So you want to escape Zagreb for a romantic spa day — or maybe a whole weekend — and you’re wondering where to go?
I get it. You’ve seen “terme” everywhere, someone mentioned thermal springs, your partner dropped hints about “needing a break,” and now you’re deep in a Google spiral trying to figure out which one is actually worth it.
Good news: I did the research so you don’t have to. Here are the best romantic spa escapes near Zagreb — ranked by vibe, value, and how likely you are to return home feeling like a completely new human.
Quick Overview
| Spa | Distance | Best For | Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varaždinske Toplice | 50 min | History lovers on a budget | €6-9.50 |
| Terme Tuhelj | 55 min | All-day spa experience | €17-24 |
| Terme Sveti Martin | 1h 30 min | Premium wellness escape | €12-20 |
| Daruvarske Toplice | 1h 48 min | Peace and healing | €18-26 |
1. Varaždinske Toplice — The History Buff’s Hidden Gem
Distance: 73 km (50 min drive)
If you want romance with a side of ancient history, this is your spot.
Varaždinske Toplice sits on thermal springs that the Romans discovered over 2,000 years ago. Yes, actual Romans. They called it Aquae Iasae, built an entire settlement around it, and basically invented the “wellness retreat” concept before wellness retreats were a thing.
The town itself is small, quiet, and charming in that “time moves differently here” kind of way. No crowds, no Instagram influencers posing by infinity pools. Just mineral-rich water, peaceful vibes, and the kind of atmosphere where you can actually hear yourself think.
Why couples love it:
- Croatia’s oldest thermal spa — there’s something romantic about soaking where people have been soaking for 2,000+ years
- Quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere
- Incredibly affordable (you could do a full spa day for less than dinner in Zagreb)
The details:
- Day ticket: €6-9.50 (adults), €5-7.50 (children/seniors)
- Instagram: @sbvzthr
- Website: minerva.hr
Best for: Couples who want something authentic and romantic without spending much. History nerds who get excited about Roman ruins. Anyone who prefers “charming” over “flashy.”
2. Terme Tuhelj — The All-Day Adventure
Distance: 50 km (55 min drive)
This is the one you go to when you want options. Lots of options.
Terme Tuhelj is Croatia’s largest spa complex, and they really commit to the “something for everyone” approach. We’re talking Water Planet (15,000 square meters of pools), Sauna World (eight different saunas — yes, eight), massage treatments, and enough wellness facilities to keep you busy from morning until they politely ask you to leave.
It’s less “quiet romantic escape” and more “let’s make a whole day of this.” Perfect if you and your partner can’t agree on whether you want to swim, sweat, or just lie there being pampered.
Why couples love it:
- Sauna World is an experience — steam rooms, Finnish saunas, infrared cabins, the works
- Easy to spend a full day without getting bored
- Great for couples who want activity AND relaxation
The details:
- All-day ticket: €17-24 (adults), €14-17 (children)
- Family packages: €33-80
- Instagram: @terme_tuhelj
Best for: Couples who want a full spa day experience. People who like variety. Anyone who has strong opinions about different types of saunas.
3. Terme Sveti Martin — The Premium Escape
Distance: 112 km (1h 30 min drive)
This is where you go when you want to feel fancy.
Terme Sveti Martin bills itself as Europe’s first “Healthness Resort” — a term they definitely made up, but also kind of earned. They combine traditional thermal spa treatments with holistic wellness, frequency medicine, and practices rooted in the Rudolf Steiner tradition.
Translation: it’s not just about hot water. It’s about the whole experience — pristine nature, thermo-mineral pools, and a level of intentionality that makes you feel like you’re actually doing something good for yourself, not just floating in warm water.
The drive is longer, but that’s part of the appeal. By the time you arrive, you’ve already left Zagreb behind.
Why couples love it:
- Premium, refined atmosphere without being pretentious
- Beautiful natural setting in Međimurje region
- Holistic approach to wellness (if that’s your thing)
The details:
- Day ticket: €12-16 (weekdays), €16-20 (weekends)
- 3-hour access: €12-16
- Wellness packages: from €56-79/person/night (minimum 2 nights)
- Instagram: @termesvetimartin
Best for: Couples celebrating something special. Anyone who wants a more refined experience. People who use words like “holistic” unironically.
4. Daruvarske Toplice — The Peaceful Retreat
Distance: 131 km (1h 48 min drive)
If your idea of romance is “absolute peace and quiet,” Daruvarske Toplice is calling.
This is a medical spa surrounded by a 150-year-old historic park. It’s known for thermal mud therapy (fango), detox programs, and anti-stress treatments — the kind of place where relaxation isn’t just an option, it’s the entire point.
The drive is the longest on this list, but that’s actually a feature, not a bug. By the time you arrive, you’re far enough from Zagreb that the city feels like a distant memory. No rushing back. No “we should probably leave soon.” Just calm.
Why couples love it:
- Genuinely peaceful — this is not a party spa
- Thermal mud therapy is an experience (and allegedly great for your skin)
- The historic park setting is beautiful
- Feels like a proper escape, not just a day trip
The details:
- Spa oasis: €18 (60 min), €26 (120 min)
- Health packages: €65-99/person/night
- Instagram: @daruvarske_toplice
Best for: Couples who need to genuinely decompress. Anyone interested in medical spa treatments. People who want calm, not crowds.
How to Choose
For a budget-friendly romantic day: Varaždinske Toplice. Roman history, mineral springs, and you’ll spend less than a nice dinner.
For a full spa day with variety: Terme Tuhelj. Eight saunas, multiple pools, and enough options to fill an entire day.
For a premium wellness experience: Terme Sveti Martin. Longer drive, but worth it for the holistic approach and beautiful setting.
For absolute peace and quiet: Daruvarske Toplice. The farthest away, but sometimes distance is exactly what you need.
Pro Tips
- Book treatments in advance — especially on weekends. Popular massage slots fill up fast.
- Bring your own slippers — most places provide them, but having your own is just nicer.
- Check for couple’s packages — many resorts offer special deals that include treatments, meals, and accommodation.
- Weekdays are your friend — less crowded, often cheaper, and more romantic.
- Don’t rush — these places are designed for lingering. Plan to stay longer than you think.
Whether you’re planning an anniversary surprise, a birthday escape, or just a spontaneous “let’s get out of the city” moment, these spas deliver.
Pick one, book it, and thank me later — preferably while floating in thermal water with your partner, pretending the outside world doesn’t exist.
That’s the dream, right?