A spa town (also called a bathing-place or simply a spa) is a town situated around a mineral spa (a developed mineral spring). Patrons resorted to spas to "take the waters" for their purported health benefits. 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.[1]
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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'.[2]
See: List of spa towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Banja Vrućica, Teslić
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).
See: List of spa towns in Canada
Harrison Hot Springs is one of the oldest among 18 in British Columbia, along with 2 in Alberta and one in Ontario.
See: List of spa towns in Croatia
In Croatia, the word Toplice implies a spa town. The most famous spa towns in Croatia are Daruvar, Šibenik and Sisak.
See: Spa towns in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Language, the word Lázně implies a spa town. The most famous spa towns in Czech Republic are Karlovy Vary, Teplice, Františkovy Lázně and Mariánské Lázně.
See: List of spa towns in France
In France, the words bains, thermes, and eaux in city names often imply a spa town. There are more than 50 spa towns in France, including Vichy, Aix-les-Bains, Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, Dax, and Enghien-les-Bains among the best known.
See: List of spa towns in Germany
In Germany, the word Bad implies a spa town. The most famous spa town in Germany is Baden Baden.
See: List of spa towns in Hungary
In Hungary, the word fürdő, fürdőváros or fürdőhely implies a spa town. Hungary is the capital country of thermal and medicine bath, even in cold, warm or hot water. You can visit plenty of old, Türkish style spas in Budapest or in Eger. The most famous spa town in Hungary is Hévíz. But there are lot countryside spas around: Bogács, Bükkszék, Zsóry, Hajdúszoboszló, Miskolc-tapolca, Bük...
See: List of spa towns in Poland
See: List of spa towns in Romania
In Romania, the word Băile implies a spa town. The most famous spa towns in Romania are Băile Herculane, Băile Felix, Mangalia, Covasna, Călimănești & Borsec.
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, Bukovička Banja, Vrujci and Niška Banja. World hottest water by far is hot water spring in Vranjska Banja (111°C)
In Serbia, the word Banja implies a spa town.
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. Two out of three of the English towns granted the title "Royal", Royal Leamington Spa and Royal Tunbridge Wells, are spa towns.
See: List of spa towns