Spas in Brussels
Along with chocolate, beer, and frites, the Belgians seem to have sussed out the secret formula to perfecting 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 in a modern day context, a place to poach.
Luckily you don’t have to drive all the way to the Ardennes to indulge. A short drive on the Brussels ring to the Grimbergen exit is all you need.
Thermae Grimbergen is a watery oasis with thermal baths, spa treatments, and a host of all day spa day specials like massages and facials to pamper you galore.
Be warned, there is a huge choice of saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and 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 your fill in a mere eight hours.
For something a little closer to home, check the hotels and fancy fitness clubs. As advised, you do not need a membership to have spa access 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 reasonably priced and perfectly planned for a lightning quick lunch hour of indulgence. The all-English speaking staff helps make this a 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 €10 a month. For example, a 50 minute massage is €50 for members and 60 for non-members, and a pedicure is €25 versus €35 for non-members. So, if you plan on visiting more than one a month, it’s not a bad deal.
Luckily you don’t have to drive all the way to the Ardennes to indulge. A short drive on the Brussels ring to the Grimbergen exit is all you need.
Thermae Grimbergen is a watery oasis with thermal baths, spa treatments, and a host of all day spa day specials like massages and facials to pamper you galore.
Be warned, there is a huge choice of saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and 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 your fill in a mere eight hours.
For something a little closer to home, check the hotels and fancy fitness clubs. As advised, you do not need a membership to have spa access 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 reasonably priced and perfectly planned for a lightning quick lunch hour of indulgence. The all-English speaking staff helps make this a 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 €10 a month. For example, a 50 minute massage is €50 for members and 60 for non-members, and a pedicure is €25 versus €35 for non-members. So, if you plan on visiting more than one a month, it’s not a bad deal.
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