It’s summer and you need to cool down. Instead of that boring ice pack you were going to put down your trousers, why not seek out something a bit more exotic, perhaps even healthy? Here are some unusual oases that might just make you double-take. (Our featured image, above, is by MAMA WARRIOR)
Have you read our blog post about the world’s highest swimming pools?
Szechenyi Baths, Budapest
Due to the natural thermal springs beneath it, the capital of Hungary is spoilt for baths and people have been gleefully dipping their toes in the city for around 500 years. Our pick is Szechenyi. Although it’s only 100 years old, a baby by the standards of some of Budapest’s baths, it lays claim to being Europe’s largest medicinal bath and is surrounded by a sumptuous dream-like palace.
There are even chess boards in the baths so you can feel like Deep Blue whilst you’re in the deep blue.
Doctor fish spas, Turkey
The little suckers known as garra rufa have been curing skin problems for centuries in the Middle East, particularly Anatolia. In recent years they’ve been lucratively exported around the world, but for the authentic experience check out some original baths based around the river basins of Turkey, with their ancient cracked stone and the scent of medical history.
San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile
Nearly 20 acres of space means the world’s largest swimming pool is actually bigger than most lakes. This monstrous puddle sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, taunting Mother Nature’s creation with its arrogant girth.
