Pool paradise: 6 UK hotels with pool

Swimming paradise

Fancy a dip? One of the biggest draws to staying in a hotel can be a great pool. Whether you like to swim some lengths and work off the local cuisine or just crave a zen space to rest and rejuvenate in, a pool can be the difference between a great hotel visit and a good one.
And here in the UK, you might be surprised to find that we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to paddle! Inside or out, it seems we Brits simply love a good swim. So scroll down and check out our picks of some of the best hotel pools on offer right now.

Cowley Manor, Gloucestershire

Sitting in the heart of the British countryside, Cowley Manor is a lavish 4-star retreat and the ideal spot to catch some rest and relaxation. This Victorian house hotel is surrounded by 55 acres of land, which feature natural springs, woods and meadows.
For those who fancy a swim, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this comfortable Cotswold's retreat. The award-winning spa boasts two spectacular pools: a 17m green slate-lined indoor pool and a 15m outdoor pool, both heated throughout the year. During the summer, however, the area around the outdoor pool expands to include sun loungers, a bar and full waiter service.
For more info and the latest deals, check out Crowley Manor on our website today!

Maison Talbooth, Essex

A country pad with some serious character, the Maison Talbooth was built in the 19th century and has been operating as a hotel since 1969. Each of the 12 rooms are named after a famous poet, adding to the historic feel of the complex.
Through the Garden Room, in which the hotel’s famous afternoon tea is served, you can walk across the terrace towards the pool house, which includes an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The pool house boasts a fully stocked honesty bar and TV including Sky HD. Robes and towels provided for your convenience. There is also an open log fire to curl up next to and enjoy a glass of champagne. If you fancy more exercise than just a swim, there is also a tennis court with spectacular countryside views.
For an intimate English retreat with a touch of literary class, take a look at the Maison Talbooth on our website.

Chewton Glen Hotel

The tranquil New Forest houses this holistic haven, where you’re spoil for ways to spoil yourself! The award-winning spa boasts Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pool, where you can kick back surrounded by Grecian columns and blue mosaic tiles. There is also an outdoor hot tub and pool, perfect for daytime sun worship or night-time star gazing.
To replenish your mind and body, there are aromatherapy saunas, crystal steam rooms and twelve individual treatment rooms offering no fewer than 50 different treatments and holistic therapies. If you feel like getting your adrenaline going before you take a dive into the pool, check out the tennis courts, dance studio, gymnasium or 9-hole golf course.
Ready for some serious spoiling? Make that escape for less when you check out the best savings on Serbooking.

The Berkeley, London

Not every pool is the haunt of a lavish country mansion. Perched above the bustle of London on the 7th floor of The Berkeley is this white and gold tiled slice of heaven. As you relax in one of the loungers, you can gaze over Hyde Park and the well-appointed rooftops of Knightsbridge. The Berkeley’s pool comes complete with a retractable roof – so even if the sun goes in, you don’t have to! Should you feel peckish, there is a menu of drinks and specially-prepared snacks to choose from.
And when you’re done at the pool? Head on over to the Blue Bar for cocktails, indulge in Michelin-starred dining with Marcus Wareing or join fashionable London society for tea at the catwalk-inspired Prêt-à-Portea. The Berkeley also sits just a stone’s throw from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and many of London’s major attractions.

Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Scotland

If you’d like to stay swimming on the roof, you can swap the aerial view of London for the Scottish highlands at Cameron House. Floor to ceiling windows ensure you have a great view of Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscape – with no worries about the weather!
For kids there is a flume and splash pool, while adults might like to take advantage of the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Outside of the pools, you have the beauty of Scotland to feast your eyes upon, while a real feast is available from the able hands of Michelin-starred Chef Martin Wishart. There is also golf, fitness rooms and a spa on hand to complete your stay.
If time in the highlands sounds like your idea of a revitalizing break, take a gander at Cameron House today!

