Sometimes, all we need is to just tune the world out, leave the daily stress behind, and claim back a little “me time.” How, you ask? Well, taking a spa break while enjoying a well-deserved getaway sounds like a great way to start. Treating yourself to a spa experience can be a great way to unwind and re-energize. But where’s best place to go? Especially if you’re looking to avoid crowds, genuinely relax, and not get lost in the hype.

We’re here to help. These great destinations will help you enjoy an affordable and utterly relaxing spa experience in the U.S. and beyond!

Austin

The capital of Texas might be better known for live music and amazing food, but it’s a smart place to visit for spa breaks as well. Some of the best are on Lake Austin, but you’ll also find good ones in town at the finest hotels. Want to head out of town? Head to the Hill Country, a short distance away, in search for even more relaxation.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Did you know that upstate New York’s Saratoga Springs is an old spa town once renowned for its natural mineral springs? To this day, it remains a great destination for taking it easy for wellness breaks at one of its many historic hotels, full-service spas, or mineral baths. About 40 miles north of Albany, Saratoga Springs features plenty of outdoor activities to pursue, including hiking in the Adirondacks, paddling on Lake George, and horseback riding.

Belize

Belize

Belize is a tropical Caribbean paradise that’s just a short flight from much of the U.S. and one of the safest destinations in Latin America. It’s also an ideal getaway for a beautiful and affordable spa break. Features include access to rainforests, excellent dive and snorkeling sites, and opportunities to tour ancient Mayan ruins. Sounds like a fun vacation, for sure!

Germany

Germany has a number of spa towns with choices for every budget. Most are quite historic, some dating back to the time of the Ancient Romans. Bavaria and the Black Forest in Southern Germany are the best areas to visit for the most famous spas, including the wealthy resort town of Baden-Baden. But you can take relaxing soaks in therapeutic thermal baths across the whole country, so don’t be afraid to explore!

Hungary

Hungary, Budapest Bathhouse

Similar to Germany, Hungary features a rich tradition of spas and bathhouses. Budapest in particular has some of the most celebrated and inexpensive resorts, day spas, and baths. If you’re traveling anywhere else inside this European nation you will also find good alternatives along the Danube River or at Lake Balaton.

Indonesia

The spas and resorts of Bali and Lombok are legendary…and those are but two of the 17,000 islands that comprise the Asia-Pacific nation of Indonesia! You’ll find plenty of affordable choices at world-class resorts and hotels, with spas all around the archipelago plus plenty of other things to see and do along the way.

You may also like: Chill Out at These Relaxing Travel Destinations!

New Zealand

Rotorua Naural Springs in New Zealand

Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island — with its massive lake, geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools, and range of historic and contemporary spas and hotels — is a fascinating destination. The town is also a hub for traditional Maori culture. More opportunities for wellness vacations abound on the South Island at beautiful spots such as the resort town of Hanmer Springs and the outdoorsy outpost of Queenstown on the shore of Lake Wakatipu.

Thailand

Lastly, there might be no better accommodating destination for wellness retreats and spa breaks than Thailand. Whether you snag cheap flights or splurge in business flight tickets, you can be sure to enjoy the traditional Thai massage practically anywhere in the country. Thai massage is known around the world for some reason, and local folks revere it as a royal art. So no matter if you’re chilling out in Chiang Mai, bounding through the bustle of Bangkok, or heading to any of its multitude of gorgeous seaside towns and resorts, you’ll be met with a warm welcome and an amazing massage offered at a great price.

Got a favorite spa destination that’s still under the radar of most tourists? We would love to hear about it in our comments section below!

One Response

  1. Suzette

    Im a 77yrs Disabeled Senior that always loved going to Spas but where I live now Northern California is none on a set Income, been on 4 Cruises

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About The Author

Chris Osburn is a freelance writer, photographer, consultant, curator, and the driving force behind the long running and award winning blog, tikichris.com. Originally from the American Deep South, Chris has lived and worked all over the world. He's called London home since 2001.