This magical place is tucked in off of one of the cities busiest shopping streets. Walking under the old wrought iron sign, and through the winter-worn garden, I almost felt as if I was someplace I wasn’t supposed to be. But after poking my head inside the large art nouveau building, I could smell the waters and warm cedar of the saunas. I knew I was in the right spot!

Table Of Contents

1. About Centralbadet 
2. About Nordic Saunas 
3. Price and Inclusions
4. Spa Treatments
5. What to bring?
6. Etiquette & Advice
7. The Experience
8. Dressing Room
9. Roman bath
10. Thermal bath
11. Hydrotherapy Pools
12. Cold Pool
13. Saunas 
14. Steam Bath
15. Roof terrace
16. The Eco-bar

About Centralbadet 

Centralbadet was opened in 1904. It was designed by architect Wilhelm Klemming who wanted to create a calming, natural retreat from the city. A window into nature. The sprawling interior covers 3,500 square meters, which is all quite the surprise considering the rather tiny entrance. Every corner of the spa features beautiful art nouveau designs and feels like you’re stepping back in time.

About Nordic Saunas 

It is very Swedish to go to the sauna. The Nordic tradition of sauna dates back more than 1,000 years. Bathing in these peaceful waters and sitting in the hot sauna helps strengthen your body and soul. Saunas were early day pharmacies as even the ancient Romans used them as cure-alls. They are thought to lower cholesterol, build up the immune system, help you sleep better at night, reduce stress, clear up the skin, and more!

Price and Inclusions

The basic entrance price to Centralbadet includes access to their art nouveau swimming pool, the relaxing Roman bath and sauna area with hydrotherapy pool, thermal spa, Kneipp bath, cold pool, steam bath, and a;; the various saunas. During the summertime, you will also have access to the outdoor gym on the rooftop terrace. There is also an indoor gym for use throughout the year. If you want to save a lot of money, you can purchase just the basic entry package, which simply includes access into the baths and saunas.

The basic entry fee is:

Monday – Thursday: SEK 300 ($35 USD)
Friday – Sunday (and holidays): SEK 400 ($46 USD)

Relax Package

The ‘relax package’ gets you entry to everything above but also includes: a bathrobe, towels, slippers and a swim cap. This costs:
Monday – Thursday: SEK 410 ($47 USD)
Friday – Sunday and holidays: SEK 510 ($58 USD)

Note: Due to COVID, currently, you must make reservations even just for the waters. So be sure to book before you arrive as they are not accepting any walk-ins.

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Spa Treatments

If you are interested in having a spa treatment, there are a myriad to choose from. Everything from classic Swedish (very appropriate) to hot stone, Thai and crystal healing. Each of these costs around 800 SEK ($92 USD) plus your entrance fee. Remember to book any of these treatments in advance to secure your spot with the massage therapist.

What to bring?

You’ll need a swimsuit for sure, and if you’re only buying the basic package, you’ll need to bring a towel and slipper with you as well. If you want to bring a swimming cap, you can, but as long as your hair is up, you don’t require one. I ended up buying the ‘relax package‘ during my visit since I didn’t want to lug around my wet towel at the end of the day. Also, those large comfy robes were totally worth it to lounge around in.

If you arrive in Stockholm and don’t have any of these items, almost everything is available for rent or purchase at Centralbadet upon check-in. When I came, I thought I had packed my bathing suit, but stupidly found that I had forgotten back of it back at the hotel! Luckily, I managed to rent on from the front desk for only $7 USD and was relieved not to have to run out in the cold again when I was all ready to relax!

The warm environment inside the spa is the perfect place for doing hair wraps and faces masks. The spa is totally cool with you bringing your own home, so don’t forget to grab one before you come. They also offer plenty for sale at the reception desk if you’d prefer to buy one there.

