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September 2024 – Spa, Belgium

It’s well into the night and we’re watching a Formula 1 documentary. After an hour or so, the mention of the name Spa suddenly hits me.
“Wait, didn’t i just book our September holiday there? Is that the same Spa??”

Little did we know that, while looking for a forested region for our trip, we would stumble upon the prestigious thermal resort of Europe since the 16th century, the producer of Spa bottled water, the home of the oldest Casino in the world and the famous Spa Francorchamps racetrack.

Oh boy, this feels like Christmas already!

SPA HISTORY

The little town was once a glittering place where royalty and aristocrats went to cure their illnesses by soaking in copper bathtubs.

By the late 1700s, Spa was a popular meeting place for the nobility and European bourgeoisie, being known as the Café of Europe.

SPA NOW

The resort slowly lost its glamour and most of its regular visitors in the 20th century. World wars caused great damage, with several buildings being repurposed for military use. Abandoned hotels and dilapidated villas witnessed the city’s decline.

Nowadays, aided by the opening of a Radisson Blu Palace hotel, a modern funicular and the hilltop wellness center Les Thermes de Spa, Spa is being nursed back to health.

And we can attest to that! We had an amazing time exploring Spa and its surroundings. Couldn’t be more surprised with how our holiday choice turned out to be a hidden treasure.

WHAT TO DO IN SPA

• Domain of Bérinzenne

This beautiful nature reserve was exactly what we were looking for. Dozens of trails go as far as you can walk. It was good enough to return every day in case we didn’t find anything else. Luckily, we did.

• Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps

This would have been thrilling, but all guided tour slots were full while we were in Spa. If you’re going for the racetrack events, I’m sure you’ll come prepared. Tickets and tours can be booked here.

• Spa-Francorchamps Racetrack Museum

The next best thing after the racetrack itself is the museum. Hidden in the vaulted cellars of Stavelot Abbey, Spa-Francorchamps Museum tells the story of these legendary racetracks. From vintage classics to powerful racing machines, each vehicle offers a glimpse into the evolution of motorsport.

If you’re an F1 fan, reserve a couple of hours here. It’s a day full of learning and excitement!

• Thermes de Spa

The Thermes de Spa experience turned out to be the most relaxing day of our holiday. Expect to soak in steamy pools all day long, with spectacular views of the Ardennes woods. It was quite dreamy, we would go back only for this.

WHERE TO EAT IN SPA

As soon as we found La Table de Spa, we ended up coming here every day. You can see in the pictures why.

WHERE TO STAY IN SPA

Within walking distance from Spa, but also perfectly situated for day trips to the woods, Hôtel l’Ecrin d’Ô was our home away from home. If we were to go back, we would choose it again. Ok, we are becoming quite predictable. 🙂

We left Spa not ready to put the zen mood behind. Thankfully Christmas was just around the corner. Time to get cozy on the sofa, slow down and dream by the fire. Travel plans can wait a bit.

Happy new year! 🥳 Anyone here got their 2025 plans figured out?