Hot spots: Best spas and saunas in and around Brussels

Relax with our roundup of pampering places to unwind or revitalise while waiting for spring to return. From swanky member-only clubs to private, neighbourhood, Oriental and luxury out-of-town spas, there’s no shortage of spots specialised in providing intense heat or some well-earned pampering.

Spasiba in Boulevard de Waterloo is a haven for exclusive treatments via the beauty concept Move to Nature. In addition to the sauna, hammam and relaxation space, seven themed rooms are adapted for varying treatments, from typical floor-based Asian massages to rooms for couples and ones adapted for body scrubs. If it’s simply a warming wind-down you’re in search for, it’s possible to access the spa for two hours.

Upmarket Aspria has three sports and fitness club with spas in the capital, each with their own flavour. The Royal La Rasante in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert enjoys a green setting, beloved by families in particular, while Art-Loi has an urban vibe and the Louise centre is a luxury city-centre sanctuary. Check out the facilities in each one, from pools, spas, tennis courts and group classes for adults and children.

Another internation brand, David Lloyd Clubs has recently upgraded all its facilities at its Uccle and Sterrebeek addresses. The first, sited in the Sonian forest, boasts a new Spa Retreat with two saunas, a steam room and a whirlpool as well as an indoor (25m) and outdoor pool (20m) for all-season swimming. Spa amenities are equally abundant at the Sterrebeek club: pool, heated beds, Himalayan salt sauna, crystal steam room and plunge pool as well as an enticing alfresco spa garden with various hydro facilities.

A divine sensory experience awaits at Les Bulles à Flotter Brussels (pictured). Its three individual flotation bubbles create a feeling of weightlessness for deep relaxation and meditation as well as relieving stress, aches and pains thanks to to a high concentration of Epsom salts. A dreamy way to reconnect mind and body before showering and relaxing with a herbal tea. 

The Lys Spa is a private facility that can be reserved by couple or groups (up to 15 people) for some intimate relaxation and pampering as well as special occasion parties. Conveniently located near Porte de Namur, it includes a pool, jacuzzi, traditional sauna and massage chair. The 19th-century interior is full of period features and the décor is suitably elegant and retro. Massages are an extra along with light meals, buffet and refreshments.

Another private space, the Good Beer Spa, is perfect for hop lovers. Come sip, soak and savour at the spa experience near Place Madou, which caters for groups of up to 18 people. If you need any further temptation, a beer bath – using Belgian brews - is apparently a healthy practice with its enrichening enzymes and vitamins. Participants can look forward to softer skin, shinier hair and improved circulation. And sample a refreshing brew while immersed in the hot tub.

Urban hideaway Serendip Spa promises tranquil escapism at its wellness centre in busy Place Stéphanie. Aiming for a holistic approach, it offers massages and treatments as well as a yoga studio. The name of this popular place, Serendip, was the ancient name for Sri Lanka. An exotic southeast Asian mood pervades, with some of the practitioners originating from this part of the world.

Lotus Spa is another destination for an Asian experience with therapeutic Thai, Balinese, Ayurvedic, aromatherapy, acupressure and deep tissue massages on the menu. It’s located in the Maelbeek area. Meanwhile, wellness centre Ô Siam in Evere has full spa facilities in addition to a selection of massages. The Balinese-style facility has an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and hammam, garden and lounge area, which can be booked privately. Bed & breakfast is also an option.

Brussels boasts a number of oriental spas and Lovina Spa in Tour & Taxis is an experience straight out of the Arabian Nights. Its authentic hammam will transport you to Morocco while additional services include massages, beauty treatments and a hair salon. Take your own massage glove and traditional black soap, which softens, cleans and exfoliates, or buy them there. There’s generally exclusive access for women during the day, men in the evenings.

Riad Hammam in Schaerbeek is a neighbourhood spa (pictured) with separate entry times for men and women. The hamman is open by appointment only, as is the beauty centre. Take advantage of body scrubs, massages, soaping and lymphatic treatments. Another traditional spa and hammam for women only is Douniazad in Chaussée d’Haecht. It specialises in oriental rituals and a beauty space with various packages for a complete and authentic experience. Private bookings are also an option. A Moroccan retreat awaits in the EU quarter at Le Johara wellness centre. Come for Oriental rituals, beauty treatments using Le Sens de Marrakesh products and traditional hammam scrubs.

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Located in the castle grounds of Melsbroek, Thermae Boetfort is a sophisticated wellness centre that’s within easy reach of the capital. Take your pick from two separate areas (bathing costumed or naturist) and wend your way between nine saunas, pools, jacuzzis and other fabulous facilities in the forested terrain. There’s also a hotel, restaurant and wellness centre located in the 400-year-old castle.

Thermen Dilbeek spa also enjoys a green setting, northwest of Brussels. Swimwear is not allowed, so stroll around the indoor and outdoor facilities in a bathrobe. Again, a large selection of saunas (Bio, Ranta, Kuori,...) and treatments in the beauty centre guarantee deep relaxation; a hotel is conveniently on site if you need to nod off. There’s also has a fitness club with a number of subscriptions available.

A popular spa getaway is Thermae Grimbergen, a sister sauna to Boetfort but with a very different vibe with its themed saunas and steam rooms. Try the Tibetan one with a big metal gong or go Roman or Mayan…The mansion facility is again divided into two parts, one reserved for guests wearing swimming costumes, the other for naturists. Children are allowed from the age of six and saunas can be privatised for two people if a little privacy is prefererred. Meanwhile a garden, restaurant and hotel will tempt you to linger a while.

Waer Waters is an extensive and luxurious sauna complex in Groot-Bijgaarden with a popular large outdoor pool. The landscaped areas are also a big attraction in fine weather. Unlike many other saunas, the bathing suit portion has more to offer than the naked facilities as well as some of the nicer saunas. A sports team is on hand for fitness and training sessions, including afterwork ones. The hotel and restaurant are equally splendid and the proximity to the Ring is handy.

A private address in Overijse, Aquatherma affords privacy for special occasions and romantic evenings. Make the most of a very comfortable sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and indoor heated pool with massages and facials an optional extra. You can also order snacks and drinks to enjoy inside the facilities.

A destination that can be combined with a gastronomic outing and overnight stay is Cinq Mondes Spa in the four-star Dolce La Hulpe Brussels hotel. Indulge in some rural forest-setting relaxation, taking your pick from a selection of exotic wellness rituals. The beauty team’s expertise extends to all corners of the globe, offering Indian, Thai, Moroccan, Brazilian and Polynesian treatments among others. Spa subscriptions are also possible.

Martin’s Spa Fitness & Wellbeing Club is lodged in the five-star Château du Lac hotel on the banks of Genval lake. It’s a perfect setting to unwind with thermal baths - hammam, sauna, solarium - and a relaxation pool complete with a crystal Swarovski sky all benefitting from waterside views. A treatment area and fitness space complete the offer. While open to non-guests of the hotel, access is limited from Friday to Sunday to clients who have previously booked a 50-minute treatment.

Photos: (main image) Thermen Dilbeek; Aspria-La Rasante ©Kris Saint Patrick