The best wellness spots and spas in Amsterdam (2024)

Having worked as a beauty writer for nearly two decades, I was equally nervous and excited when I moved to Amsterdam from London. Besides settling into a brand new city, one pressing issue at the back of my mind was how I’d replace my much-loved beauty services – we all know how hard it is to find a hairdresser you both love and trust. But, I explored the city with an inquisitive and discerning eye. Four years later, I have racked up a little black book of wellness and beauty destinations that I happily recommend to friends and even rival my favourites back in London.

The joy of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is that it’s a city with a village vibe; pretty much everything is a 15-minute bike ride away (and trust me, everyone bikes, there are genuinely more bicycles than people). But the village feel, and slower pace of life, equates to a beauty and wellness culture that isn’t necessarily as cutting edge with trends as London or New York might be. Instead, there’s a strong focus on quality – they do things meticulously well here, and that’s down to the clientele. Dutch people are rather no-nonsense, they like results and good value for money (“kortings” or sales are always a cause for excitement) so when a salon, clinic or workout is good,everyone knows about it. In the Netherlands, luxury isn’t necessarily ostentatious, instead, it’s seamlessly combined with a low-key, easy-going atmosphere.

These are the best beauty and wellness destinations that I trust and are worth a visit the next time you travel to Amsterdam.

Bert Visser, Museum District

Inside the Conservatorium Hotel, close to the iconic Rijksmuseum, is the Bert Visser Hair Salon. A seriously chic space, there are just four chairs and a private room for VIPs. As soon as you descend the stairs to the entrance, which can be found in the busy Skins Cosmetics beauty store above, you feel a calm wash over you. The salon is quiet and small, with white walls adorned with photographs of Bert’s work. You’re welcomed in the reception by large dark shelves, artfully curated with Oribe products, Mason & Pearson brushes, objet d’arts and coffee table books. Bert is the go-to hairdresser for celebrities and influencers, and while he keeps quiet about his A-list clientele, his work has graced the catwalks of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent. Clients trust him because he takes a less-is-more approach, his balayage skills are the best in town, and he really listens to what you want. With Bert, you’re in safe and talented hands – he’ll never get scissor happy.

Must buy:Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque,€76 (£65). Intensely hydrating and strengthening, this treatment product is Bert’s go-to for clients who want stronger, longer, healthier-looking hair.

Address:Conservatorium Hotel, Van Baerlestraat 27, 1071 AN Amsterdam
Website: bert-visser.com

Na Thai, Jordaan

A secret hidden gem near the centre of the city, Na Thai offers good value massages from Thai and Swedish to deep tissue and sport. Whilst it’s a pleasant place to visit, it’s not super luxurious – the beds are separated by curtains so there can be some noise – but the team are friendly, and the massages are always incredible. A deep tissue massage here will relieve any knots and tension, leaving you feeling like a walking pillow afterwards, while the hot stone massage feels like a true treat, especially on a cold winter's day. Afterwards, you’re offered water or tea, and you can sit in the reception on comfy chairs to help you acclimatise back to the real world. So if you’re travelling here long-haul and want a post-flight pick-me-up or want a great-value massage, this is the place to add to your itinerary. It’s both functional and brilliant.

Must buy:The Hot Stone massage,€90 (around £79), is the perfect balance of pressure and heat, relieving knots and tension while also being truly relaxing.

Address: Leidsegracht 104, 1016 CT, Amsterdam
Website: nathaispa.nl

Sauna Deco, Herengracht Canal

From the outside, Sauna Deco looks pretty unremarkable, despite being on one of the most beautiful canal streets in the city. Step inside, however, and you’re transported to a lavish Art Deco wonderland – all in service of helping you sweat, steam and relax. The interior was once part of the Parisian department store Au Bon Marché, but during a major renovation in the 1970s, the original furnishings were saved and transported to Sauna Deco where they found a new home. Besides the beautiful interior, you will find a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, plunge pool, steam bath and patio area to relax in. The spa is the right combination of function and luxury, the changing rooms have everything you need – lockers, large mirrors and hairdryers and there are a few different areas to rest, nap or read, and a small cafe selling homemade soups, fresh juices and salads (or a cheese toastie, should you need a more comforting bite.) The spa is mixed-gender and does not allow swimwear (which is typically Dutch), so all you can take with you is your towel, dressing gown and flip-flops – when you’re not in the relaxation rooms, you’re naked, which can take some getting used to. Of course, you can hire towels, but bringing your own robe, slippers, and flip-flops is a good idea.

