Sweden, a country of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, has a reputation for taking health and wellness seriously and its natural beauty promotes a sense of well-being. As a result, Sweden can offer a variety of choices for a spa break. Visitors can find day spas, full-service spas and wellness centres in large, well-traveled cities and also in small, remote villages. The larger cities also have gyms with spa amenities for those who want to follow their workouts with spa treatments. For travellers on tight schedules who want the convenience of a spa experience in a large city, there are hotels with full-service spas that rival some of the most luxurious independent spas. This type of spa is like a mini oasis of serenity in a fast pasted environment and is ideal for the time crunched, stressed business traveller. Or, for a local who needs to unwind, but doesn’t have the time to travel outside of the city.
Spas in the more remote areas can take full advantage of Sweden’s beautiful natural landscape by making it a part of the spa, so adventurous nature lovers can enjoy the rugged, natural beauty that surrounds the spas of northern Sweden while being pampered. Travellers during the summer months can go as far north as the south of Lapland to enjoy their spa experience in the land of the midnight sun. Beach lovers can enjoy the spas along the southern coastline in a small city like Halland and spas on the islands of Gotland and Öland are ideal for travellers who want an isolated spa experience where they are surrounded by dramatic natural scenery. The forest and lake areas of Sweden offer fairytale-like settings for visitors and the design of spas in small cities like Dalsland have taken full advantage of the unique feel of these areas.
Most of Sweden’s spas offer the basic amenities like the famed Swedish massage, a variety of facials, manicures, pedicures, steam rooms and sauna rooms. Full service spas may also have a chef, a nutritionist and medical personnel on staff. Larger spas may also include meditation and soothing, low-impact exercises like yoga and Pilates. In addition to its massages and varied landscapes, Sweden is also known for its mineral water springs and devotees swear by the water’s healing powers. Independent spas frequently have their mineral water tubs and pools built outside or in glass-enclosed areas to take advantage of the area’s natural beauty.