A weekend in Wallonia: relaxation and discoveries in Spa

Start your getaway with a stroll through the city center. Around the Place Royale, you will discover several iconic buildings related to the thermal and social history of Spa.

The old infrastructures, hotels, galleries, and villas testify to the time when visitors from all over Europe came to the city to enjoy its waters, entertainments, and surroundings.

A route called 'blue line' allows discovering the main heritage sites by following blue cobblestones integrated into the ground. It runs through the heart of the city and passes by several well-known or more discreet sites.

Other walks allow exploring the Old Spa neighborhood and its old villas. Some routes include stairs and more sporty passages, which are worth considering before departure.

Spa is part of the great spa towns of Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. This recognition highlights the importance of its thermal and urban heritage.

One of the main assets of the Van der Valk Hotel Spa is its direct connection with the Thermes de Spa.

From the hotel's first floor, a private funicular allows reaching the thermal center located on the heights. Thus, you avoid taking the car again and can go directly from your room to your relaxation time.

The Thermes offer different spaces dedicated to water and well-being, including indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool baths, as well as treatments and massages.

Access to the Thermes is not automatically included in all room bookings. So, it is advisable to check the chosen package, availability, and any age restrictions before your stay.

Plan enough time to enjoy the experience without watching the clock. A half-day or a full day can be devoted to relaxation according to the chosen program.

Spa is surrounded by a particularly green environment. Many walks reach the springs, woods, and hills surrounding the city.

The tourist office offers marked routes as well as guided walks dedicated to nature, the moors, and local heritage. Some summer excursions also allow discovering the springs via a small tourist train.

For an accessible walk, choose a route near the center. More experienced hikers can venture further into the forests or reach the Malchamps moorland and the Bérinzenne estate.

Before any hike, check the distance, elevation, trail conditions, and weather conditions. This precaution is particularly useful in autumn and winter.

Motorsport enthusiasts can dedicate part of their stay to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, located nearby.

Known for its hilly layout and iconic corners, the circuit hosts various competitions and events throughout the year. The program varies greatly depending on the periods: so check the schedule before your arrival.

Even outside major events, several activities or tours may be offered depending on site availability. The circuit thus serves as a dynamic complement to a stay mainly dedicated to well-being.

The region also offers other active leisure activities, such as treetop adventure courses, mountain biking trails, and various outdoor activities.

The Van der Valk Hotel Spa has 120 renovated rooms and is located in the heart of the city, close to shops, the casino, and main points of interest.

After your day, you can enjoy the restaurant, bar, and spaces of the establishment. The dining emphasizes seasonal cuisine served in a warm atmosphere, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The hotel also offers a fitness room and various packages combining overnight stay, dining, and access to the Thermes. The exact contents of the offers may change, so check the conditions when booking.

On Saturday morning, start with the blue line and the main monuments of the center. After lunch, reach the Thermes via the private funicular and devote the afternoon to relaxation.

In the evening, return to the hotel to enjoy a meal and a comfortable night.

On Sunday, choose between a walk to the springs, a hike in the forests, discovering architectural heritage, or an outing to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

This alternation between relaxation, nature, and activities allows experiencing a complete stay without leaving the region.

For your next getaway, our Van der Valk hotels also welcome you in Waterloo, Charleroi Airport, Mons Congrès, Liège Sélys, Liège Congrès, Verviers and Nivelles-Sud.

Between thermalism, heritage, culture, walks, and gastronomy, each destination offers another way to enjoy a weekend in Wallonia.