Etiquette & Advice

• Before going into the saunas or pools, always shower before entering. This cleanses your body from any sweat or dirt and prevents contaminating the pools. You must make sure to do this not just once, but anytime you move from the pools into the saunas and steam rooms. And vice versa.
• Here at Centralbadet, the spas are mixed genders, so men and women can both use almost all the facilities together. Bathing suits are required in the pool areas. But you cannot wear a bathing suit in the sauna and steam rooms. You are although required to wear a towel for modesty.
• The spa has one women’s only sauna, where women are allowed to remove their towel to relax in the nude. You have the option of keeping your towel on but don’t be shocked if you see most women there bearing all. There is something so freeing about doing this, and if you’re brave enough I would highly recommend it. No one will judge you, it is considered the norm here. But remember to ONLY do it in the women’s only sauna!
• Try to keep any talking to a low volume when in any of the pools. In the steam and sauna room, they aim for almost total peace and quiet. If it’s just you and friend alone in there, you can quietly talk for sure. But, if anyone else enters, it’s polite to keep silent as many people use these hot rooms for meditation.
• Drink lots of water! It’s essential when using the hot steam and sauna rooms to keep hydrated. Sometime you might feel a bit dizzy, so don’t hesitate to leave and cool down. Centralbadet also has these super neat cooling stations, which blow cold air directly at your body. Stand in front of one, and you’ll immediately cool down your body temperature.
• Never push yourself! If you feel hot, take a break. Head back to the pools and cool down. Everyone can handle the heat for different periods of time. Don’t feel like you need to keep up with the Swedes who can stay inside these sweltering rooms for ages. They are made of different stuff!

The Experience

Dressing Room

After you pay for your entry into the spa and are provided with any towels or robes (if you purchased that package), you’ll head next into the male and female changing rooms. The dressing rooms are stunning, and one of my favourite places in the spa visually. It was a treat to change and dress at the end of the session in this beautiful environment. One of my favourite things were tiny shell-shaped sinks with water lilies painted on to the porcelain. Almost all of the decor and furnishings are originals from the 1900s, and each item felt so precious and unique.

After showering and changing into your bathing suit, you head out of the dressing rooms into the buttercream painted hallways which lead you throughout the complex of pools and saunas. It really does feel like a maze, with narrow hallways leading up and downstairs to get to your destination.

Roman bath

The first thing we did upon entering was to seek out the famous Art Nouveau swimming pool. Walking into the room, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this space. The ceiling’s bowed roofline framed with stage lights and the walls were illuminated in pale yellow, pinks and rose. On the left side of the room, towering palm trees and green plants gently swayed. 

This room is truly the piece-de-resistance of the spa. I took a seat on one of the cedar lounge chairs and took it all in for a few moments. The pool was the PERFECT temperature to swim in. Not too hot but not too cold so you could slip right in. If I lived in Stockholm, I’m sure I would be here everyday! There were a few shower stalls on the back wall, which were adorned in the most elaborate undersea designs. Coral reefs burst with colour, and painted ceramic fishes swim joyously around them.

There is a small upper balcony area above which wraps around the pool. In one of the corners, hidden up there, is a large hammock, and if you’re lucky enough to find it empty, be sure to jump right in!

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Thermal bath

After swimming around the refreshing waters of the main pool, we headed into the thermal bath area. Thermal bathing has been around since Roman times. A thermal bath is a hot or tepid bath used to treat both chronic and acute diseases and provides relaxation and stress relief. It improves circulation, which helps deliver nutrients and remove toxins from various parts of the body. Entering this part of the spa, you find this giant marble statue greeting you upon entry. While this is a replica, the original icon which it is based on, ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace,’ is on display at the Louvre. She was a relic of the 2nd century BC and was thought to once belong on a Roman ship’s prow. Her connection to the water is why perhaps she feels very appropriate situated here.

Hydrotherapy Pools

There were two warm pools in this room. One was a Hydrotherapy pool that used jacuzzi jets. Inside were these long underwater lounge chairs that you lay on while the warm waters whipped around below. The hydrotherapy water supports your weight, which helps relieve pain and relax your muscles.

The water was much warmer in the pool nearby, but there were no jets, so you could simply sink right in and indulge in the almost steaming waters. I love a warm bath, so this perhaps was my favourite of the heated pools.

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Cold Pool

Right beside the warm waters are two narrow pools with a set of stairs that descend into them. Be warned, this water is COLD! And I mean almost freezing. A cold pool dip is another traditional Nordic treatment. Historically, Scandinavians would sit in hot saunas, dug out of the earth, and then jump into the frozen lakes’ cold waters. This hot-cold-circuit is now something you’ll see in almost every modern-day spa. To complete a traditional circuit, you bath in hot water and then take a cold plunge. This is then followed up with stepping into a steam bath or sauna to bring the body back to its natural state. Then repeat.

How to Use A Cool Water Pool

The cold water pool here is pretty easy to use. Instead of dunking yourself in cold water, which is pretty intimidating, you simply walk down the stairs, which naturally dips your body in and out of the cold water. It still requires a bit of bravery but trust me, it really does make you feel amazing, and you’ll be proud you tried it!

