Imagine leaving the everyday world behind, not just for a few hours, but for your entire stay. What would it feel like if the path to pure relaxation was just a few steps through a weather-protected walkway?
In this article, we share honest insights and personal insider tips on how to turn your visit to the Caracalla Spa—directly connected to the Hotel Aqua Aurelia—into an unforgettable experience of well-being.
A Feeling of Floating: Arriving at the Spa
Anyone who has visited the Caracalla Spa instantly understands why this place is so special. A sense of calm envelops you the moment you enter—soft lighting, quiet music, and the gentle sound of water. Everything invites you to let go of the daily routine. The staircase to the entrance gracefully ascends as if you were entering another world. And that’s exactly what it feels like.
What makes the spa so unique? It is the perfect interplay of water, warmth, and atmosphere. Inside, an expansive bathing landscape awaits, featuring pools of varying temperatures. For many, however, the true centerpiece is the vast, green outdoor area with its river current channel and rock waterfall.
The experience is enhanced by the nature-inspired sauna world and, of course, the thermal water itself. Its healing powers have a history stretching back over 2,000 years, and its high mineral salt content is not only soothing but can also provide relief for ailments such as rheumatism.
Your Exclusive Advantage:
From Your Suite to the Spa with Ease
As a guest at Hotel Aqua Aurelia, you experience all of this with a level of comfort few others enjoy: direct access to the spa through our underground garage. No changing in crowded hallways, no queues at the entrance, no heavy bags to carry.
We provide everything you need—a spa bag, bathrobe, towels, and slippers—so you can set off in complete relaxation. In winter, you won't need a coat, an umbrella, or a bulky bag; simply walk through the covered passage. Some guests do so in their bathrobes, others in their day clothes. Whatever feels most comfortable for you is possible.
The best part? After your spa visit, you're already home. No car, no stress. You simply return to your room, wrap a towel around your wet hair, and walk over to your suite. Perhaps you'll indulge in a short afternoon nap or read a few pages of your favorite book.
And for those who have booked one of our suites with a view of the park, you can even see the spa from your bed—whether in anticipation of your visit or while reflecting on a wonderfully relaxing morning.
This transforms a visit to the Caracalla Spa from a simple wellness day into a restorative escape from the everyday—seamlessly connected to your luxurious accommodation at Aqua Aurelia.
Water, Warmth & Well-Being:
What Awaits You
The Caracalla Spa is more than just a thermal bath; it is a destination with distinct zones tailored to different needs, depending on your mood. Whether you wish to be active, float freely, or simply find tranquility, you will find your perfect space here.
The indoor area features spacious pools with temperatures ranging from invigoratingly cold to delightfully hot. The large, terraced main pool is perfect for swimming, while the cold-water plunge pool awakens your circulation—ideal for alternating between warm and cool to re-energize your body.
The outdoor area is a true highlight, beautifully landscaped amidst lush greenery. It offers cozy sun islands, expansive lawns for lounging, a warm pool with a river current, and a particularly hot pool with a waterfall cascading from a natural rock formation. It is a rare and magnificent setting to recline, listen to the gentle sounds of water, and simply drift away.
Sauna enthusiasts will also be delighted: the separate sauna area offers a wide selection. We recommend checking the spa's website beforehand for current themed days or ladies-only sessions. It's well worth it, as they sometimes feature musical sauna events or special infusion ceremonies.
Finding Your Perfect Fit:
Friedrichsbad or Caracalla Spa?
If you are seeking absolute tranquility and wish to move through different wellness stations at your own pace, the Friedrichsbad is the perfect choice. Located directly next to the Caracalla Spa, it is smaller, more minimalist, and free of distractions.
Here, you follow a set circuit, much like a ritual: room by room, station by station. No phones, no books, no conversation—just complete focus on yourself. It's ideal if you truly want to unwind or find it difficult to switch off. For those who prefer to wear swimwear, there are now designated days when this is permitted.
The Caracalla Spa, in contrast, offers a more social atmosphere. It is the perfect place to relax with a friend, chat quietly, or enjoy a light meal at the restaurant. The spa is lively without being loud, offering space for both peaceful retreat and gentle interaction.
So, where should you go for maximum relaxation? For complete silence, focus, and introspection, Friedrichsbad is ideal. If you prefer to unwind with a good book, occasionally check your phone, or enjoy a more vibrant setting, you will feel right at home in the Caracalla Spa. Many of our guests choose to experience both, depending on their mood and the time of day.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect Wellness Day
- Morning: Begin with a light breakfast at our hotel—perhaps some fruit or yogurt. Afterward, slip on your bathrobe, grab your spa bag and slippers, and walk through the direct access to the spa. No stress, no weather concerns, no need to change in public.
