International Beer Day – Hit up a beer spa!

Tomorrow is a most important day that frankly should be a public holiday. August 2 is International Beer Day. Now rather than crap on about craft beer like our new secret member “The Lifestyler” did recently, I want to take you on a different path thanks to the good people at Booking.com.

They have compiled a list of six beer spas from around the globe, venues until now I didn’t know existed. 

Árskógssandur, Iceland

This is Iceland’s first beer spa, the Bjorbodin Spa in Árskógssandur, is a great place to revitalise your body thanks to the wonders of geothermal water, essential oils, yeast, hops and beer. The idea is to soak into one of the large indoor or outdoor tubs let your soul and skin shine again.

Now you can’t stay at the beer spa, so check out the Ytri Vík which is just a short drive away. This is a former farm house with an outlook over a beautiful fjord. 

Neuzelle, Germany

This is in fact the world’s first beer spa. It’s situated just outside a small town called Neuzelle. The Bierbad-Landhotel Garni Kummerower Hof – Weltweit erstes Bierbad is also a beautiful hotel. 

It does look pretty awesome with plenty of surrounding greenery thanks to the Schlaubetal Nature Park. The property offers the lot including spa treatments, massages, beer baths and scrubs. There’s even an original 200-year-old vaulted cellar you can relax and hydrate your skin in. The food at the hotel’s restaurant is tops too I’m told. 

Tarrenz, Austria

The Austrian brewery Starkenberger’s Castle is home to the Starkenberger beer pools. Now these are the world’s first beer swimming pools. Based in the cellar of a 700-year-old castle, you can take dip while knocking down a few.

Nearby is the family-run Gasthof Seewald. This is another traditional guest house surrounded by beautiful nature. 

Prague, Czech Republic

The Original Beer Spa Prague offers spa bathing and beer tasting. So, while you soak away in wooden tubs full of Czech hops and herbs you can also sip on and endless supply of pilsner lager from your own personal tap. Frankly that makes me want to get back on the drink.

If you’re able to walk after all that head to an elegant historic building next to the Charles University, Prague Centre Plaza offers a cosy spa with a large sauna, a hot tub and a salt cave. The on-site Prague Beer Spa Bernard features large wooden tubs designed for two people, where you can cool off and benefit from the healing ingredients of beer while sipping a refreshing Bernard beer.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is home to the Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s largest medicinal bath. Set amid the greenery of City Park, the spa’s palatial building offers the royal treatment with 15 indoor baths and three outdoor pools to choose from. Also, part of this spectacular spa is the Thermal Beer Spa, home to six wooden tubs that are filled with warm thermal water and natural beer ingredients so guests can rejuvenate to feel like a new person.

To rest your weary head, take a look at the classic 19th-century building at the entrance of The City Park, the Mirage Medic Hotel offers elegant rooms in the centre of Budapest.

Sisters, Oregon, USA

This is one of the first beer spas in the U.S., the Hop in the Spa offers a naturally intoxicating spa experience thanks to the enhanced brewed hops and minerals combined with variable water temperatures. You can even get a freshly baked pretzel.

Accommodation wise look for the FivePine Lodge and its beautifully decorated cottages.