10 of Europe’s best Insta-worthy spas

From mountain retreats to ocean-side spas, we seek out the most Insta-worthy spa hotels in Europe - locations so stunning you will not want to leave... 

Lefay Resort and spa, Lake Garda

Lefay is a 93-suite eco-resort and spa perched high on a hillside; set amid a 27-acre nature park in the heart of the ‘Riviera dei Limoni’. The spa overlooks the western shores of Italy’s largest lake, fringed by gentle hills, tranquil fishing villages and the fragrant undulations of olive groves. 

We love…  
The two outdoor infinity pools. The first is deliciously steamy, complete with a neighbouring whirlpool; the second full-length and flanked by a naughty-but-nice cocktail bar, so you can sip something sparkling whilst admire the spectacularly verdant views. 

The Scarlet Spa, Cornwall

Located on a rugged Cornish cliff-top, The Scarlet is an adult-only, super-luxury eco-sanctuary. Bathed in nature, you can spa to the soundtrack of crashing Atlantic waves. Along with a bromine-filtered indoor pool, there’s a freshwater outdoor pool - filtered by reeds – and clifftop wooden sauna looking across Mawgan Porth Bay. 

We love… 
The restorative four-hour Solo Journey Ayurveda treatment (£270): wallow in the clifftop hot tub, experience guided mediation and enjoy a long, bespoke therapeutic massage – before softly landing in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods. 

Euphoria retreat, Greece



Coined as one of Europe’s leading wellbeing destination spa hotels, Euphoria Retreat mixes East and West; Hellenic philosophy with Chinese Medicine. The four-story spa building is an architectural wonder - get toasty in the Byzantine hammam, swim laps in the infinity pool or venture to the 25m Waterwell for a spot of Kneipp Therapy.    

We love… 
The avant-garde sphere pool (pictured above) - fully submerge yourself to a depth of 4-metres at the centre. Soothing marine sounds play softly under the water, transporting you to into a more sensory, womb-like world. Emerge blissfully light, carefree. 

Monart Spa, Ireland

Set within over 100-acres of pea-green Irish countryside in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Monart Destination Spa is considered as one of Ireland’s finest. Phones are banned and all-day robing is actively encouraged – even in the spa bar. Lose yourself in the thermal suite which includes an outdoor Finnish sauna, salt grotto, infra-red pro suite, caldarium and hydrotherapy pool. 

We love… 
The four heated loungers, beside the pool (pictured above) – bag one for optimal chilling. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a whole new level of green therapy. Napping is highly probable.  

Six Senses Ibiza

Sprawling across a pine-clad hillside, Six Senses Balearic spa offers a steam room, indoor pool, hammam, café and juice bar, and rooftop yoga platform. Massage catacombs allow direct access to the organic gardens, where ingredients for the spa botanicals are grown. Seek out modern healing methods at the Rose Bar and bio-hack your way to health.

We love...
The sublime, crystal-clear, infinity pool (pictured above), sitting atop the rocks of Xaracca Bay on the Northern tip on the island. Active spa-goers can paddleboard from a ladder directly into the sea. 

Corinthia, Budapest

The five-star Corinthia – in the heart of Budapest - is synonymous with old-school elegance and effortless grace. With origins in the art deco heyday, the neo-classical facade gives way to a serene white marble lobby, glass-covered atriums and the grand sweeping staircase. The Royal Spa offers a wellbeing retreat in the heart of the city with Finnish saunas, a steam bath, Jacuzzi, full menu of treatments and juice bar. 

We love…
The striking 15-metre Corinthian-columned pool - with its stained-glass-topped ceiling - epitomises European chic.

waldSPA at Forsthofgut Naturhotel, Austria 

Where better to spa than the Austrian Alpine forests? Naturhotel Forsthofgut’s waldSPA is all about its natural surroundings - from the pure Alpine water to the clear mountain air. The adult-only area is heaven (sorry kids), complete with large old-wood sauna, herbal steam baths and organic saunas.

We love…
The mountain-view outdoor pool is next level; bubble away in the 36.C whirlpool with unrestricted views of the Leogang Rocky Mountains or take a dip in the organic bathing lake with nature as far as the eye can see. 

The Bürgenstock, Switzerland

The Bürgenstock is a legendary Swiss resort perched high on a cliff 500m above Lake Lucerne. Head down the steps to a spacious spa area where glass sides bring the outdoors in. Don’t miss the panoramic sauna before popping outside to dunk in the brisk lake water eco-pool.

We love… 
The L-shaped outdoor infinity pool - bathe in the warm water with its various bubble-jet stations and feel the fresh air on your face; its infinity edge seemingly spilling into the lake below.

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, England

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Borrowdale valley, Lodore Falls Spa is all about the lake views. The thermal suite comprises a laconium, aroma steam room, herbal sauna, salt steam room, ice fountain, drench showers and heated relaxation loungers.

We love… 
The outdoor 16-metre infinity edge vitality pool with neck jets, underwater loungers and an amazing overflow hot tub feature with spectacular views to Derwentwater and the Catbells Mountain Range - possibly the best selfie location in the Lake District. 

Shangri-la Hotel, Paris

 
Push -1 on the ornate lift and zoom down to the unfussy, elegant Chi Spa where a palette of creams, whites and pale greens are paired with stark white orchids, filling the air with a scent reminiscent of Shangri-La’s Asian roots.

We love…
The Eiffel Tower views. The hotel was built in 1896 as the home of Prince Bonaparte, the same year as the famous Parisian Tower (which, incidentally, is visible in all its glory from most rooms). Authentic features include parquet floors, marble pillars, stained glass windows and wrought iron/gold winding staircases.