- At the Spa: Once there, your personal wellness day begins: indoors or outdoors, warm or cold, in solitude or with company. You might even indulge in a massage—many guests pre-book a hot stone or Dorn-Breuss treatment. (Insider tip: Reserve well in advance, as they are very popular!)
- Return & Relax: After two to three hours, when your body and mind are pleasantly relaxed, return to the hotel. Perhaps enjoy the rest of our breakfast buffet (served until 11:00 AM, and 11:30 AM on weekends), dry your hair, and apply your skincare. Our bathrooms are designed for comfort, with underfloor heating, mosaics, stucco elements, and warm lighting, ensuring you feel instantly at ease.
- Afternoon: What follows is entirely up to you. A short nap, a stroll through the Kurpark, a visit to the old town, or—for history enthusiasts—a trip to the Roman bath ruins. In the former soldiers' bath, you can still see the paw prints of a cat that walked through fresh cement some 2,000 years ago. It’s these small stories that make a visit truly unforgettable.
Practical Information for a Seamless Visit
A trip to the Caracalla Spa should be one thing above all: relaxing. That’s why we make every step as effortless as possible for you.
Towels, Bathrobes & Slippers? We've Got You Covered.
You don't need to bring a thing. Our reception will provide you with everything you need: plush towels, comfortable slippers, and a soft bathrobe. We also have children's sizes available. This not only saves space in your luggage but also avoids the inconvenience of drying wet towels in your suite.
Our Exclusive Access – Fast, Convenient & Sheltered.
Your room key grants you direct access to the spa via our underground passage, shielding you from wind, weather, and queues. Simply take the elevator to the lowest floor and walk a short distance. Please note: a small final section of stairs is not accessible by elevator. For guests using a walker or wheelchair, we recommend the equally short and pleasant outdoor path to the main entrance.
Stress-Free Parking.
Our private underground garage is available for €23.50 per night. During peak season, the Vincenti public garage is conveniently located just across the street at a similar price. You are welcome to stop directly in front of the hotel for loading and unloading.
Certified Accessibility.
Our hotel is fully accessible, with no steps, an elevator to all floors, and wheelchair-friendly design. We are officially certified by "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All), a program supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Detailed measurements, from door widths to parking spaces, are available on our website, allowing you to verify that our facilities meet your specific needs.
Visiting with Children.
Access to the Caracalla Spa is for guests aged seven and older, primarily due to the high water temperatures. However, the spa is a place for relaxation, not a water park. Most children understand this well and are often fascinated by the unique features, like the hot and cold pools or the outdoor waterfall.
More Than Just Water:
Baden-Baden's Rich Spa Culture
The Caracalla Spa is not just a place of relaxation; it is part of a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It owes its name to Emperor Caracalla, who is said to have founded the soldiers' baths in Baden-Baden. Even then, the special healing properties of the local water were renowned.
What many do not know is that Baden-Baden was once called "Aquae Aureliae"—the "golden waters." Our hotel's name, Aqua Aurelia, is derived from this rich history, a connection our guests often find fascinating. This heritage is palpable throughout your stay with us.
The thermal water in Baden-Baden has an exceptionally high mineral content and was historically used for both bathing and drinking. Today, you can still sample the water at the historic Trinkhalle (Pump Room), surrounded by magnificent frescoes depicting legends of the springs. This city has long been a sanctuary where people come to rest, recover, and rejuvenate.
Book Now and Make the Most of Your Stay
Your stay at Aqua Aurelia should be as individual as you are. That’s why we recommend booking directly with us—by phone, email, or conveniently through our website.
Why Booking Direct is Better
- Best Price & Breakfast Benefit: Only with us do you receive the guaranteed lowest room rate and a discounted breakfast—currently €17.50 instead of €25 per person. For two guests, that's a saving of €30 per day.
- Flexible Cancellation: Plans can change. When you book direct, you can cancel free of charge until 10:00 AM on the day of arrival.
- Personalized Room Consultation: Park or street view? Balcony or garden access? Sunrise in bed? In a personal conversation, we can find the perfect suite to match your wishes.
- Exclusive Extras: Skip-the-line tickets for the Caracalla Spa, access to Friedrichsbad, and our popular hiking package are all available directly from us, with complete flexibility and no rigid package requirements.
How to Book
- Online: Our user-friendly booking engine features a calendar view that instantly shows you the best available rates.
- By Phone: Call us for a friendly, personal consultation to find your favorite room.
- By Email: Send us your request, and we will promptly reply with a tailored offer.
The earlier you book, the better the rate. Guests traveling mid-week (Sunday–Thursday) enjoy particularly attractive prices. And for longer stays, book 7 nights and pay for only 6—the seventh night is our gift to you.
Are you ready for your exclusive escape? Book your stay at Hotel Aqua Aurelia now and experience the unique comfort of stepping from your suite into the warm, healing waters of the spa.