Woolacombe Bay Hotel, North Devon

Escape to the coast and a sanctuary of bliss at the Woolcombe Bay Hotel in North Devon. Hidden behind windbreaker walls, both the kid’s paddling pool and large main pool are heated throughout the year. This hotel is also the ideal spot for sun worshipers, with a selection of recliners, lazy loungers and comfy beanbags on which to stretch out and soak up the rays.
There is an exclusive poolside menu to keep you well fed as you relax. As evening draws in, warm yourself by the fire pit and listen to the nearby sounds of the sea. If you feel like breaking a sweat, there are tennis and squash courts, a golf course and the gym. Inside activities include a championship snooker table and a pool table. Plus, if further relaxation is the aim of your stay, check out the Hothouse Health Club or the sauna and steam rooms.
For pool-side heaven, we think you can’t do better than the Woolcombe Bay Hotel. See the latest deals here!

Discovered a great pool on your travels? Tell us about it in the comments!
For the very best deals in seconds on hotels the world over, head to SerBooking.

6 Bangkok Nightlife Ideas for Every Type of Traveller

A trip to Bangkok, Thailand isn’t complete without experiencing the iconic Bangkok nightlife. The guys from The Hangover Part IIhad it right, Bangkok by night is exhilarating and a must-do for any traveller. Whether you’re looking for a good drink, to meet new people or just hoping to experience the local culture, here are six Bangkok nightlife ideas for your next trip. Once you’ve read through this, be sure to check out the best areas to stay in Bangkok to soak up the city’s nightlife.

For Couples: Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Credit: Panyawat boontanom, Wikimedia Commons

Couples looking for romantic Bangkok nightlife should head out on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Sail along and enjoy sunset views while savouring a tasty Thai buffet dinner. Take in the stunning landscape on this dinner cruise and marvel at the illuminated landmarks from the open-air deck.

For Solo Travellers: Bangkok Tuk-Tuk Night Tour

Want to explore the Bangkok nightlife as a solo traveller? Discover Bangkok’s nightlife with a tuk-tuk tour. Stop at the bustling markets and delight in tasty Thai street food. Browse market stalls and pick up souvenirs and flowers. After a busy night, take a breather and pause to see some of Bangkok’s stunning temples. See the lush gardens, ornate temple architecture and famous gold-plated reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.

For Families or Couples: Bangkok Siam Niramit Show and Dinner

Couples and families alike can revel in the splendour of the Siam Niramit Dinner Show. Witness the spectacle of this elaborate show. Watch dancers perform traditional numbers and learn about Thailand’s past.

For Friends: Clubbing in Bangkok

Credit: Pexels

If you’re visiting Bangkok with friends, spend a night hopping around the city’s best nightclubs. Hit up Ce La Vi (formerly Ku De Ta), a favourite among both expats and locals, for hip-hop and pop music or check out the retro motel theme at DND (Do Not Disturb) Club. You can also make your way to Levels Club & Lounge, which boasts three distinct party zones. Of course, this is just a sampling of Bangkok’s clubs. Hit up the Sukhumvit, Khaosan and RCA (Royal City Avenue) nightlife areas for more Bangkok late-night partying.

For Friends or Couples: Bangkok Cabaret Show

Credit: Per Meistrup, Wikimedia Commons

If partying and clubbing isn’t your thing, catch any of Bangkok’s incredible cabaret shows instead. See high-energy performances, lip-syncing numbers and lavish drag shows put on by Bangkok’s best performers. Catch the Golden Dome Cabaret Show to see Thai, Japanese and Chinese folk dances or grab tickets to Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique for exciting choreography and amazing celebrity impersonators.

For Any Traveller: Rooftop Dinner and Bars, Bangkok

Dinner or drinks while you overlook the city’s skyline is a Bangkok nightlife idea suitable for friends, couples or even solo travellers. Savour a refreshing cocktail as you feast your eyes on panoramic views of Bangkok. For our recommendations on the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, head over here.
Ready to paint the town red? Relish the Bangkok nightlife with these six ideas that put the “bang” in Bangkok.

10 Hotels That Are Perfect for Solo Travelers

More travellers than ever before are travelling the world alone, and the savviest of hoteliers are responding to this by offering solo guests a wide range of perks, writes Tamara Hinson. The following 10 hotels have gone out of their way to make going it alone infinitely more fun.

1. Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, Japan

Japan is a unique destination, and it’s easy to understand why travellers visiting for the first time might feel a little lost. Our advice? To help you get your bearings, spend your first night at the fantastic Shangri-La Tokyo.

Hop on the bullet train from the airport to the hotel and Shangri-La’s red jacket-wearing attendants will meet you on the platform.

We also love the hotel’s guided tours, which are conducted by English-speaking guides and include visits to local markets.

Compare Tokyo hotels

2. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor, USA

This is a beautiful, historic property but the feature we’re most in love with is available at most of Kimpton’s Monaco properties – if you’re going it alone and fancy some company, you can sign up for the Guppy Love package.

Simply visit the reception desk and ask for a goldfish, which will then be delivered to your room.

We also love the nightly wine hours which are held in the hotel’s reception area – get to know your fellow guests, or curl up with a book and a complimentary glass of rose.

Compare USA hotels

3. Citizen M Amsterdam, Amsterdam

Solo travellers generally spend less time in their hotels, and are more likely to spend their cash on experiences rather than larger rooms. This is something the clever guys at Citizen M are very aware of.

The smaller rooms mean lower room rates, but it has also allowed designers to create large, airy public spaces which you’ll love to hang out in – whether you’re Face-timing friends back home or planning the next leg of your adventure. The self-service check-in is great if you’re not feeling sociable, and we also love the fact that bedrooms have black-out curtains and soundproofing.

The guests next door might be holding the mother of all parties, but unless you’re invited, you don’t want to know.

Compare Amsterdam hotels

4. The Capital, London

Dining alone can be an odd experience. There’s only so much time you can spend Whatsapping, Tweeting and Facebooking (and “dining alone in a restaurant” is hardly the most impressive of status updates). Then there are the sympathetic glances from waiting staff.

But book a room at London’s Capital Hotel and you’ll be provided with a list of local restaurants particularly suitable for solo travellers. There’s also the option of a private guide to accompany female guests on excursions.

Compare London hotels

5. Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva-Som is a spa resort, so it’s ideal if you’re in need of some solo time out. But travelling alone doesn’t mean being a billy-no-mates here, because solo guests craving some companionship can have a chinwag with other guests at the Talkers Table, installed especially for those going it alone.

Just remember to steer clear of certain subjects (such as certain more intimate spa treatments) during meal times.

Compare Thailand hotels

6. St. Christopher’s Inn, Paris

Lively, buzzing hostels are ideal for solo travellers because they allow them to meet other wanderlust-fuelled individuals, and let’s face it, hotel rooms can be pretty depressing places when you’re on your own. But any traveller who’s stayed in a cramped hostel will know that there are some sounds and sights which can scar you for life, which is why we love the privacy curtains which surround the beds at Paris’St Christopher’s hostel.

Its location, on up-and-coming Canal St Martin, puts the city’s main attractions within easy reach, and the bar is a great place to meet other travellers.

Compare Paris hotels

7. Steel House, Copenhagen

We’ve already discussed how hotels can be rather depressing places for solo travellers, but this next place combines the benefits of a hotel with the sociability of a hostel. Beyond the shared dorms (which are some of the most stylish we’ve come across) there’s a beautiful lounge area, gym and pool.

Steel House is also enormous, with 64 two-bed rooms, 54 four-bed rooms and 135 six-bed rooms.

Compare Copenhagen hotels

8. Hotel 41, London

If you’re an exercise junkie, pounding the treadmill in a hotel gym can soon become rather mind-numbing, but London’s Hotel 41 has come to the rescue with its sports buddies – members of staff who will happily join you for a run around the block, a game of tennis or even a kick-about in the park.

Its areas of expertise also include cycling, tennis and even trampolining, but if you want to go it alone, the hotel’s team of fitness fanatics can also advise you where to go for your exercise fix of choice, whether you fancy a horse riding session or a park-based power walk.

