Bikinis for Spa Breaks and Heated Pools: What to Wear on a Winter Getaway

ยท 6 min read

Bikinis para spa y piscina climatizada: quรฉ llevar en tus escapadas de invierno

The end of summer doesn't mean shoving your bikini to the back of the wardrobe until June. Autumn and winter bring other plans that call for one too: a weekend at a spa hotel, a thermal circuit with friends, a hammam on a rainy afternoon or a getaway to a country cottage with a heated pool. They're calmer than a beach day, but they have their own rules. Choose the right bikini and look after it, and you'll enjoy it as much in January as in August. Here's how to get it right.

Why a spa bikini isn't the same as a beach bikini

At the beach you move about, swim in the sea, sunbathe and lie on the sand. At a spa things change: you go from the pool to the jacuzzi, from the jacuzzi to the sauna and from there to a lounger with a herbal tea. There's more hot water, more chlorine and a lot more time sitting or lying down.

What's more, at a spa your bikini is on show more than at the beach. There's no sand or sea to hide it: people see it in the relaxation area, at the pool bar, in the corridor to the sauna and, of course, in the mirror selfie.

So for these getaways we look for three things in a bikini:

  • Good support without digging in. You'll be wearing it for hours and moving from one area to another. A top you have to readjust at every step soon becomes uncomfortable and spoils the fun.
  • It makes you feel beautiful out of the water too. A bikini with a special design turns an afternoon at the spa into something you'll want to remember.
  • It's easy to layer. In winter you'll go from your room to the pool in a robe or kimono, and taking layers off and on needs to be quick and easy.

Which styles work best

Supportive tops

If you're spending the day between the pool, the jacuzzi and the relaxation area, a supportive bikini top is your best friend. You forget about it and just enjoy yourself. Make sure the fit is firm but comfortable: when you've been sitting in a jacuzzi or lying on a lounger for a while, anything that rubs or pinches becomes much more noticeable.

Classic bottoms for the most relaxed days

At a spa you'll spend a lot of time sitting and lying down. A classic bottom, which gives a little more coverage at the back, is usually the most comfortable choice for these plans. If you feel better in a thong bottom, go for it: what matters is that you're comfortable and don't have to think about your bikini all day.

A touch of shine

A metallic or lurex bikini looks gorgeous in the soft light of a spa and with the reflections of the pool. It's an easy way to give a winter plan something special, and to give your getaway photos a different feel.

Top and bottoms, each in its own size

If you usually take a different size on top and on the bottom, order each piece in its own size. When you'll be wearing your bikini for so many hours, a perfect fit on both pieces makes all the difference.

How to protect your bikini from chlorine and hot water

The water in heated pools and jacuzzis usually contains chlorine, and it's hot too. Both wear out fabrics and elastic faster than sea water. The good news is that with a few simple habits your bikini will last through many getaways:

  1. Rinse your bikini in cold water as soon as you get out. Many spas have showers by the pool: use them for your bikini too, even while you're wearing it.
  2. Don't leave it rolled up and damp in your bag. If you can't wash it straight away, wrap it in a dry towel and take it out as soon as you get back to your room.
  3. Hand wash it with a mild soap, without rubbing or wringing, especially if it's metallic or lurex.
  4. Dry it flat in the shade. Never on the radiator, next to the heating or in the tumble dryer: direct heat warps fabrics and stretches elastic.
  5. If you're going for several days, take two bikinis. That way one dries while you wear the other, and neither stays damp for hours.

Common mistakes on a spa break

  • Taking just one bikini for the whole weekend. Putting on a damp bikini in the morning is one of the least pleasant feelings of any getaway. With two, problem solved.
  • Going into the sauna in a bikini still wet from the pool. Dry heat on wet, chlorinated fabric is really harsh on it. If you can, have a shower first and go in with your bikini rinsed, or cover up with a towel.
  • Forgetting your flip-flops. Spa floors are slippery and not always warm. Non-slip flip-flops are a must.
  • Leaving your moisturiser at home. Hot water and chlorine dry your skin out more than you'd think.

What to pack for a wellness getaway

  • Two bikinis: one for each day, or one for the pool and another for the jacuzzi and sauna.
  • A kimono or a loose shirt to go from your room to the pool area. Most hotels provide a robe, but a kimono looks better in the relaxation area and in photos.
  • Flip-flops that are comfortable and non-slip.
  • A waterproof bag to keep your wet bikini away from the rest of your luggage.
  • A claw clip or hair tie to put your hair up before the jacuzzi and sauna.
  • Body moisturiser and a good lip balm.
  • A book or your favourite music for the relaxation area. In the end, that's what it's all about: switching off.

Winter plans that call for a bikini

If you're looking for an excuse to get your bikini out before summer, here are a few ideas:

  • A girls' weekend at a spa hotel. The perfect plan to switch off, catch up and take photos you'll want to show off.
  • A thermal circuit for two. A lovely gift for an anniversary, Valentine's Day or Christmas.
  • A country cottage with a heated pool for a getaway with family or friends, with a log fire at night and a swim in the morning.
  • A hammam. A simple plan close to home for any winter afternoon, no packing required.
  • A trip somewhere warm in the middle of winter, if you fancy swapping your coat for the beach for a few days.

Quick questions

Can I wear a metallic bikini in the pool?

Yes. You just need to take a little more care of it: rinse it in cold water when you get out, hand wash it and dry it in the shade. That way the shine will last much longer.

How many bikinis should I pack for a spa weekend?

Two is enough. One dries while you wear the other, and you'll never have to put on a damp bikini.

Swimsuit or bikini for a spa?

Both work. A bikini is more practical for getting in and out of hot water and for sunbathing on terraces or outdoor areas, and it also lets you choose the size of each piece separately.

Your bikini is for winter too

A good bikini isn't something you wear two months a year. Choose it well and look after it, and it'll go with you to the beach in August and to the spa in January. And every time you put it on, it reminds you that you can carry summer with you all year.

Discover our collection and choose the bikini that will go with you on your next getaway.

The bikinis in this story

See all
Howdy Triangle Bikini Set New
Howdy Triangle Bikini SetTop and bottom ยท choose each size 84,53 โ‚ฌ
Champagne Bikini Set New
Champagne Bikini SetTop and bottom ยท choose each size 85 โ‚ฌ
Daddys Bikini Set New
Daddys Bikini SetTop and bottom ยท choose each size 85 โ‚ฌ
Bronze Bikini Set New
Bronze Bikini SetTop and bottom ยท choose each size 85 โ‚ฌ

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