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Facials, massages, saunas, hot tubs and cucumber on the eyes might sound like heaven. But factor in extortionate prices, and your restful oasis might just turn into the stuff of nightmares.
Many UK spa hotels are classed as luxury properties, and during peak spring weekends, the cost of a long stay can quickly climb towards £1,000 after spa access, meals and treatments are factored in.
Travel experts at First Choice have said a three‑night all‑inclusive spa stay with flights overseas to destinations such as Turkey can cost £760 – compared with an average £1,365 for a similar UK break.
Holidaymakers could save hundreds by swapping a UK wellness staycation for a spa break abroad.
Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice, said: ‘Many people assume spa breaks abroad are more expensive than staying in the UK, but that’s no longer the case.
‘When you factor in flights, food and guaranteed sunshine, destinations like Turkey can offer far better value.’
For travellers weighing up whether to book a British spa weekend or head abroad, a short‑haul wellness break can offer better value, better weather and a more inclusive experience, all for less.
Here, the Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of the best overseas spas that are cheaper to visit than opting for a UK wellness stay…
The Sense De Luxe Hotel, Turkey
The Sense De Luxe Hotel in Turkey boasts several different pools and three saunas
According to travel experts at First Choice, a spa holiday at The Sense De Luxe Hotel in Turkey is 44 per cent cheaper than a comparable break in the UK.
It also offers average temperatures of 27C in May.
In contrast, the Turkish break includes flights, accommodation, meals and full use of spa facilities, helping holidaymakers keep overall costs down by avoiding additional food, transport and treatment charges.
Located on Turkey’s southern coast, The Sense De Luxe Hotel is a five‑star, beachfront spa resort offering a wide range of wellness facilities.
This includes indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and traditional Turkish baths.
Guests can also book a variety of massages and body treatments.
The hotel has its own private sandy beach overlooking the Mediterranean.
Plus, it is set close to the historic town of Side, giving visitors the option to combine spa time with gentle sightseeing or coastal walks.
An all-inclusive seven-night stay at The Sense De Luxe Hotel in Turkey starts from £462pp, including flights.
Therme Bucuresti, Romania
Therme Bucuresti in Romania has both a family zone and an adults-only haven, pictured
From just £30 for a whole day’s entry, you can visit Therme Bucuresti in Romania.
The spa features Galaxy, a family zone with water slides, a wave pool and activities for children.
Plus, adults can relax in The Palm, which has a huge pool under a retractable roof, a pool bar and hydromassage beds.
Meanwhile, Elysium is the premium zone for high-quality spa facilities, including various therapies and dining options.
A one-day visit to The Palm costs £30.
Flights to Bucharest from the UK start from £19 each way with Wizz Air through Skyscanner.
Rudas Thermal Bath, Budapest
Ditch the popular Budapest Széchenyi Baths for the Rudas Thermal Bath, pictured
Budapest, often dubbed the ‘spa capital of the world’, attracts around four million guests to its famous baths each year.
Gen Z opt for the elaborate Széchenyi Baths – but switching this for the Rudas Thermal Bath is a great idea.
Start with a dip in the swimming pool, before enjoying one of six thermal pools in the Turkish bath.
Massages are also on the cards here – as are unique water rituals, ‘a special blend of massage and thermal water experience,’ according to the spa website.
From £20 for a day’s use. Check before visiting as sometimes the spa is men only; en.rudasfurdo.hu.
Flights to Budapest from the UK start from £21 each way with Ryanair through Skyscanner.
Thermia Palace, Slovakia
Thermia Palace in Piešt’any, Slovakia is an under-the-radar spot to add to your list
Spa town Piešt’any is well worth a visit, notably the Thermia Palace hotel’s spa.
Its quiet location on the green spa island of Piešťany makes it ideal for getting some real rest, and it’s kitted out with everything you might need.
The Art Nouveau building makes for impressive interiors, and the hotel offers mud pools, mineral water treatments, thermal baths, a whirlpool and hydrotherapy.
From £192 a day, half board, with two daily treatments; ensanahotels.com.
Flights from the UK to Bratislava start from £15 each way with Ryanair on Skyscanner.
Istarske Toplice, Croatia
Istarske Toplice is a thermal health resort in Istria, Croatia
Hotel Mirna is the main part of Istarske Toplice Resort – a budget-friendly spa getaway in Croatia.
With a thermal pool, it’s a secluded and beautiful spot.
One rave Tripadvisor review read: ‘Health tourism that delivers! We returned today after seven days staying in the Mirna Hotel as part of our “get well” trip.
‘Feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and happy with our first experience of European-style health tourism. Genuinely friendly staff, beautifully located, positioned beneath mountains and surrounded by forest. We even had the bonus of seeing deer drink in the river at night and a fox that occasionally appeared when out for an evening stroll.’
Rooms start from £47 at Hotel Mirna.
Flights from the UK to Pula in Istria start from £37 each way with Ryanair on Skyscanner.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Health Resort, Wieliczka, Poland
Salt therapy areas are on offer at the former Wieliczka Salt Mine Health Resort complex
Tucked away 1,073 feet underground lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine – a salty kingdom located near the Polish city of Krakow.
The impressive site has more than 700 years of history and is spread across nine levels. It was once the largest source of salt in the country.
There are two chambers that can be hired for private functions, as well as a spa that specialises in respiratory treatments.
Overnight stays from £46.
Flights to Krakow from the UK start from £16 each way with Ryanair through Skyscanner.
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