Compare London city breaks

9. Riad Star, Marrakech, Morocco 

The best thing about Marrakech is its souks – Morocco’s colourful, chaotic markets. But venture into one without a map and at worst you could end up going AWOL for hours or at best, getting trampled by a rampaging donkey carrying a dozen gas canisters on its back.

For this reason we’re particularly appreciative of the amenity available to guests staying at the luxurious Riad Star boutique hotel. The hotel’s Marrakech Riad App includes a detailed map of the rabbit warren-like Old Town’s Medina, designed especially for guests who might feel nervous about solo explorations.

Compare Marrakech hotels

10. The Boatshed, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Waiheke is the ideal place if you’re hoping to get away from it all, and staying at the island’s beautiful Boatshed hotel is more like staying in the home of a close friend (albeit one who’s a top interior designer).

The property is perfect for solo travellers and designed to feel like a family home – the cosy bedrooms surround a beautiful, book-filled living room, and if you’re craving some “me time”, you can hire one of the hotel’s four-wheel-drive “picnic trucks” and escape to the island’s most remote spots.

Vrnjacka Banja Top 5 Hotels for September

Today`s Vrnjacka Banja Hotels by Serbooking.com traveler's choice.

Vrnjacka Banja is one of the most visited spas in Serbia. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in September. We have reviews of the best places to stay and see in Vrnjacka Banja.

1.Medical and Spa Resort Merkur

ACCOMMODATION, HOLIDAY, MEDICAL TREATMENT

Merkur is located in the center of Vrnjacka Banja, guests can check their health here, and it includes the largest spa center in the Balkans.

Set along the Vrnjacka River, this laid-back hotel is a 3-minute walk from Bridge of Love, a 10-minute walk from the Zamak Culture Museum and 3 km from the E-761 route.

The casual rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as terraces.

Parking is free. Other amenities include a restaurant and a gym. A spa and wellness center features a Finnish sauna, a hot tub and an indoor pool with thermal-mineral water. A clinic offers a range of medical services.

The packages are designed for guests coming for medical treatment, preventive check-ups, beauty and relax.

Book Hotel Merkur - Vrnjacka Banja online at Serbooking and get the lowest rate.

2. Solaris Resort

Solaris Resorts is a modern hotel in the tourist offer of Vrnjacka Banja, which has 4 stars. It is located in a quiet part of the Vrnjacka banja.

A 10-minute walk from Vrnjacka Banja bus station, this relaxed resort in a residential area is 15 minutes on foot from the romantic Bridge of Love and 14 km from the Ljubostinja monastery.

Casual rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and balconies. Suites add separate living rooms and kitchenettes. Kids age 6 and under stay at no charge with parents.

Parking is complimentary, as is breakfast served in a restaurant that offers international cuisine. There's also a lobby bar and a terrace. Other amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, plus a gym, and a spa featuring a salt cave.

Book Solaris Resort on Serbooking and get the best online rates!

3.Hotel Slatina

Hotel Slatina has a spa & wellness centre, terrace and bar in Vrnjacka Banja.

Hotel Slatina has a spa & wellness centre, terrace and bar in Vrnjacka Banja. This 4-star hotel offers free shuttle service. The hotel features an indoor pool and free WiFi.

The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms are complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower, while certain units at Hotel Slatina also have a balcony. All guest rooms at the accommodation include air conditioning and a desk.

Hotel Slatina offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of local, Greek and Grill/bbq dishes.

The hotel offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a sauna.

Staff at the reception can provide advice on what to do in the area.

Kopaonik is 77 km from Hotel Slatina, while Vrnjačka Banja is 2.7 km away. The nearest airport is Constantine the Great Airport, 130 km from the accommodation. 

This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Vrnjačka Banja! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

This property is also rated for the best value in Vrnjacka Banja! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

Book Hotel Slatina Now and get the lowest online rates!

4. Apartments Banja & Luxury Rooms

Apartments Banja & Luxury Rooms is set 400 m from the city centre. A mountain river, Vrnjacka Reka is only 40 m away and a Wellness and spa centre can be found within a 5-minute walk. Free WiFi is available and free on-site parking is provided.

