Aside from Chocolate and Beer, Belgium is also renowned for its excellent spas. It was after all the town of Spa in the eastern part of Belgium near Liège which originally coined the term. The name dates back to Roman times when the location was called "Aquae Spadanae". This article is part of an ongoing article series where The Brussels Times explores and reviews the best Spas in Belgium - not only in the city of Spa itself but also in the capital as well as other regions in the country.
One doesn’t need to leave Brussels in order to find quality Spas in Belgium. And the “Urban Spa” on the 23rd floor of the elegant “The Hotel” in the Louise area may not be the largest one in the country, but it is certainly one of the coolest Spas we’ve been too.
With its 250 square meters of space dedicated to relaxation and well-being, it conveniently fits in all the essentials, with a sauna and steam room, a fully equipped gym and several spa treatment rooms. Perhaps the most unique and noticeable feature of the “Urban Spa”, is that all the areas come with incredibly beautiful skyline views of the city.
The views from this location are probably one of the best one can get hold of in Brussels and what better way to enjoy such scenery than while you relax in a sauna or receive a high quality beauty treatment or massage? It makes the whole experience quite special and unique.
Already from the beginning, when entering the changing rooms at the Urban Spa, one notices the attention to detail and care that The Hotel has invested into making this a special experience.
The changing rooms leading into the Spa, with your own personal locker to leave your belongings safely
The gym may not be the largest one in Brussels, but it has all the essentials one needs for a complete work out, being fitted with both top of the line cardio equipment as well as a wide range of free weights and strength machines. 
The views are what makes a workout at the Urban Spa special. But also the equipment are modern and top notch
After a good workout and relaxing break in the sauna or steam room, you are welcome to indulge yourself in one of the many beauty and relaxation treatments that the Urban Spa has on offer.
We opted for a 55 min “Oriental massage” and for the 25 min “Face Care” treatment. The oriental massage uses argan oil to hydrate and regenerate the skin, and after a long day or work out and visit to the steam room, it is hard to not fall asleep at this stage as you are immersed in complete relaxation. The face care uses organic products and oils to clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin, and left us feeling (and looking) several years younger. At € 78 for a 1 hour massage and € 45 for the face care, the treatments offered at the Urban Spa are very reasonable and good value considering their high quality.
One of the spa treatment rooms at the Urban Spa
All in all, our experience at the Urban Spa was very special. It is certainly one of the best Spas in Brussels. The only slight drawback was perhaps the lack of a swimming pool or jacuzzi, but the Urban Spa has plenty of other strong points to make up for this, and with their magnificent skyline views, it is a must visit.
One important thing to note about the Urban Spa is that you need to be a guest at The Hotel in order to gain access to it. However, with a wide range of “Spa Getaways” and other types of packages and offers that include overnight and weekend stays, it is well worth a visit and the Urban Spa is a reason itself (among many others) to choose The Hotel when you visit Brussels.
For more information about the Urban Spa and the different packages and offers available, you can visit:
www.thehotel-brussels.be/spa-en
