Spa town

A spa town, or simply spa, is a town frequented mainly for health reasons, to "take the waters". The word comes from the Belgian town Spa. In continental Europe a spa was known as a "ville d'eau" (town of water). The term "spa" is used for towns or resorts offering hydrotherapy which can include cold water or mineral water treatments and hot thermal baths. [cite web |url=http://csicop.org/sb/2005-09/i-files.html |title=Healing Waters; Investigative Files (Skeptical Briefs June 2005) |accessdate=2008-02-03 |format= |work=]

Australia

Most of the mineral springs in Australia are in the Central Highlands of Victoria, although there are a few springs in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Most are within 30 km of Daylesford, Victoria: the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs call themselves the 'Spa Centre of Australia'. [ http://www.mineralwater.vic.gov.au/quicksite/?id=tourism#activities Victorian Mineral Water Committee Tourism information ]

Bulgaria

"See: List of spa towns in Bulgaria"

Bulgaria is known for its over 500 mineral springs including the hottest spring in the Balkans in Sapareva Banya - 103°C. Other famous spa towns include Sandanski, Hisarya, Bankya, Devin, Kyustendil, Varshets.

In Bulgarian language the word for a spa is "баня" (transliterated "banya").

France

"See: List of spa towns in France"

As the first tourist destination in the world, there are more than 50 spa towns in France, including Aix-les-Bains, Bagnoles de l'Orne, Enghien-les-Bains.

Croatia

"See: List of spa towns in Croatia"

In Croatia, the word "Toplice" implies a spa town.

Germany

"See: List of spa towns in Germany"

In Germany, the word "Bad" implies a spa town.

erbia

"See: List of spa towns in Serbia"

Serbia is known for its many spa cities. Some of the best known springs are the Vrnjačka Banja and Niska Banja

In Serbia, the word "Banja" implies a spa town.

United Kingdom

"See: List of spa towns in the United Kingdom"

Some but not all British spa towns contain "Spa", "Wells", or "Bath" in their names, e.g., Matlock Bath. Some towns are designated Spa Heritage Towns. Both English towns granted the title "Royal", Royal Leamington Spa and Royal Tunbridge Wells, are spa towns.

Other countries

"See: List of spa towns"
*in the Arab world -" Hammam"
*in Australia
*in Belgium -
*in Bulgaria - "Bani"
*in Chile - "Termas"
*in Croatia - "Toplice"
*in Cyprus - "Loutra-Therma"
*in the Czech Republic - "Lázně"
*in Ethiopia -
*in France - "Bains, thermes"
*in Georgia -
*in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland - Bad, the first part of the names of most spa towns, a cognate to the English "bath" while "Therme" is used for the spa itself.
*in Greece - "Loutra-Therma"
*in Hungary - "fürdő" or -"füred"
*in Italy - "Terme"
*in Jamaica -
*in Japan - "Onsen"
*in Lithuania - Druskininkai
*in Mexico- "Termas " or "Balneario "
*in New Zealand - "Rotorua"
*in Peru - "Cuzco","Cajamarca"
*in Poland - "Zdrój"
*in Portugal - "Caldas" or "Termas "
*in Russia -
*in Romania -
*in Slovakia -
*in Serbia -
*in Spain - "Termas " or "Balneario "
*in Turkey - "Termal" or "Kaplica"
*in Ukraine -
*in the United States - "Spa" and "Truth or Consequences, New Mexico"

ee also

*Spa
* Spa resort
* Hot spring
* Sauna
* Thermae
*Mineral water
*Hydrotherapy
*Sanatorium

External links

* [http://www.spatown.com.au/Forms/Default.aspx information on some spas] in Australia
*cite web |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/wallonia-spas-step-into-belgiums-impressive-springs-447301.html |title=Wallonia spas: Step into Belgium's impressive springs - Europe, Travel - Independent.co.uk |accessdate=2008-02-03 |format= |work=

References