All units come with a flat-screen cable TV and air conditioning. Some units include a fully equipped kitchenette with a dining area. Private bathrooms come with a bath or a shower. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.

The Lobby bar serves drinks throughout the day. Guests can relax on the spacious terrace.
Apartments Banja & Luxury Rooms offers organised tours and sightseeing of medieval Serbian monasteries. UNESCO- protected Studenica Monastery can be reached within 90 km. 

Book Online Apartments and Luxury Rooms in Vrnjacka Banja and get the lowest rate!

5.Hotel Lider S

Featuring a restaurant, Hotel Lider S is located in Vrnjacka Banja. Free WiFi access is available throughout. The property is 15 km from the Monastery of Ljubostinja.

Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a balcony. Featuring a shower, the private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can enjoy garden views from the rooms. Extras include a minibar and a seating area.

At Hotel Lider S you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a tour desk and luggage storage.

The property offers free parking. 

This is our guests' favourite part of Vrnjačka Banja, according to independent reviews.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.

Book room in Hotel Lider S today and get the best online rate!

Monthly list of the top accommodations in Vrnjacka Banja is based on the real visitors impressions and reviews. Please note that this can be changed during the September accoarding to guest reviews changes.  

Vrnjacka Banja - Thermal Spa Serbia

Vrnjačka Banja spa is located in central Serbia, 200 km south of Belgrade. It rests on the slopes of Goč mountain and in the valleys of the Vrnjačka and Lipovačka rivers.

Vrnjačka Banja is between 220 and 300 m above sea-level, depending on the part of the town, which can be reached by taking the main Belgrade-Kraljevo road and the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje highway via Pojate. Vrnjačka Banja has a moderate continental climate, with moderately warm summers (the average temperature is 20°C) and moderately cold winters (average temperature 0.8°C). Shielded by Goč mountain (in the south, east and west) and the Gledić mountain range (in the north), a great number of days are wind-free annually – around 170.
https://serbooking.com/uploads/images/blog/84546_Vrnjacka-Banja-park1.jpg Archaeological findings indicate that the mineral water here has been used since classical antiquity. On top of the Vrnjačka Banja hot mineral water spring, in the period between the 2nd to 4th centuries, the Romans erected the Aquae Orcinae health resort, where soldiers from the province of Upper Moesia and military camps on the fortified Roman border along the Danube – known as the Limes – came to recuperate and rest. The current name Vrnjačka Banja was taken from the name of the village Vrnjci, where the mineral springs were discovered. Archaeological findings discovered at nearby sites show that the mineral waters of Vrnjačka Banja were again used during Byzantine rule. Some legends say that the medicinal quality of the water was also well-known in the later period of Turkish rule. According to these stories, Turkish landowners were treated in Vrnjačka Banja, demanding that the local population feed and serve them. To escape having to serve their Turkish masters and beys, the people buried the springs. With the departure of the Turks and the gradual political and economic consolidation of Serbia in the 19th century, there was increased interest in using the Vrnjci mineral waters. The rediscovery and resumed use of these waters are traditionally said to be connected with a story about a sick horse belonging Vrnjci priest Jeftimi Hadži-Popović. The first written information about Vrnjačka Banja is found in a report by Baron Zigmund Herder who was investigating the natural resources of Serbia at that time on the order of Prince Miloš Obrenović. He proclaimed that the mineral waters in Vrnjci were of high quality, comparing them to the famous waters of Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic. On 1st June 1868, the Founding Donors’ Association of the Medicinal Hot Mineral Waters in Vrnjici was formed and 1869 is considered to have been the first official spa season, with capped warm water springs, baths, spa doctors and a great many visitors. More modern hotels and villas were built at the beginning of the 20th century.
Vrnjačka Banja has seven mineral springs, four of which are used in spa therapies. The Topla Voda spring, which is unique because it is the same temperature as the human body (36.5°C), is of the carbonic acid homeothermic type and is used for drinking and bathing. The cold mineral springs, Snežnik (17°C), Jezero (27°C) and Slatina (14°C), are of the alkaline-earth type.The utilisation of the Vrnjačka Banja mineral springs began in 1970. The glass-bottled Vrnjci water was popular and very quickly conquered the market, making its place of origin widely-known.