The Circuit

Many people say you should complete the circuit of hot-cold-hot three times during your visit to get all the benefits of the Nordic waters. There is something almost meditative about focusing on this cycle. It requires you to step away from daily life’s stress and do nothing but relax and focus on your body. There are several lounge chairs to relax on here but if you wish to move on, step through the doors in this room towards the sauna area.

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Saunas 

As you head into the spa’s Sauna area, men and women are sent through a separate set of doors where they must take off their bathing suits and cleanse in the shower. You leave your bathing suits in the change room and enter the sauna area with only your robe or towel.

Nordic Sauna

Centralbadet features over seven different saunas to relax inside. Each one is a little bit different, and I’d advise trying them all. Even if you think you don’t like saunas very much, you might find one that is more to your liking and a bit cooler than others you might have experienced before. The Nordic sauna is the most traditional, the mixture of dry, hot air helps sweat out all those toxins. They recommend you sit inside anywhere from 5 to 15-minutes, depending on how much you like the heat! But remember, never push yourself!

Singing Dunes

The Singing Dunes sauna features a low-pitched song that plays throughout the room. Sitting inside you’ll feel a gentle dessert breeze sweep across your body. In the centre of the room is a massive piece of salt, lit from below, which creates the most mesmerizing glowing effect. The ionized salt therapy it provides is thought to help with anxiety and insomnia. They recommend humming along to the song and meditating inward to help find inner peace and increase relaxation.

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Aromatherapy

My favourite was the herbal and aromatherapy sauna, called the Kristall sauna. When you walk inside, the first thing you see is this huge piece of amethyst, and I mean HUGE. It was almost as big as I was! Here, you’ll find scents of fresh thyme, rosemary, mint and orange peel fill your nostrils. These herbs have been placed into the air via the steam inside the room. The smell was intoxicating, and I loved just sitting here and clearing my sinuses. 

When sitting in the saunas, I would recommend you just close your eyes and listen to the sounds in the room, the soothing music which lulls your mind away from stress.

Infrared Sauna 

The most comfortable sauna is sure the infrared as its the lowest temperature, almost just room temperature. There are lounge chairs inside this rather small room where you can sit and chat, as this room has a more casual atmosphere. Some people say they can experience positive effects in just 10-minutes from infrared light. Still, others sit here for almost an hour to bask in the relaxing energy waves. Infrared saunas are thought to help with collagen stimulation, skin brightness, and improved heart and vessel condition. So why not?!

Steam Bath

The steam bath is one of the most unique rooms. I’ve done steam rooms before, but never one this steamy! You can barely make out the white tiled floors for the thick steam all around you. The temperature is only about 45 degrees, but with 100% humidity, it can feel a lot warmer. Sitting down inside, it almost feels like it’s raining, the most gently drizzle, a genuinely ethereal experience. I usually can only stand a few minutes in the steam room but here with the lower temperature, I found myself meditating here for much longer.

Roof terrace

After completing a few rounds of the circuit, I wandered around the complex a bit more. This place is so vast, and when walking around certain areas, you felt like you might be going somewhere, you weren’t meant to be. Throughout my explorations, I discovered the barbershop, gym and even an artist’s residence office! But I was trying to locate the Roof Terrace! I finally made my way to the spiralling staircase, which led to the roof. Despite it being the dead of winter, the door to the outside was open, and I could peek my head out there. It was freezing, but the view was incredible! This place would be amazing to sit out on during the spring and summertime, and even in the freezing cold, I still soaked in the view. Then I immediately ran off back downstairs to jump back in the warm pool!

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The Eco-bar

The eco-bar located inside the spa is like dining inside a rainforest. The indoor restaurant features lush greenery and light therapy illuminations above you. These bright therapy lights are meant to aid with depression some people feel during the darker winter months. Otherwise known as ‘SAD’ or seasonal affective disorder. You can hop from the waters into the restaurant without taking off your robe and dine in pure comfort. There are different locations where you can eat throughout the spa, some which offer only cafe like drinks and snack and other areas which serve up entire meals.

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Food & Drink

The food is all organic and rich with nutrients, perfect for that revitalizing experience. You can also have wine, champagne or smaple some of their non-alcoholic beers. But for me, it’s always a cup of coffee and a dessert which calls my name! While the meals aren’t super cheap, they aren’t going to break the bank either, and honestly, I say go for it as eating here really adds to the entire experience.

