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WELLNESS TOURISM: CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE


need 700 hours of practice, after a two-year study of theory, before they’re eligible to work. Zsófia Hellinger, spa manager at Four Seasons Budapest, says: “Eastern European spas may not be the most soulful, but massage therapists have a strong technique that delivers results.” At Latvia’s Amber Spa Boutique Hotel (see


SB10/3 p56) one of the hydrotherapists has a medical degree and a two-year qualifi cation in balneotherapy, while at Lithuania’s Spa Vilnius in Druskininkai (see SB13/1 p68) the signature treatments which focus on the healing properties of local amber have been devised by a university professor who spends three hours a day furthering his research into the therapeutic power of this unique resin. Natural resources. At the core of the wellness approach in this part of the world


The health and wellness culture of central and eastern Europe is the focus of an upcoming book, Healing Sources, Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea, that’s due to be published in September 2014 by Prestel. Details: www.thehealingsources.com


This is still a region that’s in a transition with basic bricks and mortar facilities (left) alongside new builds of high international standards (right)


is the healing power of natural elements such as thermal springs, healing muds, salts, gases, minerals, herbs, natural produce and climate. The science behind such natural resources was the subject of extensive research by scientists and chemists in the 18th and 19th centuries and only after meticulous study did physicians devise protocols for specifi c health disorders which continue to be fol- lowed to this day. Prescriptions include baths, inhalations and drinking mineral or thermal waters; and wraps, baths and insertions using local mud deposits, to give just two examples. Historically, such protocols have been proven to have a benefi cial effect on a range of condi- tions spanning digestive, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal ailments. For the wellness traveller they have powerful relaxing and detoxifying effects and are offered as part of dedicated wellness programmes or after consultation with an on-site doctor. Varied and good value offerings. The price point for spas and health resorts across


54 Read Spa Business online spabusiness.com / digital


the region is highly competitive due to the low cost of natural resources and lower staff wages. Many facilities offer general packages from traditional ‘spa stays’ to family or weight loss programmes. Most programmes incorporate a consultation with a doctor – even for the wellness guest. Toward the top of the price range is a Traditional Spa Stay Light at the fi ve-star Danubius Health Spa Resort Thermia Palace in Slovakia. Its seven-night, half- board programme including a doctor consultation and end-of-stay medical report, plus diagnostic testing and 18 treatments starts at €115 (US$156, £95) per person per night during low season. At Tervise Paradiis in Estonia, a mod- ernised former sanatorium from the 1970s, the full-board price for a four-night general package, including three different procedures each day on recommendation of the doctor, plus use of the extensive water facilities and morning exercise programme starts at €57 (US$78, £47) per night in low season. A number of resorts in the region believe in the importance of family programmes where children take treatments too. State run and private companies also send employees for recuperation from burn out.


Spa Business 1 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014


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