A holiday home in Spa is ideal if you want to combine nature, wellness, and the charm of the Belgian Ardennes. Spa has been known for centuries for its thermal springs and spa tradition and even gave its name to the international term “spa.” At the same time, the town is nestled in a wooded and hilly setting, close to hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and famous landmarks such as the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack. On Vipio, you’ll find unique holiday homes in and around Spa for a romantic wellness weekend, an active holiday, or a few relaxing days in the Ardennes.
Holiday home in Spa, Belgium
Holiday Home in Spa: Wellness in the Heart of the Ardennes
Spa is located in the province of Liège, on the edge of the High Fens and in the heart of the Ardennes’ lush countryside. The town has a different feel than many other Ardennes destinations. You’ll find historical spa buildings, villas, parks, and a long tradition of thermal bathing, yet you’re also just minutes away from nature.
That makes a holiday home in Spa an attractive option for travelers looking for more than just a wooded setting. Here, you can combine a day of hiking or biking with wellness, culture, and dining in the town itself.
For couples, this makes Spa an ideal destination for a romantic weekend. Families and groups of friends, on the other hand, benefit from the combination of nature, activities, and more spacious holiday homes in the area.
Why Spa Became World-Renowned for wellness
The name Spa has become synonymous with wellness worldwide, but its origins lie literally in this Belgian city. For centuries, visitors have come here for the mineral springs and bathing culture.
The thermal tradition has shaped Spa into a spa town with a character all its own. Historical buildings, old bathhouses, and spa architecture still evoke the era when nobility and affluent visitors came here for treatments.
That history makes wellness in Spa different from a modern wellness resort destination. Here, you’ll experience not only saunas and thermal baths, but also the story behind the place.
For a holiday home, this means you can easily incorporate wellness into your stay without necessarily having to stay in a hotel.
Combining the Spa Thermal Baths with Your Own Holiday Home
One of the city’s most famous attractions is the Spa Thermal Baths. They’re located above the city and accessible via a cable car. The complex is dedicated to relaxation, bathing, and wellness.
A holiday home offers a different experience than staying at a spa hotel. You have more privacy, your own kitchen, and often more space. During the day, you visit the thermal baths and then return to your own accommodations.
Some holiday homes in the area also feature their own wellness facilities, such as a jacuzzi, hot tub, or sauna. This allows you to combine a day at the thermal baths with private wellness at your holiday home.
Spa for a Romantic Weekend
Spa is one of the most obvious destinations in Belgium for a romantic wellness weekend. The combination of nature, thermal baths, and charming accommodations works especially well for couples.
Start the day with a walk through the woods, then visit the thermal baths, and round off the evening with dinner in town or at your holiday home.
Accommodations offering extra privacy make the weekend even more appealing. Consider a nature cabin, tiny house, or chalet with a jacuzzi, sauna, or fireplace.
Whether it’s for an anniversary, a birthday, or simply a weekend for two, Spa is a destination that offers much more than just a traditional city trip.
Hiking Around Spa
The area around Spa is hilly and wooded, making it ideal for hiking. From the town, you can easily walk to forests, small rivers, and higher vantage points.
The High Fens are also located in the region and offer a landscape completely different from the forested valleys around Spa. Here, you’ll hike through open peatlands, heathland, and high-altitude nature.
For hikers, a holiday home is ideal because you can choose different routes over several days. One day you might take a shorter hike from Spa, and the next day venture further toward the High Fens.
Afterward, it’s especially nice to return to a place to stay with wellness or a fireplace.
Spa and the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
Spa isn’t just known for wellness. A short distance away lies the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most famous race tracks in the world.
The circuit is best known for Formula 1, but other races and events are also held there. This makes a holiday home in Spa an attractive option for motorsports enthusiasts who want to combine an event with a stay in the Ardennes.
During major race weekends, the region fills up quickly and prices often rise. So if you’re coming specifically for an event, it’s a good idea to book early.
Outside of event days, the circuit is actually a nice bonus attraction during a holiday that otherwise revolves around nature and wellness.
Spa or Durbuy?
Spa and Durbuy are both popular destinations in the Ardennes, but they offer different experiences.
Durbuy revolves heavily around its historical center, the Ourthe River, and outdoor activities. Spa, on the other hand, has a distinct wellness focus and feels a bit more stately due to its spa history and architecture.
Those looking primarily for romance, thermal baths, and wellness will often find Spa more appealing. If you’re looking for a small historical town with plenty of outdoor activities, Durbuy might be a better fit.
For a longer holiday, you can also combine both destinations.
Spa in Fall and Winter
Spa is perhaps at its most beautiful in the fall and winter. The forests surrounding the town turn red and gold in the fall, while the colder months are perfect for wellness.
A walk in the crisp outdoor air followed by warming up in a sauna or hot tub fits perfectly with the region’s atmosphere.
In winter, the higher elevations of the Ardennes and the High Fens can often be cold and sometimes wintry. A holiday home with a fireplace, sauna, or hot tub feels especially cozy then.
That makes Spa a great destination for a weekend getaway outside the peak season.
Spa in the Spring and Summer
Spa also has a lot to offer in the spring and summer. The forests turn green, the hiking trails are easily accessible, and longer days make it easy to combine multiple activities.
For example, you can go for a walk in the morning, visit a terrace in the afternoon, and then relax at your holiday home later on.
Events at Spa-Francorchamps also add extra vibrancy to the region during this time.
Those seeking peace and quiet can opt for a holiday home just outside of Spa and visit the city from there whenever it suits them.
Discover more unique accommodations in the Ardennes
See also:
- Bouillon Holiday Home
- Holiday Home in Durbuy
- Ardennes Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
- Holiday Home in the Ardennes with a Pool
- Group accommodations in the Ardennes
- Tiny House in the Ardennes
- Romantic Getaways in Belgium
- Holiday Home in Belgium with a Pool
- Unique Accommodations in Belgium
Rent out your own holiday home in Spa
Do you own a unique holiday home, chalet, tiny house, or other type of accommodation in Spa or the surrounding area? Through Vipio, you can reach travelers specifically looking for unique stays that combine nature, wellness, and comfort. List your property at vipio.com/nl/aanbieden or contact us at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Why is Spa known as a wellness destination?
Spa has been known for centuries for its mineral springs and tradition of spa treatments. The city became so famous as a spa resort that the word “spa” is used worldwide to refer to wellness and thermal baths. Today, you can still experience that history in the thermal baths and historical spa architecture.
Is Spa a good place for a romantic weekend?
Yes. Spa combines nature, thermal baths, restaurants, and charming accommodations. Holiday homes with a jacuzzi, sauna, hot tub, or fireplace are especially popular among couples who want to relax together.
Are there good hiking trails near Spa?
Yes. Spa is located in the heart of a wooded and hilly area, close to the High Fens. This allows you to combine short walks around the town with longer hikes through forests, valleys, and open peatlands.
Is the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack close to Spa?
Yes. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located a short distance from the city. As a result, Spa is a popular base during races and other events at the track. During major events, it’s advisable to book early.
Is Spa also fun outside of the summer?
Absolutely. In the fall, the forests around Spa are especially beautiful, and in the winter, the combination of hiking and wellness is a perfect fit for the region. A holiday home with a sauna, hot tub, or fireplace makes a stay outside the peak season even more appealing.