With another summer coming to an end and winter approaching us, my thoughts have started turning to warm and relaxing spas. As any regular spa user will know, the prices can get quite steep. So then what do I value in a spa? What services or experiences makes me want to spend more money? Conversely, what are some things that I can live without in order to get a cheaper spa experience? The locations Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium are as diverse as the experiences themselves.
Spa, Belgium — this is where it all started, at least in the modern sense. Spa, also known as the Pearl of the Ardennes, is a small town with natural hot springs. The best way to access Les Thermes is via funicular from the main town square. For me, the pools were the highlight and are a great way to relax for a few hours.
Inside and outside, the pools were spacious with many nooks and crannies that you can rest and relax in, as well as different therapeutic fountains and water jets. Unfortunately the massage was just not good value. While it was cheaper than some of the top London spas, it was still quite pricey and I felt short changed at the end.
The therapist arrived late and then finished the session before the allocated time. Her movements were basic and there did not seem to be any method or rhythm to them. For me, a massage is as much about the ritual as it is the physicality and there was no effort at creating any type of soothing or calming atmosphere. The Palace Hotel is situated right next to the funicular and being a guest there gives you access to a dedicated check-in at Les Thermes as well as slightly better prices.
On the Radisson Blu website they advertise a direct and private funicular to access Les Thermes. When we stayed there at the end of summer, this was simply not the case there was a second track, but no private funicular. However the public one was a few minutes walk outside, that can be tolerated wrapped up in the provided bathrobes. As regular readers might know, all of us at Aspiring Snob are fans of the Mandarin Oriental brand.
