Sauna shacks on beaches and lavish spas in luxuriant grounds are among our tipsters’ pick of places to unwind Winning tip: All is fine on Loch Fyne, ArgyllWe were staying on the Cowal peninsula in October and took a scenic drive down to Portavadie, where there is a heated outdoor infinity pool We had a lovely time not only because of the water but the wonderful views out across Loch Fyne which includes indoor pool/whirlpool bath for 90 minutes This was a fabulous find well worth the trip Visitors can spend the day soaking in the natural springs and coating themselves in the rich sulphurous mud which is said to have therapeutic properties All this while taking in the majesty of the valley its ancient stone bridge and the azure infinity of the Albanian sky.Laura Photograph: Hercules Milas/AlamyMy favourite hot spring spurts into the sea at Edipsos on the Greek island of Evia (70 miles north of Athens) A special joy is to swim in the Aegean as it becomes warmer near the silky-smooth shell-shaped pools Then you can move up to the hotter ones near the gushing spout where it gets too scalding to bear The area has more than 60 springs with temperatures ranging from 34C to 71C The backdrop is the distant mainland mountains a lovely free experience.David Innes-Wilkin Photograph: lugris/AlamySurrounded by ornate walls and tucked away under a leafy canopy is the Parco Termale del Garda near Lake Garda There are several beautiful natural hot pools copper boat-like whirlpool baths and attractive glass houses for changing and refreshments for cheaper entry and easy access to sunloungers and it’s open until 11pm Sun-Fri and until 1am on Saturdays.Anna Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage The sauna is €10 for a 30-minute slot.Sarah Photograph: Aliaksandr Mazurkevich/AlamyAbout £17 and worth every penny, the Széchenyi thermal baths saved me from the Beast from the East back in 2018 My horror of the cold (and the less than clean hostel) dissipated into the steam around us as we soaked don’t get your towels wet before you go in They freeze into stiff ungainly shapes like giant prawn crackers featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Photograph: Dylan Parry EvansSawna Bach – the Scenic Sauna in Porth Tyn Tywyn beach has become a regular swing-by on my way home from work The little sauna on the beautiful beach is a beacon for the most discerning bon vivant It’s a wood-fired shack accommodating up to eight people who can be dipping in the Irish Sea within a few minutes’ walk or dash through the dunes You can book into a shared session from £15 The experience as a whole is at once very relaxing and invigorating Photograph: David VilanovaI loved the Caldea spa There are various hot or cold plunge pools whirlpool baths and a huge geothermal pool Swimming outside is wonderful with the Pyrenees all around and reflected in the glass “cathedral” of the building There are also glass-bottom pools over the rampaging crystal-clear Valira River Prices start at €6 (€12.50 for a day ticket).Kerstin Photograph: Peter Forsberg/AlamyCieplice Śląskie-Zdrój in the country’s south-west has an abundance of thermal springs and good-value accommodation – plus an aquapark with whirlpool baths and waterslides (about £10 a day) to take the kids to The town is dotted with slightly mineralised fluoride silicon springs and a vast array of treatments – each one a bargain Spacious parks and wide tree-lined avenues with alfresco cafes add to the classy feel – at a bargain price.Ann