A Higher Purpose Wellness Blog
Why Dutch spa and wellness resorts are the very best in the world
Photo credit Thermen Maarssen, my #1 favorite spa in the world!
As an American who has spent a cumulative nine years living in four European cities, it has always been a pleasure for me to immerse myself in new cultures. I have enjoyed adapting my lifestyle to local customs and have always embraced the power of adaptation and finding the right balance for me wherever I am. For me, it has always been essential to combine hard work and professional ambition with family, friends, and entertainment, while also setting aside time for relaxation, wellness, and personal rejuvenation.
The concept of the “third place” is often defined as somewhere to go and spend time other than home or office. This concept was popularized in part by Starbucks, but has of course been around forever in the form of bars, libraries, recreation venues, and similar. For me, living in Europe, opened my eyes to a “third place” that was virtually unknown to me in the US, and became the avenue that brought me to a happy zen-ful peace of mind. That place is the spa. I don’t mean the traditional US definition of a spa, which is commonly considered to be a business offering skincare, hair, nail, massage, or other body treatment services. Europe opened my eyes to a different kind of spa: a large thermal/aqua wellness resort where it’s possible to spend an entire day, and is built primarily for locals, rather than for tourists.
For more than 15 years now, I have become a spa-fanatic. I have visited spas in dozens of countries on multiple continents during this time, and I realize the privilege that I had as a resident of the Netherlands for 6.5 years. That is because the Dutch have, as a general rule, the very best spas in the entire world. I wish to use this blog to share my top ten ways in which they stand out from the rest.
The variety of facilities. At the top of the list for reasons to appreciate Dutch spas is the sheer variety of facilities and services that are offered. The popular large spas are really built for the guest to spend an entire day if they wish. Sometimes sprawling over tens of thousands of square feet, one will generally find: multiple dry saunas of varying temperatures and humidity levels (some silent and some not), steam rooms, indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, cold plunges, relaxation rooms, restaurants (sometimes several of them), as well as services such as massages, hammam, salt scrubs, and more. Endless possibilities for wellness relaxation are at the visitor’s fingertips.
Aesthetics. All of the top spas that I have visited in the Netherlands are immaculate and conjure the feeling of 5-star luxury. A few of the finest are actually built adjacent to lakes and ponds, adding in another natural dimension. Created and available for locals who needn’t travel far or empty their wallet. Glorious guilt-free pampering, in other words.
Full day activity. When relaxation and mindfulness are the purpose for the day, it is easy to fall into a state of “flow” where the hours fly by without even noticing. The large thermal spas provide enough to keep this going from morning to night. A quick sauna “shvitz” may be fine for some, but a full day out is the name of the game for others. Typically, one flat entrance fee will cover it for however many hours one chooses to spend.
Food and beverage. The larger Dutch spas always include one or more restaurants and cafes that offer quality, clean, and healthful dining options; a fitting complement to the wellness-oriented environment. Bonus: dine in your bathrobe or while sunbathing on a lawn chair!
The opgieten (or German “aufguss”). The concept of a sauna infusion ceremony is one that has not yet been introduced to the world outside of Germany, Netherlands, and perhaps a few surrounding areas. Here, a “sauna master” pours aromatherapy-infused water or ice over hot coals in the sauna while waving towels to create intense heat that can be either electrifying or meditative and spiritual, depending on the type of mood that the particular ceremony intends to create. In the Netherlands and less commonly in Germany for some reason, the sauna master blends music into the background to elicit a feast for all senses. The infusion ceremony, also known as “aufguss” in German and “opgieten” in Dutch, arguably has its origins in ancient Mexican (Mayan) sweat lodge ceremonies, known as “Temazcal.” It is an event that must be experienced to be understood, but first timers should tread lightly and listen to their bodies, as it can be easy to overheat for the uninitiated. Fun fact: there are now international competitions for aufguss sauna masters who create a “towel dancing” (my words) performance that has become a new form of artistic expression. Check it out on YouTube to see some demonstrations!
Tibetan singing bowl sound baths. Alongside the sauna infusion ceremonies, one of the newest trends in spas and in guided meditation generally, is the popularization of what is known as a “sound bath” or Tibetan “singing bowl” concert. Here a small group sits around a darkened room, which can be a low-heat sauna, where the guide plays bowls as a percussion instrument in a slow and gentle manner. The idea is to allow the participants to focus deeply on breath and their consciousness. This is another form of deep relaxation and mindfulness that is still emerging and where Dutch spas are on the forefront.
Free spirited but not wild. One major cultural aspect of visiting the spa in the Netherlands (and Germany, Austria, and a small number of other Central and Eastern European countries), is that the standard custom is that visitors do not wear a bathing suit in the spa while also being in a mixed-gender environment. This is due primarily to a strong sense of hygiene, as well as perhaps a touch of cultural “openness.” Having not grown up in an environment where nakedness is tolerated and commonplace in a public setting, this was eye opening. Mostly this is because of how natural it becomes so quickly after getting over any initial shock. In fact, in no way does this deteriorate from the luxurious atmosphere. People behave appropriately (spas typically have a “no body contact” policy) and while this may not be conducive for everyone, it certainly works well enough to be considered mainstream and normal in Dutch and German cultures.
Locations and convenience. Incredible spas are spread all around the Netherlands. Within a short drive of nearly any part of the country, it is possible to find an incredible spa experience. This speaks to the fact that humans crave a getaway close to home, and this type of relaxation need not be limited to time spent on a traveling vacation.
Affordability. It typically costs no more than 30-40 euros to enter a Dutch spa and spend the whole day if one wishes. There are add-ons available to be sure, including food and beverage, massages, and other services. However, unlike at many of the spas around the world, expensive personal services like body and skincare are a side offering rather than the main attraction. It won’t break the bank simply to come, enjoy the facilities, and get a few hours of R&R.
Enjoyable with a partner, a friend, or fully solo. I have equally enjoyed spa visits both alone and with others. They are a comfortable, open, and inviting setting for all.
As long as I’m busy making “Top 10” lists (keeping the spirit of David Letterman alive), here are my personal Top 10 world-class spas of the Netherlands!
Thermen Maarssen (Maarssen) - the lake setting is beyond serene
Elysium (Bleiswijk) - best salt water floating experience I’ve found outside the Dead Sea
Veluwse Bron (Ernst)
Thermen Bussloo (Voorst Gem Voorst)
Spa Zuiver (Amsterdam) - English website!
Sauna Devarana (Den Bosch)
Zwaluwhoeve (Hierden) - typically crowded, but absolutely massive
Fort Resort Beemster (Zuidoostbeemster) - converted from an actual fort
Thermen Goirle (Goirle)
Sauna Drome (Putten)
Long story short, I’d love to see more thermal wellness resort spas, like those in the Netherlands, gain traction across the world. If they build it, they will come. And if this blog reaches anyone who is planning to build anything like this near my home in New England, please reach out. I would love to learn more and support your efforts!
Absolutely! I am familiar with just a couple of places in the US that do it, but it's worth going to Europe to experience the real thing!
I love this. The sauna infusion ceremony sounds amazing. It would be great to have more of this in the United States.