Must buy: Entrance costs€27.50 (around£24.50), €22 (around£19) if you’re a student and allows you to use all the facilities, massages cost extra (from €40, around£35). It stays open until 10pm most evenings, and the weekdays and nights tend to be quiet, but even when it’s busy, there is enough space and different areas that never feel crowded.

Address: Herengracht 115, 1015 BE
Website: saunadeco.nl

Nurian Brow Experts, Oud Zuid

Good brows can truly frame, shape and enliven the face and Nina Nurian is the go-to brow groomer in Amsterdam. Their website claims that "your journey to amazing brows starts here!” They’re not lying. Nina, and her salon, are known for their brow lamination – a treatment where the brow hairs are straightened to appear fuller and thicker. They offer many treatments, from threading, tinting and waxing to lash lifts, facial threading or even permanent makeup. The reception area has large floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light, and you can wait with a coffee in hand or browse Nina’s excellent own range of brow products. Treatments take place upstairs in a soft pink mezzanine space, and a curtain surrounds each chair for a sense of privacy, but crucially doesn’t block out the much-needed light for the team to groom clients' brows to perfection.

Must buy:Book the comboBrow Lamination, Shaping + Tinting, €92 (around£81) – shaping (and tinting if your brows are fair) ensure you get the best results from your lamination.

Address:Willemsparkweg 160, 1071 HS Amsterdam
Website: nurian.com

Ascend, Stadionbuurt/Oud-West

The newest workout in town, Ascend, is a 40-minute high-intensity cardio class on a Versa Climber – a full-body, zero-impact piece of climbing kit. Bolted to the ground, each Versa Climber is an angled pole with two pedals and two handles. Once your feet are strapped into the pedals, you grab the handles and, moving your arms and legs, you ‘climb’. It opened in late 2022 in Oud Zuid, and due to popularity, in early 2023, they opened a second studio in Oud-West. Each teacher brings their own playlist and teaching style – for example, Renzo will push you to the limit while Bernou plays seriously uplifting tunes. Every class takes you through a series of full-body moves, and by changing the resistance, pace and rhythm, you get an intense full-body workout quickly. What’s unique about Ascend is the class takes place in a room flooded with collagen-boosting infrared light, and the large screen at the front projects mesmerising kaleidoscopes to help calm the mind. After 40 minutes, you leave with your endorphins rushing and a real sense of achievement; it’s seriously addictive, and they cater for all levels and empower you to go at your own pace when needed.

Must buy: A single session is€25 (around £22) (but there are usually offers, so check their website.) Ascend is also available on ClassPass.

Address: Stadionweg 269,1076 NZ and Bilderdijkstraat 136,1053 LA
Website: ascendhigher.nl

Renessence, Zuidas

Renessence is an incredibly chic wellness emporium in the concrete jungle of the financial district. Step through the door, and you will find yourself inside a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge round velvet sofa, plants and soft beige concrete walls. You’ll be greeted by the friendly staff who are there to check you in, explain the treatments and offer you a cup of aromatic, chai-like tea. Everything from ice baths, cryotherapy and infrared saunas to the more traditional massages and reflexology is available. Also on the schedule are hot and yin yoga classes in a large, softly lit studio, with evening sessions held by candlelight. The Oxygen Hydroxy Therapy involves lying in an air-compressed tube for 25 minutes while oxygen is pumped inside which left me feeling energised yet strangely calm. A float in a sensory deprivation tank for an hour is ideal for the jet-lagged – I had the best nap of my life. You can book single treatments, but for true relaxation, book a package and while away a few hours in the aesthetically-pleasing surroundings.

Must buy:The Recharge Package,€110 (around£97), gets you three must-try treatments:Oxygen Hydroxy Therapy, a sauna session and a float.

Address:George Gershwinlaan 520, 1082 MT Amsterdam
Website: renessence.com

Lakwerk, Oud Zuid

Lakwerk is the hottest nail salon in Amsterdam. It was founded by TV presenter and actor Saar Koningsberger and fashion manicurist Jessica Scholten, who has worked on catwalk shows, including Moschino and Gucci. There are two locations, one in the central and one in the upmarket area of Oud Zuid, which is bigger and a little more relaxed. The space is super cool with dark sparkly walls, collages of nail images nestled under a glass top on the tables, and large jars of Haribo and Chupa Chups at reception. Most days the salon has a real buzz to it, but Sundays and weeknights tend to be a little calmer. All the manicurists are highly trained, and while you can book in for a classic manicure, it’s nail art that is big news here. The menu is broken down into levels – colourful French tips would be a ‘level 1’, while all-out hand-painted illustrations would be a ‘next level’ session. Essentially, the team can create any nail design you imagine. Not sure who to book with? Check out the Meet the Team page on the website and explore their Instagram accounts to see their aesthetic; it’s also a great way to find design inspiration. Just be sure to book in advance; slots get filled up fast.

