Spas and thermal baths
The best places for spas and thermal baths are Santorini, Aruba, Cozumel, Athens and Rhodes. Santorini has the hot springs of Agios Nikolaos Bay at Palaia Kameni, reached by boat tour, and Cozumel has spa treatments at Mr. Sancho's Sea Sense Spa. Athens has a mineral dip in Vouliagmeni Lake, and Rhodes has the Roman-era thermal baths at Kallithea Springs.
Where it's best
The hot springs around Agios Nikolaos Bay at Palaia Kameni are naturally occurring and therapeutic, and visitors swim in the warm sulfuric water. They are reached by a tour, and the boat anchors close to the springs. Many visitors also smear on the mud, and a marine mud bath can be taken.
Aruba's resort spas offer massages, scrubs, mud wraps and facials, and eforea Spa adds a steam room, sauna and cold plunge pool.
Mr. Sancho's Sea Sense Spa offers personalized treatments with essential oils and lotions, and its spa suites sit at the beach club. At SkyReef Cozumel, a Caribbean massage is given at the water's edge.
Vouliagmeni Lake is a flooded limestone cave fed by underground mineral currents, with water around 22-24C even in winter. Visitors come for a therapeutic dip in its mineral water.
Kallithea Springs has a beach and ancient thermal baths dating back to Roman times. The springs sit in the heart of Rhodes and are known for their history.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
