Health and wellness travel is alive in German, or shall we say it never died. Germany is the birthplace of naturopathic spa treatments, thus spa travel is extremely popular in a country who has always focused on their health. With a long history of spas including Roman Baths, Germany is one of the top spa travel destinations in the world.
Germany has always been extremely popular with the health conscious European traveller and now Americans are in tune to all of Germany’s wellness treasures. Germany has more than 300 approved health and spa resorts to aid you in treating and preventing illness or simply refresh with rest and relaxation. The spa facilities in Germany draw on Germany’s natural and plentiful resources – such as their thermal springs, along with state-of-the-art doctor supervised therapies and treatments. Therefore, Germany is also a great place to consider for medical travel as well.
The best way to start your spa journey is by way of airberlin’s new business class. Their new seat design that allows fully flat seats include enhancements that feature spa chair massage button. Your spa travel can commence when you board (with a glass of champagne in hand) instead of when you land with airberlin!
Berlin
Let’s start our spa travels in Berlin, since this city’s inhabitants truly believe in refreshing their lifestyle in every way – especially this year which marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Visit the wall, where this year a special light installation will be set up along the former course of the Wall as a “symbol of hope for a world without walls”. Here are some tips on where to stay in Berlin – my pick of course was a Ritz! Then break down your own walls in preparation for a spa whirlwind with afternoon tea at the Tea Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Berlin led by their Tea Master – a truly mood enhancing journey.
Next refresh your own history and reverse time with a facial at the Guerlain Spa located within the Waldorf Astoria. This luxury spa is worthy of a true spa day. After your treatment in one of the eight most private luxurious spa suites ever, retreat to the rooftop sun terrace area. Then head back down for a leisurely swim in the Bisazza mosaic designer pool, then continue your hydrotherapy in the lux whirlpool and a chill by the ice fountain. Your experience will be upgraded by allowing yourself time for the sauna, steam room and complimentary fruits and teas.
While in Berlin you can also check out the spa at the Westin Grand, which has the most luxurious spa suites in the world…a place I could roll in my pink Delsey luggage and never leave. I may need to leave my Costa sunglasses on since the spa suite bathroom includes custom Swarowski crystal sparkle lighting.
End the perfect spa day at Fragrance, with a tastefully designed nightcap by the “Cocktail Whisperer” master mixologist, Arnd Heissen. At the Ritz-Carlton Berlin, this cocktail conjurer will bring fragrant magic to your taste buds in the lavish decor of the Curtain Club
Baden-Baden:
If I ever decide to be an expat – you can find me in Baden-Baden. Tucked into the foothills of the Black Forest is where you will find a town that has stolen this spa gal’s heart, soul and even her dreams. In Baden-Baden over 800,000 litres of mineral rich 68-degree celsius curative waters rise daily from the 12 thermal springs as it has for thousands of years.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Romans appreciated the hot mineral springs in Baden-Baden. Europe’s highest royalty and aristocrats met there to maintain their wellness. Today, you can still enjoy a Roman-Irish bath experience there. Celebrities, even President Obama, have visited Baden-Baden. Obama stayed at the top hotel in all of Germany, Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa.
Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa thinks about your wellness with even the smallest details. For example they have an extensive pillow menu and fitness schedule. Brenner’s has the largest variety of experts available, holistic, physiotherapists, nutritionists, dentistry, ophthalmologist, and preventative. When their new new much anticipated Villa Stephanie opens, this will be one of the best destination spas in the world as defined by ILTM Spa.
For a complete Baden-Baden spa experience, walk just a few cobblestone blocks to Friedrichsbad – The Roman-Irish Bath. Study the schedule before you visit and remember this one crucial tip – keep quiet as you earn your honorary European badge in this nude spa. Speaking, draping your towel à la Roman style and wearing flip-flops will all blow your European cover in a German spa.
Wiesbaden:
In Wiesbaden, one must experience a traditional family-owned hotel, such as Hotel Oranien. The immense hospitality at these accommodations set the tone for your Zen to come. Then visit head to the Roman Bath, Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. Afterwards you can shop on your stroll down the street to the Radison Blu – Schwarzer Bock Hotel for a finishing massage; although a history buff will have a hard time making it down to the spa passing by the Ingelheim Room.
Although I did not get a spa treatment there, the essence of my tour of the Nassauer Hof Spa in Wiesbaden seemed divine – thus another reason to return to this classic spa city and others spa villages in Germany!
Enjoy this article authored by me – Ava Roxanne Stritt which was previously published both print AND online in LA Travel Magazine in 2014!
A photo posted by Ava Roxanne Stritt (@spatravelgal) on
A photo posted by Ava Roxanne Stritt (@spatravelgal) on
A photo posted by Ava Roxanne Stritt (@spatravelgal) on