BOOK NOW AND GET THE BEST RATES 
Treatment is performed in the Merkur Specialised Treatment and Rehabilitation Hospital which has the latest medical equipment for diagnosis, prevention and treatment and specialist doctor supervision. Patient nutrition is in line with modern dietary principles and besides basic diet types, individual dietary programmes are also catered for. Diabetes post-jaundice recovery, diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreatic diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcers, non-infectious conditions of the small and large intestines, gastrointestinal conditions, recovery after surgical removal of the gallbladder, conditions post resection of the oesophagus, gallbladder and intestines, chronic gynaecological conditions and infertility, infections of the renal pelvis, bladder and urinary tract, urinary tract stones are all treated in Ribarska Banja spa..
Besides the therapeutic and accommodation services, guests also have the use of saunas, a bowling alley, outdoor and indoor swimming pools and  fitness centres. The spa also has several conference halls, the largest of which, in the Zvezda hotel, can seat 1200 people. There are lots of opportunities for sports tourism in Vrnjačka Banja. The Raj sports and leisure centre has three grass football pitches and an athletics track, as well as swimming pools and small sports fields. The ski slope on Goč mountain attracts many winter sports lovers. For those who prefer rivers and fishing, 10 km from Vrnjačka Banja, on the Zapadna Morava river, there is the Podunavačke Bare lakes area, where sporting events also take place. Also, Goč is an ideal place for hunting, with its managed hunting grounds.

Throughout the year in Vrnjačka Banja numerous events are held, such as the Vrnjci Cultural Festivities, the Festival of Film Screenplays, the Book Festival and more besides. The programme of the Castle of Culture, a unique institution comprising a gallery, museum, music hall and arts academy, includes a large number of exhibitions and music and theatre presentations. Vrnjačka Banja guests can go on organised visits to the nearby Studenica, Žica, Gradac, Sopoćani and Đurđevi Stupovi monasteries, as well as the remains of the Ras, Maglić, Brvenik and Koznik fortresses.

SEE AVAILABLE HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS IN VRNJAČKA BANJA 

Spa Resorts In Serbia - Serbooking.com

Feeling tired and tense? Desperate for some fresh air and in need of a relaxing detox from busy lifestyle? Probably your reaction is "Duuh, but what can you do?". Well, you can book your ticket in a second and plan a chill weekend. I know, upon reading this title, you probably thought it is rather redundant, as  you have heard that Belgium is the mother of spas, with the city that in fact gave them its name. However, I must disappoint you and tell you that you are so mistaken. Allow me to reveal  you the hidden thermal beauties of my beautiful home country, Serbia. And if you think "Why would I even go all the way there for a spa trip?" then I accept the challenge of trying to convince you the opposite.

What you didn't know for sure is that Serbia is ranking itself among the richest areas in the world for its natural healing factors, including some 350 so far known and examined springs of different curative mineral waters, as well as over 25 health with exceptional healing and ecological values. Thus, it is often referred to as the Republic of Spas. Mineral waters are very diversified, since their properties and abundance strictly depend from the geological composition of the area in which they are located. In fact, springs in Serbia appear even in the regions which are over 500 m above the sea level, which is exceptionally rare. Quite often, the springs are accompanied with the appearance of medicinal gases and mud, as a result of interaction of waters and soil in their surroundings. Moreover, spas in Serbia are located either in the valleys or on the hill slopes, they are almost always surrounded with forests, meadows and orchards.



What is more, great variety of modern accommodation facilities, monuments, parks, sport fields, swimming pools as well as sport and recreational centers make the spas both cultural and entertaining.  The amazing thing is that every single spa is surrounded by untouched nature, well-kept surroundings, parks and footpaths. The healing resorts are situated at the height from 450 to 1.500 above sea level which makes them easily accessible and the diverse flora and fauna, sub-Alpine climate,is rather beneficial for both body and soul. The resorts are mostly build for relaxation, recovery, and treatment of some diseases and especially for athlete's preparations. The friendly staff and locals are aiming to provide you with the rich and expert medical services not only for treatment but also for the mere recovery and pleasure. In my humble opinion all this, friendly, hospitable people, extremly affordable prices and great cuisine are just some among many other reasons why you should consider to visit some of the spa locations in Serbia. Just to get a closer idea and some of the inside scoop where to go, let me introduce you with some of the best and most popular thermal spots in the country.



