Don'??t leave town without indulging in this divinely soothing experienceâ??voted by U.K. Condé Nast Traveller readers as being among the top 10 thermal spas in the world in 2009. The jewel in this watery crown is the Lake Spa complex, with four Japanese Rotem Buro pools at different temperatures, set among rocks and waterfalls beside the lake. Add to that the Lake Spa Retreat, where you can lie back and have delicious things done to your body in the name of stress release and relaxation. (I highly recommended the mud body wrap.) This is the swanky section of the complex: You get extra service, a private bar, and a lounge -- ??it'??s well worth the cost.

The Family Spa is another top addition. It has a warm freshwater pool with a toddlersâ?? pool and a mini-water slide; adults can enjoy two adjacent hot mineral pools while they supervise the brood. The complex has 27 bathing pools in total, including 13 beautiful new private pools, refurbished in 2007. Ask for one of the four private lake-view pools and lie back and savor the magic. Adults have the use of a large hot mineral pool, plus the three adjacent Priest Spa acidic pools, famous for their curative effects on ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.

The water in these pools comes from acidic springs, and the temperature varies from 102°F to 108°F (39°C-??42°C). The water in all other pools is quite different. Itâ??s soft alkaline water, which flows from a boiling spring 100m (330 ft.) from the complex and is cooled by the addition of the town'??s water. The Polynesian Spa is incredibly popular, so you'??ll seldom be alone unless you opt for a private pool or Luxury Spa experience, but it'??s worth it nonetheless -- ??especially if you have aching muscles.