Forget the pricey spa breaks in the UK and consider a flight to this unmissable European city instead. If you are seeking a relaxing weekend retreat, you are in for a treat. A spa weekend can do wonders for your mental health and body, offering deep relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep quality. Travellers are now praising one European destination that boasts an 'unbelievable' spa complete with indoor and outdoor bars, as well as water slides.
The Destination: Bucharest, Romania
In a viral TikTok video, a popular travel account urged followers to visit Therme Bucharest for very good reasons. The clip, shared with its 27,200 followers, opened with: 'A cheap underrated European city break you need to visit.' It continued: 'No joke, I genuinely believe that a trip to this European spa can be cheaper than going to one in the UK nowadays. Therme Bucharest is located in Romania and honestly is one of the most underrated city breaks. The city itself is absolutely gorgeous and the spa is unbelievable. They have indoor bars, outdoor bars, the most gorgeous botanical interior, face masks you can use, temples, aqua aerobics, saunas, water slides – it is honestly massive.'
What Does the Spa Offer?
Therme Bucharest offers three unique experiences to suit your desires:
- Galaxy: Perfect for family entertainment, boasting 1.7 km of exhilarating water slides, a wave pool, and interactive activities for all ages. This is the only area where children aged 3-14 are allowed.
- The Palm: An adults-only pool featuring a retractable roof, mineral pools, hydromassage beds, a pool bar, plus indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces.
- Elysium: For a premium experience, this relaxation zone provides thematic saunas, a wide array of wellness therapies, bespoke spa treatments, and fine dining options.
If you plan a visit, remember to bring your swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel. You can purchase any essentials at the shop. Ticket prices range from £20 to £50 per adult (approximately 100-250 RON), depending on the length of your visit (3 hours, 4 hours, or a full day) and the number of zones accessed (Galaxy, Palm, or Elysium). Basic spa tickets start around £22-£24, with extra costs for sauna packages or full-day access.
How Much Do Flights Cost?
Despite ongoing travel disruptions worldwide, flights from the UK to Bucharest generally cost around £40-£100 for budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air when departing from London. Average return prices are often near £169, with premium or last-minute flights potentially higher. The direct flight time is approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.