Niška Banja - This wonderful thermal resort is located at the south of Serbia, close to the town of Nis. Niška Banja lies at the foot of Koritnik, a branch of Suva Planina, at an altitude of 248 m. Natural medicinal factors in Niska Banja are mild, moderate-continental climate, thermo-mineral waters and natural mineral mud. Niška Banja has three facilities "Radon", "Zelengora" and "Terme", modern equipment for diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases and for operative treatment in the field of orthopedic surgery. In the vicinity of Niška Banja is the forest Košutnjak, with trim trails. Niška Banja is suitable for preparation and competition of sports teams, as but for some artsy souls it also has a library, an art gallery and a summer stage, which during the hot months become a hit spot of numerous events united in the manifestation "Cultural Year in Niska Banja".



Banja Koviljača - is located in the western part of Serbia, in the region of Podrinje, on the right bank of the Drina River, at the foot of Mount Gučevo, and at an altitude of 125 m. Archaeological research has determined that the area of Banja Koviljača was inhabited even in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, under the walls of the "Koviljka's town", people of this region visited the sources of medicinal water. Sophisticated mineral waters and medicinal mud are the natural healing factors of Banja Koviljača. Moreover, the spa is surrounded by one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Serbia, suitable for walks and recreation. The well-known spa hall "Kur-salon", will impress you with its beauty, while the rich interior will carry within itself the spirit of lavish past times.



Sokobanja - famous for its large health center and a well-known spa town. The healing properties of the Sokobanja thermal springs were acknowledged even in Roman times. What makes Sokobanja attractive is thermal mineral water, ideal altitude, temperate continental climate, clean mountain air with lots of oxygen and beautiful, untouched nature. It belongs to the renowned tourist centers, with the longest tradition of organized tourism for 170 years now. Natural medicinal factors Sokobanja are thermo-mineral springs and gas radon with favorable ionization. There are five hotels in the spa: Sunce, Moravica, Zdravljak, Tourist and natural health resort Banjica. This spa has the most up-to-date equipment for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation using natural healing factors, as well as swimming pools with thermal water, gym, small sports shops and tennis courts. Sokobanja rests on the slopes of the Ozren Mountain and the Rtanj Mountains, surrounded by spacious and beautifully landscaped parks and picnics. There is also Bovanska klisura and Bovansko lake, then the largest waterfall in Ripaljka, the Lepertija, Kalinovicaas well as a significant number of caves.



Vrnjačka Banja - The spa got this name by the village of Vrnjci, where the mineral springs were discovered. Also known as the Queen of Serbian tourism, with its healing waters, helps in the treatment of diabetes, gastrovascular diseases, gynecological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Vrnjacka Banja is located in central Serbia, 200 km south of Belgrade, on the slopes of the Goch mountain and in the Vrnjacka and Lipovac valleys. Sports and Recreation Center "Raj" has three grassy football fields and an athletic track, and there are also small sports grounds, for those of you who like to have sporty weekends. Guests can use saunas, bowling alley, outdoor and indoor swimming pools and fitness centers. On Goch mountain there are ideal conditions for hunting in a landscaped hunting ground. For those who prefer river and sport fishing, 10 km from Vrnjacka Banja, in the Western Morava there are Danube pubs.



Prolom Banja - located in the very south of Serbia, with moderate-continental climate and lush vegetation, Prolom Spa stimulates the human organism. It is included in the well-known healing climate treatment facilities, with its several sources of thermo-mineral water. Otherwise, Prolom water is a well-known bottled water, which is a confirmation of water quality and is taken by everyone both young and old, so definitely give it a try. As a guest of Prolom Spa, you will have at your disposal  a gym, kinesiology hall, swimming pool and "health trails".