European Spa Gold List: Swan Spa at Matild Palace, Budapest

Best for: Elegant thermal bathing

Budapest’s Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel opened this year following a five-year project to convert a neglected UNESCO World Heritage Site into one of Europe’s grandest hotels. The transformation, led by Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design, included work on 111 guest rooms and 19 suites as well as the creation of the boutique Swan Spa.

Continuing the city’s ancient reputation for thermal bathing, the 250sqm spa has a white marble hammam, a sauna, a salt and steam room, and separate lounges for men and women.

The spa’s robes and slippers were supplied by FRETTE and two treatment rooms provide luxurious experiences for couples and individuals using ESPA products. Other suppliers include furnishings by GUBI and tapware by Dornbracht.

“The spa journey begins in the light, in an all-white marble reception, before visitors retreat into deep petrol-blue spaces as if descending into the healing waters of the river,” said Maria Vafiadis.

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