¿Es este santuario en el bosque el mejor spa de Europa?

You will never have to share a sauna with strangers again thanks to this unique spa hidden in the lush canals of Ireland. Spaces are supposed to be relaxing, a well-deserved break from the chaotic and mundane life we all find ourselves in. But there is nothing zen or mindful about rubbing shoulders with a complete stranger at 40°C like a sweaty sardine. Or shedding sins in steam while listening to the repetitive scratch of an inappropriate host shaving their beard.

Unfortunately, this may be the reality of most spa experiences these days, even if you have paid a small fortune for the privilege. To avoid sounding bitter, people can be quite bothersome.

The owners of Finn Lough in Northern Ireland, a «luxury hideaway» since 1983, must have come to the same conclusion at some point, because they created a unique and exclusive spa experience for welcoming explorers who truly want to be alone.

Soul and soul pampering in Ireland, where you are the only visitor to the spa. Finn Lough, located in the lush canals of Enniskillen, had its five minutes of fame in 2021, thanks to its popular domes that allow stargazing from the comfort of the bed itself.

Their trend of «Transparent Accommodation» never really appealed to me. Maybe it’s the fear of being observed by a «Gruagach», a mythical Irish «Bigfoot», without my knowledge. But when I discovered that this discreet hideaway had its own secret spa, I fell in love instantly. I shared this journey with my partner, who was the one to take us there.

With the goal of «Reconnecting with the Elements», the private nature experience is a guided tour, a series of treatment cabins. The two-hour adventure starts with a sensory privacy tank, which I had previously dismissed as an ironic gimmick.

There’s no claustrophobic pod-like coffin you have to climb into before trying to slow down your pulse. Instead, we silently glide into a spacious saltwater pool and settle comfortably with a variety of floating pillows and spots.

The lights dim after a few minutes, giving you enough time to settle in before drifting into a dreamlike state. After about 30 minutes (or a million years?), the lights gradually dimmed. I felt the gentle Irish sun make a rare appearance, warming me up to consciousness. I already felt all my tension melting away.

Finn Lough’s secret spa overlooks a stunning lake. Drying off with our towels, we move on to the second stage of the ritual, which must be the highlight of the journey: a Finnish sauna suspended over an seemingly endless lake.

At the entrance, you flip the hourglass to know when it’s time to move on (reluctantly) before lying down and enjoying the heat and picturesque views.

It’s an ethereal feeling, already relaxed, as you watch the cold waters sporadically splash in front of you. I could see the Irish wind blowing through the vegetation, but couldn’t feel or hear it. The heat and silence enveloped our bones, and I felt the euphoria relaxing me. While I didn’t dare to plunge into the icy water, my partner assured me that the endorphin rush made it worth the risk of hypothermia.

The next stop on our adult spa treasure hunt was a plant-based sauna: a milder heat, using aromatherapy with local herbs like Rosemary and Birch. It’s a nice addition to the tour, but I think a mosaic-walled steam room would have been a better choice, as the first sauna was simply unbeatable.

As the last grains of sand fell in the hourglass, we made our penultimate stop: a bubble jacuzzi overlooking the lake. As the sun set slowly, I sipped Prosecco and repeatedly wished I could do it all over again.

The subtle way Finn Lough guides you along the path is what makes it so magical. You feel torn when one experience ends, but dizzy as you eagerly rush towards the next part of the tour. It’s a place to pamper and have fun, and the only person who can bother you there… is yourself.

When the bubbles stop, it officially ends. If you want to extend your zen mental state, you can spend time in the relaxation room with a cup of herbal tea and some quiet rooms that puzzled me. Instead, we’re looking for the nearest Irish «fish and chips» shop to return to reality.

Is Finn Lough really the best spa in Europe? I’ve been to some spas across Europe, including the Bucarest Term Spa in Romania, which has impeccable facilities. While this TikTok gem is definitely cool, tourist crowds have made it more stressful than relaxing. Even the prestigious Harrogate Turkish Baths in England can sometimes be a bit crowded, especially if your visit coincides with a stag do or birthday party.

The Krauma geothermal spa in Iceland has long been my personal favorite: a piece of geothermal paradise that beats having a jacuzzi or pool all to yourself.

With all these amazing places, tourist crowds can detract from their magic. So, if you want to truly relax without seeing a soul, you have to go to Finn Lough.

The two-hour private nature journey at Finn Lough is priced at £70 per person (€84) for residents and £85 per person (€102) for day visitors. Booking is essential due to limited availability.

FUENTE