History

From the seaside resorts of Victorian England to the sophistication and luxury of the modern spa towns of Central Europe, the health-giving properties of European spas have long drawn people from across the continent to locations such as historic Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic.

Bathing in thermal waters was an important cultural process practiced by Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Minoans, Greeks, and Romans whenever they sought health and relief from pain and disease. From Iceland to Japan, the custom of bathing in hot springs has long been practiced all over the world. However, nowhere but in Europe has the practice of visiting spa towns for rest, relaxation and the treatment of illness been taken up with such enthusiasm.

The world’s great spa cities rose up because of the healing properties of mineral springs close by, including Baden-Baden in Germany, Spa in Belgium and Bath in England. Many of the first European spas were built by Roman soldiers at the height of the empire as they roamed Europe winning new colonies. When the Roman Empire declined, many fell into disuse, but in the 19th century, Europe’s great spas again became popular destinations for the wealthy, who went to ‘take the waters’ and benefit from their healing properties.

Theories about the origin of the word ‘spa’ are divided – one claims that it comes from the name of a Belgian town where since Medieval times people have traveled to drink the iron-rich spring water to benefit from its health advantages. The word was thereafter applied as a description for any resort close to healing springs.

In recent years, the value of prevention and healthy lifestyles has been rediscovered and the spa is again finding its place in modern society as a place uniquely qualified to address these needs.