Polski
From the world, Issue 14/2025
Water SPA, or natural mud, brine and algae baths
Sep
A water spa is more than just relaxation in a luxury resort – it’s a return to the sources of health. Muds, brines and algae have been used for centuries to treat the body and soul, and today they are gaining a growing reputation as places for holistic relaxation and vitality regeneration. We suggest which ones are worth taking advantage of.
What are natural baths and what are their benefits?
Natural bathing is not a fad of recent years, but a practice that has been known for centuries. Already in ancient times, the Romans and Greeks used therapeutic muds, brines and algae baths, believing in their regenerative power. Today, research confirms that such therapies help treat skin diseases, relieve muscle and joint pain, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. Minerals in muds and brines, such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, have an anti-inflammatory effect, while algae, rich in iodine and antioxidants, help detoxify the body and delay skin aging.
The most famous water spas
Top 3 places for mud baths
1. the Dead Sea (Israel, Jordan)
This is the most famous mud spa in the world, located about 430 meters above sea level. The shores of the Dead Sea are covered with deposits of dark, thick mud, saturated with more than 20 minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, iodine and zinc. They soothe inflammation, regenerate the skin, reduce muscle tension and promote detoxification. Mud baths and wraps on beaches, such as Ein Bokek, and in luxury spas promote the treatment of psoriasis, acne and cellulite, improving the condition of the skin.
2. Hévíz (Hungary)
The largest natural thermal lake in the world (about 4.4 hectares), surrounded by picturesque nature, is a treasure trove of mineral mud with exceptional healing properties. Rich in nutrients, Hévíz mud aids muscle regeneration, relieves rheumatic pains and improves skin condition, especially for dermatological problems. Mud baths in the Spa Park or at the Great Lake of Hévíz combine relaxation in the warm thermal waters (24-38°C) with the therapeutic effects of the mud.
3. San Pedro del Pinatar, Mar Menor (Spain)
The Mar Menor salt lagoon, one of the largest mud areas in Europe, attracts crowds who want to take advantage of the healing properties of the mineral salt-rich mud. It’s an ideal place for people struggling with skin problems such as psoriasis or rheumatic conditions. The lagoon’s warm water (above 32°C in summer) and high salt content make swimming easy, while mud baths on the shore offer natural therapy surrounded by Mediterranean nature.
Top 3 places for salt baths
1. the Dead Sea (Israel, Jordan)
The Dead Sea is also a leader among places offering salt baths. The water, saturated with 30-35 percent salts – ten times more than in the oceans – contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and bromine, aiding therapy for psoriasis, rheumatism, skin allergies and treating respiratory problems. Brine baths, available on beaches or in exclusive spas, improve circulation and have a relaxing effect, while the high density of the water allows it to float to the surface, providing a unique therapeutic and relaxing experience.
2. Hajdúszoboszló (Hungary)
This is one of the largest thermal complexes in Europe, known as the Mecca for rheumatics, with brines rich in iodine, bromine and mineral salts to help treat arthritis, skin problems and respiratory problems. Bathing in 32-38°C water in the vast pools of the aquapark, surrounded by greenery, relaxes and heals, attracting millions of tourists a year.
3. Ciechocinek (Poland)
The iconic spa with the largest brine graduation towers in Europe, creating a microclimate saturated with iodine and bromine, ideal for the respiratory tract and skin, is located in Poland. The brine, which has a high mineral content and is used in baths at 30-40°C, helps treat rheumatism and allergies. Treatments in sanatoriums and spa parks combine health with the atmosphere of a historic resort.
Top 3 places for algae baths
1. Thalasso Quiberon (France)
Located on the Quiberon peninsula in Brittany, the thalassotherapy center is a world leader in algae baths. The treatments use fresh seaweed from the Atlantic, rich in iodine, vitamins and antioxidants to detoxify the body, improve skin elasticity and help reduce cellulite. Baths in warm seawater with algae are combined with massages and inhalations, creating a comprehensive wellness program.
2. Voya Seaweed Baths (Strandhill, Ireland)
It is an iconic Irish tradition of algae bathing. VOYA offers seances in tubs filled with warm seawater and freshly harvested Atlantic seaweed. Such a bath deeply moisturizes and mineralizes the skin, soothes inflammation, helps with eczema and psoriasis, and aids muscle recovery after exercise. The modern spa overlooking the ocean combines centuries-old tradition with the luxury of modern wellness treatments.
3. Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
The world’s most famous geothermal spa is located on lava fields near Reykjavik. In addition to bathing in milky blue water infused with silica and minerals, Blue Lagoon offers rituals using micro- and macro-algae. These treatments improve skin hydration, promote skin regeneration and have an anti-inflammatory effect, while bathing in the 37-39°C waters itself is a combination of therapy and a unique experience of relaxation surrounded by Icelandic nature.
Water spa – this is a must try
A water spa is a great way to improve your health, but also to relax and experience being close to nature. Even if you don’t have any health problems, these mud, salt or algae baths will refresh your skin, help you get rid of stress and boost your energy, while giving you an unforgettable sensory experience. Try them on your next trip to feel this healing power on your own skin!
