Spas in Brussels

Along with chocolate, beer, and frites, the Belgians have perfected the spa. Since the 14th century, Europeans have been visiting the thermal pools of the Belgian town, Spa, about 90- minutes from Brussels in the Ardennes. The term 'spa' has come to mean any place having a natural water source that has healthy properties - a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, or as my friend likes to call it, a place to poach.

 

Luckily you don’t have to drive all the way to the Ardennes to poach. A short drive on the Brussels ring to the Grimbergen exit is all you need. Thermae Grimbergen a watery oasis with thermal baths, spa treatments and a host of all day spa day specials like messages, facials, and plenty of customer service to pamper you will you are being pampered.

Be warned, there is a huge choice of saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and an open air swimming pools and in some areas, swim costumes are optional, so check ahead. There is even a hotel there, if you just can’t get enough in 8 hours. And it would be hard, since the menu of treatments is mind-boggling. Aaaaahhhhh.

 

For something a little closer to home, check the hotels and fancy fitness clubs. As I said, you use the spas here without being a member and most have the basic mani/pedi/massage/facial variations.

 

For a focus on skincare, nothing beats The Karen Sammon Skincare Center in the European quarter, near the Schuman metro station. This dermatology dynasty offers anything you need to revitalize tired skin and there are even add on treatments for the body, facial massages, waxing and exfoliation, and tanning lotion applications all at reasonable prices and lunch hour quickness. The all-English speaking staff is the perfect expat oasis.

 

Finally, there is The Wax Zone - an odd name yet an interesting concept. It’s a no appointment, walk in chain of ‘spas’ (four in total in Brussels) with a host of treatments from waxing (hence the name) to manicures and massages. The prices become more competitive if you become a ‘member” at EUR 10 a month. For example, a 50-minute massage is EUR 50 for members and EUR 60 for non-members, and a pedicure is EUR 25 versus EUR 35 for non-members. So, if you plan on visiting more than one a month, it’s not a bad deal.

 

Kimberley Lovato is a freelance journalist and author living in Brussels, who should go to the gym more often. Visit her site at www.kimberleylovato.com