"Anyone who thinks heaven is not hot water behind a locked door has forgotten what it means to live." ― Lucy Frank
I've returned from several blissful days in Saratoga Springs, NY, where I was inducted into the Bath Robe Addicts community, with the official bathrobe to prove it! The fall colors upstate were beginning to show as delegates from throughout the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns gathered for a spa heritage festival in Saratoga Springs, their only international partner town in North America. The selfie was taken right after my second soak in the mineral waters of the Roosevelt Baths located inside Saratoga Springs State Park, and as you can see, I was feeling amazing. I honestly didn't expect much from the baths, but oh wow was I wrong. The high concentration of the minerals and their effect on my body was revelatory. Back stiffness? Gone. A break out on my neck, healed. Sinus congestion? Cleared. The most moving part of the thermal experience was even my self-talk softened and, uplifted by effervescent waters, I mused how miraculous my body is, how lucky I am for these limbs and this life. If I lived in Saratoga Springs, I would go back to the baths all the time. I will definitely return!
I learned so much about the historic thermal spa towns in Europe, and I'm going to start recommending them more, for sure. On the day you arrive from an overnight flight, spending your first night at a thermal resort is a fantastic way to recalibrate and refresh followed by a divinely deep sleep. Spa towns are often less than an hour by train from major cities like Paris, Barcelona, Vienna, Lisbon, and Florence and provide a relaxed alternative during peak season. European spa towns emphasize and celebrate spa architecture, local history, arts and culture, and they're traditionally very welcoming to visitors since they've offered healing waters through the millennia to guests from around the world.
Last year I visited one of these Historic Thermal Towns - Montecatini Terme in Tuscany. The village is filled with Art Nouveau architecture, and the town is one of UNESCO's Great Spa Towns of Europe. The spa itself is so beautiful, and I recommend taking time to enjoy the historic atmosphere of its cafe. As you stroll through the spa, you can also drink various its waters on tap that are meant to help with different conditions. The spa itself is open and airy with pretty grounds. While visiting, take the cable car to the old town of Montecatini Alto for panoramic views, pleasant walks, shopping, and dining too.
Inspired to "take the waters" yourself? Let's include a thermal spa visit on your next trip to Europe!
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Danielle Dybiec
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