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My experience at Centralbadet was unmatched! It was one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had, and I wished I had been able to stay longer. I’ve read mixed reviews about this place and was interested in seeing it for myself. While it might not be the cheapest spa or sauna, it is also one of the largest and offers more options and amenities than any other.

Most people seem to complain about the price, so I hope this post really helps you understand all the different things you can do inside, which comes with entry. I didn’t have time for a massage or spa treatment, and I still was there for hours and hours. I went out of there feeling beyond relaxed, and as a traveller, you can get really run down exploring a new city. And this was precisely what I needed to recharge and relax! I would recommend it to everyone visiting Stockholm for the first, second or really anytime!

Let me know if you’ve experienced a Nordic spa before and what your favourite part was!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Centralbadet Stockholm first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The term ‘taking the waters’ is a saying the locals frequently mention. They believe that bathing in these thermal springs helps with many different health problems from arthritis to eczema. They have even been known to help soothe the mind if you’ve been experiencing any level of stress in your life. Since most baths in Budapest are unisex, this is the perfect place to go with your family, friends or as a romantic and relaxing day out with your partner.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. What to Expect
   • Male-only or Female-only Days
3. What to Bring?
   • Towels
   • Footwear
   • Head Gear
4. Pricing
5. Layout
   • Lockers
   • Cabins
6. Where to Go
   • Széchenyi Baths
   • Király Baths
   • Gellert Baths
   • Rudas Baths

History

One of the reasons the Romans came to colonise the city we now call Budapest, was to utilise their rich wealth of thermal springs. Even today, you can visit the ruins of some of these ancient Roman baths. Romans long used thermal waters for both medical and cleansing purposes since most people didn’t have running water in their homes. The Romans knew there were many benefits gained by bathing in thermal springs. Healing elements in the water include magnesium, calcium and sulphate. These are effortlessly absorbed into your skin while bathing and help with poor circulation, arthritis and many skin conditions. Once the Turkish invaded, they constructed their own unique bathhouses in the 15th century, some of which still are standing today. While looking at history on the walls of museums is a treat, there is nothing like experiencing history for yourself!

What to Expect

To prepare for your first time in the waters, it’s best to know what to expect. That way you won’t be surprised by any unforeseen steps along the way. All baths have different opening times and may differ on some policies. But for the most part, they all provide the same general experience. Depending on what vibe you’re going for will determine which place you’ll end up at. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them for an authentic experience.

For our first time visiting a spa, we settled on the Gellert Baths. Not only are the waters here arguably located inside the most gorgeous environment, and slightly less touristy than the Szechenyi Baths, they also have a great set of amenities. But finding a spa that caters to tourists isn’t a bad thing for your first time. Some people might want to avoid the more popular locations to get a more traditional experience other might want to find somewhere that caters to the language barrier and provides ample signage and instructions will make you feel more comfortable on your first time inside.

Male-only or Female-only Days

Some spas have male-only or female-only days and the hours vary from spa to spa, so be sure to check their websites before you go. If you’re interested in these same-sex days for your own comfort, be warned that these will be clothing optional. You are more than welcome to wear your bathing suit, but many will opt to go completely nude. This may make some people uncomfortable, but if you’re brave enough, the experience is very freeing.

What to Bring?

Towels

Towels are necessary for bathing, and they won’t be provided for free. You must bring your own, or you can rent one at a relatively low cost. They usually tend to be around £3 so if you’re only going once or twice it is worth it not to have to lug around a wet towel. But if you plan on visiting multiple times, it might be worth bringing the towel from your hotel.

Footwear

Flip flops are another essential item to carry with you since the wet, cold floors aren’t the best for bare feet and in the summer the tile can get hot underfoot. Leave them on the side of the pool before getting in, don’t worry, everyone does it, so you don’t need to worry about them getting stolen.

Head Gear

Most of the spas require bathing caps if you choose to swim in the main pools – not the hot baths – so bring your own or be prepared to pay for a disposable one. Again, this will be listed online, so you can always check the requirements before arriving. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you since the hot waters will quickly get you dehydrated. You can always buy water inside, but it will no doubt be pricier than if you bring your own.

Pricing

Admission prices vary, mostly depending on the size and quality of the baths. But generally, the prices are around £6-10/per person ($7-$12 US). It isn’t necessary to buy tickets to enter the bathhouse in advance. Some websites sell spa tickets at a higher price than at the door. And it is never necessary since even on the busiest days you can always get in. This is just a scam to get tourists to feel like they NEED to pre-purchase or risk not being admitted. But if you feel like getting a massage, be sure to book these in advance to guarantee a spot. These cost anywhere from £15-60 ($17-$70 US) depending on the length and kind of treatment.

