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| A beautiful tile mosaic decorates a pavilion at the spa in Sliac, Slovakia |
If you ever find yourself in a place with a name like Therme Vals (Switzerland), Chaudfontaine (Belgium), Bains de Dorres (France), or Wiesbaden (Germany), be sure to take full advantage of all these spa towns have to offer and "take the waters." From Britain -- think Bath, England, once a holiday stop for Roman soldiers assigned to the far reaches of the empire -- to Greece and all spots in between, Europe abounds with natural springs heated by the earth alone. These mineral-rich thermal waters are tapped for rehabilitation purposes and aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and a wide variety of other illnesses, including circulatory, digestive and skin aliments. Enjoyed since ancient times, they are also popular for relaxation and recreation. Soaking pools, mud baths, steam rooms and saunas, massages and wraps are some of the options that can help soothe your muscles, reduce your stress and improve your health. For a sampling of one such site, come along on a journey to a spa in the town of Sliac, where, although you are not in Rome, you can still do as the Romans did and take the waters.
To Start, Let's Walk
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Essential to the spa experience and treatment -- daily strolls.
Under century-old trees, benches positioned along the main promenade
encourage one to linger in the dappled sunlight |
The main tree-lined path leads to cobble-stoned walkways
that eventually take one to footpaths that wend through
the forest.
The entire property sits high in the hills above
town, and guests can indulge in walks that range from
a few hundred metres to several kilometres.
The park-like setting outside your door
includes mature trees and groomed yards,...
large-scale plantings...
fountain courtyards, and...
groovy benches.
Everywhere you hear the pleasant sound
of flowing water from the natural
springs running underground.
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The source: numerous springs are accessible
on the 42-hectare property. This one offers the warmest
water for drinking. Effervescent on the tongue with a hint of
the minerals it contains, it is the best water you'll ever taste.
The water constantly flows, and guests stroll the property
with glass in hand, sampling the various waters.
Each spring has its own identification marker.
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Another fountain, another design. This one
is popular with locals from town who hike
or ride up the hill to fill numerous bottles
for personal consumption.
The stains on the fountain speak to
the high mineral content of the water.
Let's Stay
Accommodations vary: Here is the grand staircase the links
the upper promenade with the lower level gardens and cafe.
To the left is the main reception area, the Palace Hotel,
and a popular indoor/outdoor cafe; to the right,
one finds the dining halls, shops and an incredible banquet facility
completely intact with original decor including banquettes,
a bandstand, dance floor, chandeliers, and etched
glass murals. A closeup of one is pictured below.
Influenced by the Russian futurist style of the 1920s,
this main building features wide terraces and
marble floors. During the evening, this space
transforms into a dance floor with live nightly entertainment.
Every detail is in keeping with
the modern, clean aesthetic, even the trash bins!
Inside one finds old-world glamour. For instance,
women can retire to a suite of rooms that
houses facilities to iron or make small repairs
to one's clothing, a powder room and sitting room,
and water closets. It is grand.
Another choice of hotel, the Polana, is a Victorian-era
structure. With a marble staircase, fourteen-foot
ceilings and spacious suites, it has a slight air of
elegant decay. Notice the exquisite grill-work of the balcony.
A view from within.
Let's Relax
For serious spa treatments, book a session here at the Kupelny
Dom, or Bathing House.
Up these stairs...
and through these doors you'll have access to
this hallway.
Private rooms for individual treatments are
behind each door. Whirlpool baths and
deep tissue massages are popular.
You can consult with a physician who will
develop a treatment plan for you in this
sanatorium-like setting.
For simple relaxation, consider a 45-minute
session in a 36-degree mineral-fed
soaking pool followed by a body wrap.
If you prefer more active recreation, try the
spring-fed swimming pool. The dark opaque
colour is the result of the high iron content in the water.
Frequented by families on holiday, it provides cabanas
for changing, an outdoor cafe and lots of space for lounging.
Across the way, the clay tennis courts, here begin prepped
for play in the early morning.
Afterwards, consider sipping tea on the terrace before
heading off to treatment in the Salt Cave.
Finally, end your visit with a memento of your
holiday -- a picture-perfect postcard:
Sliac Spa, established 1244
Images D. Sleziak
