Being pampered can be pricey. But affordable indulgence can be yours at Therme, Europe’s largest wellness spa. A short bus ride from Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, Therme is the perfect oasis for those wanting to relax in luxury without breaking the bank. Entry prices to the centre are remarkably wallet-friendly and Therme welcomes children, making this a great retreat for families wanting to unwind. With an array of thermal pools, saunas and a section offering exhilarating water slides, a range of tastes is catered for. Therme is an all-seasons destination. Inside its glass dome, it is warm and balmy all year round, meaning you can chill out even when it’s chilly outside. And with three restaurants, there’s plenty of opportunity to treat your taste buds too.
Therme in Bucharest is Europe’s largest wellness spa
A pampering paradise Therme is divided into three sections – Galaxy, a family-friendly area with slides and a wave pool (there are steam baths and massage beds for adults), The Palm, which consists of a large thermal pool and smaller mineral pools, and Elysium, home to the centre’s spas. For a truly de-stressing experience, we recommend one of the many treatments on offer, such as a muscle-soothing aromatherapy massage, hot volcanic stone treatment or a beauty therapy. Swim-up bars offer everything from wine and beer to cocktails and mocktails, while The Mango Tree, one of Therme’s three restaurants, serves Asian cuisine – we loved the veggie sushi. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset while winding down.
Watch the sunset as you tuck into delicious dishes at one of Therme’s three restaurants
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Glorious greenery Therme is home to Romania’s largest botanical garden. It has more than 800,000 plants and we felt like we were immersed in a tropical paradise. At every turn, you’re surrounded by dozens of unusual plants and you can while away a couple of hours basking on a sunlounger in the shade of beautiful palm trees. In the outdoor area, you can walk along the alleys of Pangea Park, where you can learn about the hundreds of healing plants on display, or head to Feng Shui Park and its eight gardens. On summer evenings, laze on one of the outdoor Jacuzzi beds, a drink in your hand, and gaze at the stars. Affordable wellness It isn’t just its size that makes Therme stand out from other centres. It’s much better value than many, while having the same level of luxury you’d expect from a high-end facility. All-day access to all three areas costs about 160 RON (£28) per adult. You can pay less if you want access to a specific area, such as the family friendly Galaxy, or if you plan to spend only a few hours in the centre.
Therme is just a short bus ride from Bucharest, Romania’s capital city
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You are given a wristband you can use to buy food, drink and any extras, including treatments. Just scan the wristband and pay as you leave. Family fun One thing that certainly sets Therme apart from other relaxation hubs is the Galaxy area, with its slides and wave pool. It has the longest indoor water slide system in Europe – you can compete with other “sliders” on The Racer, choosing from 16 different themed rides – perfect if you’re looking for somewhere that offers fun for all the family. While The Palm and Elysium areas are only accessible to those over the age of 14, Galaxy is open to children of all ages. If shooting down slides isn’t exactly your idea of relaxation, then head to one of the many infrared beds, which stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and improve skin tone. Alternatively, visit any of the three themed steam rooms – from tropical rain to oriental gardens and herbal essences – each offers something completely different. If you fancy a quick dip in the adult-only Palm’s Dead Sea salt pool or a trip to Elysium’s many saunas, just scan your wristband and pay the extra at the end.
Therme is a great option for all of the family
Sauna sensations Aufguss, a type of show performed in one of the many saunas, is described as the closest thing to Nirvana. It’s an unusual experience in which an “aufgussmeister” – imagine a performing therapist – blends dance, music and sense-enhancing essential oils in a short sauna-based show. Using a towel, the aufgussmeister controls the airflow within the sauna and the experience often helps clients release pent up tension and emotion. And with a variety of saunas, all at different temperatures, you can find the perfect one for you. It all helped make Therme a truly unforgettable experience and ensured we returned to reality feeling like we were floating on a cloud. For details see therme.ro. To book flights from London to Bucharest, visit britishairways.comStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
