Brits won’t need to break the bank for a massage with a breathtaking sea view.
Spa holidays are on the rise, with holidaymakers increasingly choosing a weekend of relaxation over an early morning mountain trek in the rain.
However, even an hour of pampering in the UK can cost a pretty penny and leave you feeling more stressed than before.
But it seems a coastal town in Poland has it all: sandy beaches, affordable drinks, budget-friendly spa treatments, and picturesque sunsets.
Poland might not be your first thought for a spa retreat, but just a stone’s throw from the stag-party-filled streets of Gdansk is Sopot.
This destination, dubbed by travel influencers as Europe’s “most affordable” spa break, draws millions of tourists annually.
While not exactly a hidden gem, Sopot has so far stayed relatively unknown to many Brits.
Travel TikToker Sandy said: “There are so many spas and spa options to choose from, including one of Poland’s best spas, where you can find this beautiful infinity pool.
“Plus, it’s a small seaside and I think we can all agree on the healing properties of a two-hour sunset cruise for only £25 per person.”
Sandy said tourists will also find fountains offering samples of “healing brine water,” which you can drink diluted or simply inhale from the free stations in the street.
Mera Spa is the highly praised spa she mentioned: here, you can relish a 30-minute back massage with sea views for around £42, or treat yourself to a 90-minute ritual featuring a salt peel, body mask, and full body massage for £83. Other amenities include an infinity pool, outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, yoga classes, and much more.
While Sopot doesn’t have its own airport, it’s conveniently close to the popular city of Gdansk – which is easily accessible from the UK.
There are numerous direct flights from airports including Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, Luton and Stansted – and the journey only takes around two hours.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab a bargain – with return flights in September starting from £31. Once you’ve landed in Gdansk, you can take a ten-minute bus ride which can cost as little as £1.90.
If you’re travelling in a group, you could always splash out on a taxi, which will set you back around £12.
Accommodation in Sopot varies depending on your budget. A three-night stay for a family of three in a three-star hotel with a sauna and child’s play area will cost you £227 (from September 4-7) – whereas a four-star spa hotel with complimentary access to a swimming pool and hot tub costs £523 on the same dates.
