It’s summer and you need to cool down. Instead of that boring ice pack you were going to put down your trousers, why not seek out something a bit more exotic, perhaps even healthy? Here are some unusual oases that might just make you double-take. (Our featured image, above, is by MAMA WARRIOR)

Have you read our blog post about the world’s highest swimming pools?

Széchényi Spa Chess Champions. Photo by christine zenino

The Széchenyi Bath or Széchenyi-gyógyfürdő, built in 1913, is the largest medicinal bath in Europe, with three large outdoor baths; two thermal and one swimming pool. Photo by christine zenino

Szechenyi baths, Budapest. Photo by karaian

Szechenyi Baths, Budapest

Due to the natural thermal springs beneath it, the capital of Hungary is spoilt for baths and people have been gleefully dipping their toes in the city for around 500 years. Our pick is Szechenyi. Although it’s only 100 years old, a baby by the standards of some of Budapest’s baths, it lays claim to being Europe’s largest medicinal bath and is surrounded by a sumptuous dream-like palace.

There are even chess boards in the baths so you can feel like Deep Blue whilst you’re in the deep blue.

Garra Rufa fish (Kangal fish, Doctor fish, Nibble fish) are used in health and beauty spas in many parts of the world. Photo by jemasmith

Fish pedicure. Photo by Matlock-Photo

Doctor fish spas, Turkey

The little suckers known as garra rufa have been curing skin problems for centuries in the Middle East, particularly Anatolia. In recent years they’ve been lucratively exported around the world, but for the authentic experience check out some original baths based around the river basins of Turkey, with their ancient cracked stone and the scent of medical history.

San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile. Photo by keepitsurreal

San Alfonso Del Mar swimming pool. Photo by keepitsurreal

Photo courtesy of www.crystal-lagoons.com

San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile

Nearly 20 acres of space means the world’s largest swimming pool is actually bigger than most lakes. This monstrous puddle sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, taunting Mother Nature’s creation with its arrogant girth.

Adam Zulawski (35 Posts)

Adam likes travel and writing. Sometimes he lets them mingle.

Budapest, Doctor fish spas, San Alfonso del Mar, slider, swimming pools, Szechenyi Baths, Turkey