Must buy:Dadi'Oil, from€7.50 (from £6.50), is a magic oil that nourishes cuticles, strengthens nails andkeeps your manicure looking its best for longer.

Address: Willemsparkweg 166, 1071 HT Amsterdam
Website: lakwerk.com

Dany Diop, Oud Zuid

Looking for the ultimate facial in Amsterdam? Those in the know head to Dany Diop, who was trained by the renowned epidemiologistJoëlle Ciocco and Dr Philippe Allouche of Biologique Recherche (a brand he uses and stocks, alongside Augustinus Bader, Osmosis and more). Dany takes a holistic approach to treatments, looking at the skin and lifestyle factors that could be affecting the complexion. As you enter the reception, the glass cabinets lined with perfume bottles and luxurious skincare give the space a charming feel, a little like a beauty enthusiast’s living room or modern apothecary. Every treatment starts with an in-depth 45-60 minute skin analysis before Dany creates a bespoke treatment to support the general health of your complexion rather than being harsh or invasive. He mixes ingredients like medical-grade retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C and peptides depending on the skin's needs. Each facial includes sculpting massage on the skin and inside the mouth to release tension, giving a visible lift to the face.

Must buy: A bespoke facial with Dany costs€280 (around£247) for two hours. Dany also recommends the Osmosis Rescue Serum,€130 (around£114), which does it all from soothing acne, rosacea and sun damage while restoring the skin and protecting skin against blue light.

Address:Jacob Obrechtstraat 14, 1071 KL Amsterdam
Website: danydiop.com

Uma Institute & Clinic, Noordse Bos

Uma’s founder Dr Jani van Loghem, is a thought leader in aesthetics, having authored numerous papers and travelled the world sharing his expertise. Although highly sought after, Jani tends to focus on the more complicated procedures when he is in town, so book early to catch him. However, his team are all expertly trained, with a discerning eye when it comes to administering injectables like Botox and filler. The clinic offers everything from micro-needling to Ultherapy for skin tightening. At Uma, rather than book a treatment, first-timers book a consultation where they can discuss the options that are right for them based on the team’s expert recommendations. But don’t worry, you won't be up-sold or pressurised into anything you don’t want here as they take a less is more approach. The minimal reception area, with its white walls and wooden floors has a large table in the centre stacked with glossy arthouse magazines. The clinic rooms are white and minimal – as you might expect from a clinic that takes what it does seriously.

Must buy:SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50,€43 (£45); it’s no secret that a good SPF is one of the best skin-protecting products you can use. So if you’re spending on aesthetic treatments, it’s wise to invest in sun protection too.

Address:Falckstraat 51, 1017 VV Amsterdam
Website: clinic.uma-institute.com

House of Rituals, Centrum

House of Rituals is a one-stop beauty and well-being emporium complete with a Gault&Millau-approved restaurant, Rouhi, where the thoughtful menu is enriched with Asian-inspired flavours. Rituals is a Dutch brand founded in Amsterdam, so its first flagship store is in the heart of the city centre. If you’ve got a spare afternoon, head over to the two shopping floors packed with Rituals products, a body spa, and the world’s first Mind Oasis on the top floor. Here, you can find respite from the bustling city streets below with science-backed treatments to calm, unwind and destress the mind. Not sure what to book? The Brain Massage and Hydromassage are two highlights that can be booked separately or together. Inside your own ‘brain massage pod’, you lay down on an ergonomic bed that vibrates throughout the 30- or 55-minute treatment. You’re guided by sound, the power of your breath and the vibrations into a meditative state that leaves you feeling as if you’ve had the deepest sleep. Something we can all do with – and ideal for some instant stress relief.

Must buy: The Brain Massage costs from€29.90 (around £26) for 30 minutes. And the Hydromassage is€15 (around £13) for 20 minutes. Then take the relaxing vibes home with The Ritual of Jing scented candle,€22.90, it’s the scent used in the Hydro Massage treatment. With jujube and lotus flower, it’s a wonderfully relaxing scent that doesn’t lean on the typical lavender.

Address:Spui 10, 1012 PP Amsterdam
Website: rituals.com