Layout

Once you pay your admission, you will be given an electronic bracelet or key to a locker or cabin where you can get changed. The lockers are included in regular admission to the spas but to use a changing cabin, this will cost extra. We tried both variations and found that the choice is more dependent on your comfort level. My husband is a bit shy when it comes to new experiences so he preferred the changing cabin since we could use this together and didn’t need to be separated.

Lockers

To open the lockers with the electronic bracelets, place your bracelet against the number on the locker and it will pop open. Magic! The lockers are only big enough for storage or your clothes and valuables. To get changed, you’ll have to use the public change rooms. These are also separated into male and female changing rooms, so if you’re here with family or as a couple you’ll need to go about this individually.

Cabins

Cabins, on the other hand, are large enough for one person or two people to change inside, as well as storing your items. If you’re a little shyer, opt for the cabins. They cost a little bit more but are worth it for the comfort.

The layout of many of the spas follows a similar design. There is a large, refreshing pool where people can swim laps or just float and relax. Then there are various hot tubs for unwinding, each heated (or cooled) to a different temperature. Each of the various temperatures of the pools is designed with to help heal what ails you, the cold pools, for instance, are supposed to help with poor circulation and while it is pretty shocking to jump into it did really help my jet lag!

There are also various saunas, steam rooms, massage areas and lounge chairs to lie down on both inside and outside the spas. There is definitely more to do here than just soak in the waters. Be sure to explore. Many of the spas contain dozens of distinct baths, some in somewhat obscure or hidden places. If you ever get too far off course or enter an off-limits area, a kind employee will always guide you back, so don’t be afraid to walk around.

Where to Go

Széchenyi Baths

If you’re pressed for time and only have room in your schedule to visit one Hungarian Bath, Széchenyi Baths is the place to go. It’s so iconic and has a myriad of fantastical pools to explore. This bath was built in 1913 and boasts a beautiful bright yellow Neo-baroque design which gives stunning views inside and out. Inside the main outdoor pool, you can play chess while lounging in the water and even stop for a bite to eat in their cafeteria.

Király Baths

Király Baths is one of the most authentic spas to visit. Although it’s rather small, with only four pools, this place has stood in the same spot since the Ottoman-era and bathing in here is like stepping back in time. It’s worth visiting if you love ancient architecture or are a big history buff.

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Gellert Baths

The Gellert Baths was built in 1918 and is my favourite of all the spas. It might not be as big as Széchenyi or as historic as Rudas, but the art nouveau designs throughout make it a stunning building to relax inside. Their indoor “cathedral” swimming pool with enormous stained glass skylight is the perfect place to swim no matter the season. If you feel brave enough, dip into the carbonic acid tub-bath. This bath is supposed to help with cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and rheumatic pain.

Rudas Baths

Rudas Baths are another Ottoman-era spa built around 1550. There is one sizeable octagonal areas and four smaller pools surrounding it. All of which are nestled under the quintessential Turkish dome. Rudas Baths are only mixed sexes on the weekend. Throughout the week they rotate between female-only or male-only. Be sure to check the schedule before you come.

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No matter what spa you choose to visit while in Budapest, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience! Take the plunge and leave your inhibitions at the door. Soak up all the elemental goodness in those thermal waters. And leave feeling ready to continue on your adventures, renewed and refreshed.

Did you have a chance to visit any of these famous pools while in Budapest? Let me know in the comments which was your favourite thermal bath. Or if you found any hidden locations I need to visit on my next trip out there!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Budapest’s Famous Thermal Baths and Spas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Airport to Spa Transfer
2. Access
   • Journey to the Lagoon
3. History of the Blue Lagoon
4. Booking Your Time Slot
5. Choice of Package
6. Arrival at the Blue Lagoon
   • Checkin
7. Entering the Thermal Pools
8. Booking a Massage
   • Massage Pricing:
     • My Experience
9. Benefits of the Waters
10. Silica Mud
11. Steam Rooms
    • TIP

Airport to Spa Transfer

Your visit to the Blue Lagoon begina as soon as you land in Reykjavik. Our flight arrived so early in the morning that even the cafes were shut at the airport. It would be hours before we could check into our hotel, but happily, the Blue Lagoon offers a service for this very problem. You can board a bus directly from the airport that brings you and your luggage straight to the spa. When you arrive, they store your bags free of charge, and you can enjoy the rest of your day in the waters. It’s the perfect remedy for jetlag!

