Ancient Baths to Modern Luxury: The History of Spa Culture

It often seems like all roads lead back to the Romans, doesn’t it? If you’re curious about the history of spas as you prepare for your upcoming Spa Day, you’re in the right place!

Whether you’ve found yourself pondering the origins of spa culture during a visit, or you’re simply fascinated by the history of our enduring love for water and its healing powers, this blog is just what you need. By the end, you’ll have a whole new perspective on spa breaks—one that’s steeped in history and relaxation.

• The origins of the Spa Day

The word “spa” originates from the Latin phrase Salus per Aquam, meaning “health from the water.” While spas are often linked to the Romans, their history actually predates that era. The practice of visiting hot and cold springs for healing purposes goes back to prehistoric times. Archaeological digs near hot springs in France and the Czech Republic have uncovered bronze weapons and offerings, suggesting early appeal for these natural waters.

Before the Romans, some of the earliest accounts of Western bathing traditions come from ancient Greece. Hippocrates, the renowned Greek philosopher and physician from over 2,000 years ago, believed that illnesses stemmed from an imbalance of bodily fluids and could be remedied through “an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.” Inspired by this, the Greeks developed structured bathing routines, laying the groundwork for spa practices as we know them today.

Excavations in areas like Knossos, Crete, and Santorini reveal the Aegean's use of small bathtubs, washbasins, and even footpaths for personal hygiene. As gyms became a staple of Greek life, public baths and showers followed, offering spaces for relaxation and cleanliness.

When the Romans entered the picture, they took these Greek innovations and elevated them. With the advent of aqueducts, cement, and central heating, the Romans were able to expand the size and sophistication of baths, incorporating running water and intricate designs. As the Roman Empire grew, so did their baths, spreading across the Mediterranean and into North Africa. One of the best preserved examples is the Roman Baths in Bath, England, still a marvel to this day.

Bathing habits have waxed and waned throughout history. During the Elizabethan era, hygiene regressed, and baths were often considered an annual luxury. Fast forward to 1910, when America’s first day spa, Manhattan’s Red Door Saloon, offered manicures, facials, and other treatments. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that spas truly became mainstream, driven by the wellness industry’s growing popularity. This momentum has only increased through the 2000s and beyond, cementing spas as a cornerstone of modern relaxation and self care.

• How Modern Spa Breaks Boomed in Popularity

The humble Spa Day has a rich and fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Next time you step into a spa, you can reflect on just how far we’ve come since humans first embraced bathing for its health benefits.

As societies have become wealthier and the wellness movement has grown, spa days have shifted from being a luxury for the few to a mainstream way to relax, rejuvenate, and disconnect from our increasingly digital lives. Today, we’re much better at understanding the importance of self care, “me time,” and prioritising activities that support our mental well-being—key reasons spa days have surged in popularity.

So why not take a leaf out of the Greeks and Roman’s book? Browse our Spa Day Deals to find your perfect day of indulgence, or treat someone special with the ultimate way to unwind and recharge.

• Book a Spa Day Online