s hot springs long after the Romans left behind Budapest’s first baths. Popular sites like the Kiraly and Rudas Baths, the oldest thermal baths in the city, were built by the Ottoman Turks in the 1500s. The geothermal waters were used for royal ritual bathing, but now are open to the public. Baths like Szechenyi, however, highlight the popularity of Hungarian bathing culture in a more modern way. Only a century old, Szechenyi Baths is a gathering place for those seeking holistic aquatic therapies as well as those who just want to splash in the spring waters.

See Budapest’s baths from topside as you cruise the Danube on Luxury Gold’s Harmony of Central Europe tour. Two nights in Budapest will leave you longing to spend more time soaking up this city; though days exploring Prague, Vienna, Krakow, and Warsaw will leave you more than satisfied with Central Europe’s splendor.

The Blue Lagoon | Iceland

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is not only one of the most popular eco friendly attractions in the country, it’s also a world-renowned eco friendly attraction. While the Blue Lagoon is a man-made site, its geothermal water is actually runoff from the nearby geothermal power plant that settled in a lava field. Its iconic blue color is the result of the high concentration of silica in the water. Few visit for the science of the site; the Blue Lagoon’s milky waters set against a gorgeous Icelandic sunset are eye-candy for the camera, making its chief draw the obligatory photo op when traveling Iceland for the first time.

Pamukkale pools | Türkiye

If the Blue Lagoon is Europe’s most mesmerizing bath in the west, then the Pamukkale pools take that title in the east. The Romans used the Pamukkale thermal pools as a spa thousands of years ago and it was far from a fleeting trend. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sees the turquoise spring water cascade over white calcified formations, lending it an otherworldly appearance. The travertine terraces are shallow, making it ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Near Turkey’s Cotton Castle, as it’s known, are other thermal spas and hot springs, including the ancient Cleopatra’s Pools.

Read next: This hotel has been the peak of luxury for over a century

Evia | Greece

The Greek Islands are far from hidden gems yet even one of the most popular eco friendly tourist destinations in Europe has a few secrets up its sleeve. Edipsos, or Aidipsos, is a spa resort town located on the northern part of Evia island. The thermal spas here have welcomed everyone from today’s celebrity royalty to historical figures like Constantine and Hadrian. Edipsos is home to nearly 100 hot springs, each with varying temperatures. The many resorts surrounding the springs offer holistic treatments just as unique.

Expert selected: The 4 best luxury hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

Relaxation Beyond Europe

Tradition Soaking in Ginzan Onsen | Japan

Europe’s historic baths are soothing, though they’re not the only way to soak in serenity. Thousands of Japan’s natural hot springs, called onsen, offer traditional ways to engage with Japanese culture against amazing backdrops. Ginzan Onsen is one of the most picturesque, particularly in the winter when the stark white snow and wooden Taisho-Era architecture are illuminated by the flickering flames of gas lamps. This eco friendly attraction in Yamagata reveals a different face in the warmer months when the snow thaws and lush green hiking trails lead deep into the mountains.

Luxury Gold invites you to soak in the hot springs of Japan as you explore the classic tradition and exciting modernity of this wonderful country. The Majestic Japan tour includes a visit to the Oirase Gorge where you’ll enjoy a soothing Onsen bath before attending a private VIP sake tasting and brewery tour.

A haven of tranquility: Discovering the best luxury spas in Japan.

Join a Luxury Gold tour today to experience the best of Europe’s historic baths and natural hot springs around the world, in seamless style.

Switzerland is one European country that’s worth every penny spent.

You’ll never regret immersing yourself in the finer elements of this country’s heritage, culture, and diverse community. From inspired dining that regularly earns Gault-Millau points to luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that have their own private mountain railways, to experience a five-star stay in Switzerland is to embrace an experience as elevated and highly-regarded as the country’s renowned exports. 

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxury resorts in Switzerland.

Ambassador Hotel | Zurich

Credit: Ambassadorhotelzurich on Instagram

A neo-baroque facade opens up into a Belle Époque interior delicately appointed with lavish furnishings. From the rooftop terrace views of Zurich’s lake and downtown to the smooth Milk Punches served in the Silk Bar, the Ambassador Hotel may be one of the smaller luxury hotels in Switzerland, but not a single splendid detail falling below your expectations. You need to only look at the Ambassador Suite for proof of such pure luxury: a stop at the complimentary minibar followed by a seat on the private balcony overlooking the Zurich Opera House will introduce you to rich Swiss accommodation.

Destination inspiration: 5 incredible photos to take from the Glacier Express.

