The Best Spa and Wellness Hotels to Book in Pärnu, Estonia

For a luxurious contemporary spa experience with ancient Estonian folk wisdom, make a beeline for Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa. In addition to discovering nine different saunas, you can take part in traditional sauna rituals – which involve the use of a “whisk”, usually made of birch twigs, to stimulate circulation – and herbal baths packed with local plants, such as mint, blackcurrant and lemon balm. For a bonus adventure, try a floating session in the Dead Sea pool. The Pärnu waterfront is just a five-minute walk away.

A prime location in the town centre may be what first draws you to Pärnu Hotel, but a look beneath the surface reveals both a fascinating history and a decadent spa. The hotel is set on the former site of the Endla Theatre, from the balcony of which the Estonian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in February 1918. Today, the hotel is one of many in Pärnu, but is hard to beat when it comes to enjoying some much-needed pampering: manicures, massages, facials, hairdressing and sauna sessions are all on offer in the numerous treatment rooms.

Fancy a private sauna in your hotel suite? At Villa Ammende, this can become a reality. Once the luxurious summer home of Hermann Leopold Ammende – one of Pärnu’s wealthiest magnate merchants – it is now among the swishest accommodation options in town. The Art Nouveau exterior is also reflected in its early 20th-century interior, decked out with antique furniture, chandeliers and paintings from the era. Post-sauna, hang out on a comfy bean bag at the Garden Cafe, or stop by for afternoon tea in Villa Ammende’s elegant “boudoir” tea room.

If getting away from it all is at the top of your agenda, Strand Spa & Conference Hotel fits the bill. Though the beach is just a 15-minute walk away, you could easily spend a tranquil few days here without even stepping off-site. The hotel spa offers a Finnish sauna, massage pool, steam room and cold water barrel (for icy dips), while the restaurant and lobby bar will keep you fed and hydrated with international cuisine and decadent cocktails. To add a little competitive spirit to your stay, head out to the 18-hole mini golf course.

Come back from Estonia looking and feeling your best, courtesy of the beauty salon at Hotell Tammsaare – whether you’re in the market for a massage, facial, manicure or cut and blow-dry. For the ultimate wellness getaway, book one of the hotel packages that give you access to Tervise Paradiis, an extensive spa and waterpark complex, just two minutes down the road. Prefer total seclusion for your spa experience? Choose one of the hotel’s deluxe rooms with a private sauna.

To truly experience Estonia’s summer capital, it’s essential to spend some time on the sands of Pärnu Beach. Perched on the seafront, overlooking the Baltic, Rannahotell is hard to beat when it comes to easy access to the beach – not to mention the sweeping sea views from many of the rooms. Head to the on-site Anika Spa for detox body wraps, aromatherapy massages and soothing foot baths. Finish the day at the elegant on-site restaurant, where you can sample local delicacies including Estonian cheeses, okroshka (raw vegetable) soup and fresh halibut.

Set amidst landscaped grounds, Hedon Spa & Hotel occupies the handsome Neoclassical building constructed to house Pärnu’s famous mud baths in 1927. As its name suggests, Hedon is all about self-indulgence. Indeed, the array of pampering options on offer here is exceptional. Savour some downtime in the steam room and Finnish sauna; book in for a North African hammam ceremony; or take in some winter rays at the Sun Spa. You can even book into the Silent Spa, where noise is kept at a minimum for you to enjoy peaceful contemplation.

“Fun for all the family” may be something of a clichéd marketing phrase, but it holds true for Tervise Paradiis. Whether your idea of relaxation is enjoying a honey massage and an herbal bath or whizzing down a waterslide before a high-stakes game of ten-pin bowling, you’ll find your bliss here. Back at your room, breathe in the healing sea air from your balcony (complete with views over the beach) and, if you’ve booked a suite, continue the spa session in your own private sauna.