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski | Saint Moritz

Of the many luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski both tempts you to spend hours indoors while also enticing you to explore the mountains to your heart’s content. Before you even set foot in the lobby, you can take the cable car directly to hiking and skiing trails. Just do remember that this 19th century building is worth wandering in its own right. The Alpine Spa is as inviting as the landscape: a menu of pristine pampering including a Swiss skincare program using anti-aging-trans-dermal technology, facials incorporating organic seaweed science, and restorative rituals that even children can enjoy.

Read next: The timeless beauty of Switzerland with Trevor Noah and Roger Federer

Mont Cervin Palace | Zermatt

Credit: Mont Cervin Palace Zermatt

A cozy chalet with full view of Switzerland’s four-thousanders. One would think such a place is only found deep within the Alps, not in the center of Zermatt. Mont Cervin Palace has both chalet style and alpine style suites that warmly welcome you to cuddle up beside the fire and gaze out at the Matterhorn. As one of the luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that cater to families, you can make memories with your little ones by renting ice skates and not miss a minute of Mont Cervin Palace’s luxe amenities thanks to babysitting services. While the kids play with their new Swiss mascot friend, Wolli, you’ll savor every Gault-Millau point served at the hotel’s six bars and restaurants. 

Hotel d’Angleterre | Geneva

As elegant as the Lake Geneva shoreline it sits on, Hotel d’Angleterre was designed to reflect Geneva’s beauty. Sumptuous suites with marble-lined bathrooms invite you to wake up or wind down in supreme comfort. You’ll need the rest and relaxation after partaking in one of the hotel’s extraordinary experiences such as taking a night market tour with the hotel’s Executive Chef or spending the afternoon in a watchmaking workshop. Should you need a pre-slumber break, the plush smoke-free cigar lounge has a seat for you. But if you were born to be on your feet, follow the lively music to the Leopard Bar.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern | Lucerne

So many famous faces have laid their heads in Hotel Schweizerhof’s beds since 1845 that you shouldn’t be surprised if you spot a celeb. Like B.B. King and Mark Twain, you can walk into this luxury hotel in Switzerland and feel like a guest of honor. Luxury suites with lake views and plenty of room for guests are your retreat after eating your way through the exotic dishes at Galerie and Pavillion, only a short elevator ride away.  

Explore each of these luxury hotels in Switzerland when you join Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. This 10-day journey treats you to a VIP sparkling wine experience, an after-hours tour of the Rosengart Museum, and a ride on the Glacier Express.

After spending 9 days with Luxury Gold, consider extending your stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels.

Hotel Bellevue Palace | Bern

Credit: Bellevue Palace Bern

A Grand Hotel that evokes a Bern long before the hotel became the official hotel of the Swiss administration, Hotel Bellevue Palace is an intersection for the government and the gourmands. A Finnish sauna, imaginative cocktail list, and a regal Presidential Suite with Bernese Alps views round out the opulence. 

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa | Interlaken

Credit @victoriajungfrau on Instagram

Luxury resorts in Switzerland like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will make you wonder why you didn’t spend your entire vacation soaking up the Bernese Oberland scenery. An expansive spa, fine dining featuring both authentic Swiss and Italian dishes, and world-class champagnes await your arrival. 

Learn more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

Hotel Les Trois Rois | Basel 

Credit @grandhotellestroisrois on Instagram

Hotel Les Trois Rois sits on a spot in Basel’s city center that’s been a hub of history since the Middle Ages. Write your own chapter in the River Suite Napoleon, a space adorned with frescos reminiscent of the Napoleonic era. And to top off its timeless charm, the hotel’s afternoon tea service is one that the Dutch of Bedford would approve of. 

Villa Principe Leopoldo | Lugano 

Credit @villaprincipeleopoldo on Instagram

As if it were dreamt up in a fairytale, the Villa Principe Leopoldo will leave you with a sense of whimsy the moment you lay eyes on this luxury resort in Switzerland. The Princess Garden Suite is an appropriate haven that includes a private jacuzzi and view overlooking Lake Lugano.

Save for later: Seven Reasons to Visit Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel | Davos

Credit @tschuggengrandhotel on Instagram

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxury hotel in Switzerland that has no qualms sending you up to its luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. Mountain lofts retain all of the five-star amenities and white-glove service of the hotel while offering a quiet escape 1,800 meters above sea level. Their list of curated experiences is impressive in itself, but if you’re merely looking for R&R, use the private mountain railway takes you directly to the pistes and trails.

Indulge in a refined Switzerland vacation tailored to discerning travelers. Find travel tips, destination inspiration, and more information about Switzerland’s best resorts when you book an unforgettable journey with Luxury Gold.