Access

If you are not travelling from the airport on the Blue Lagoon bus, there are several other ways of arriving at the spa. If you are renting a can from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. And 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. To get to the Blue Lagoon via public transport, you’ll need to board a “Destination Blue Lagoon” bus. There are 12 different pickup locations in Reykjavik where you can board this bus. The journey on the bus takes about an hour and costs ISK 3,495 for a one way journey.

Journey to the Lagoon

The journey out to the Lagoon is a wonderful part of the entire experience. We saw our first glimpses of this gorgeous and strange country on the way. The houses outside the city were so unique. Bright metal siding and colourful roofs decorated the barren landscape. We saw statues along the water’s edge as we drove along the coast. They were giant rocks carved into the shapes of people, their bodies leaning into the surf, the wind blowing in their hair.

But the thing that grabbed my attention the most was the earth itself. It was such a strange colour, almost as if the entirety of the soil here was made of nothing but moss. There were pretty much no trees anywhere you looked. Just ground and mountains. This makes the landscape stand out, as nothing obscures the view. It was almost like seeing the surface of Mars.

History of the Blue Lagoon

The history of the Blue Lagoon can be traced back to 1976, when a geothermal power plant was built in the area. The warm water produced by the power plant was directed into a nearby lagoon, which eventually became known as the Blue Lagoon. Over time, the lagoon became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique therapeutic properties.

Booking Your Time Slot

As of 2023, pre-booking is required due to the popularity of this spa. Others in Iceland provide a similar experience, but this is the best of the best when it comes to geothermal spas. One of the most awe-inspiring time slots will be around sunset. Book your arrival an hour before sunset, so you’ll be there day and night. But witnessing the sunset from these stunning waters is an out-of-this-world experience. If you are delighted with a clear day during the season with northern lights, you might also be surprised to see these out here while swimming in the water.

Choice of Package

There are two main types of tickets to the spa. The COMFORT package gets you entrance into Blue Lagoon, a Silica Mud Mask, the use of one towel and a drink of your choice costs at the bar. This package costs between 8,990 kr -12,990 kr, which is the best value. The price is dependant on what time you book, as some times are less popular and therefore less expensive.

Next is the PREMIUM package, which features Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Two additional masks of your choice, Use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, Use of bathrobe and 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant. This package costs you 11,490 kr – 14,490 kr. Each package allows you to add other spa treatments for additional costs.

Arrival at the Blue Lagoon

When we arrived, in the distance, we saw the hills part and a faint trail of smoke leading up to the sky where the hot springs were located. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa. Unlike some naturally formed hot springs in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is man-made and uses geothermal water from the nearby power plant. Don’t worry; it’s completely safe. Even more than that, the waters are thought to be some of the most healing on the planet.

The lava formations which create the pools are all natural and filled with geothermal water run-off. The water’s main healing ingredients are silica, algae & other minerals. The blue colour comes from the reflection of the silica in the sunlight.

Checkin

When you check-in, you are given a small blue wristband letting you in and out of the pools and a bright blue towel to use all day. You could also buy a robe or slipper, but we didn’t feel the need to have them. If you visited in the colder months, I can see why the robe would be a plus.

The changing rooms are public – unless you opt for the super expensive couples package. So prepare to change into your bathing suits around others. But arriving as early in the morning as we did, there weren’t many people, so we felt it was private enough. After changing into your bathing suit, you need to take a cleansing shower before entering the thermal pools.

Entering the Thermal Pools

Immediately as you walk through the doors to the outdoor pools, you’ll be stunned and in awe by the sight. The vivid blue waters glowed in the sunlight, and puffs of steam rose off the water like clouds in the sky. The pools were framed against the rough and rugged black molten rocks. It seemed impossible that the earth created something so incredible. I was one of the only people outside since it was early in the day, and walking across the bridges and platforms to the massage area, I felt so lucky to be experiencing something not many would ever get to see – an empty blue lagoon.

It felt so hot when I dipped my toe in the water, but since it was Iceland and the air was freezing, I jumped in to escape the cold. I breathed a sigh of relief as the warm water surrounded me. I gently swam around my tiny waiting pool and watched as a man with a severe skin condition rubbed the silica mud all over himself. To my amazement, after he left it on for a few minutes, the redness in his skin had all but disappeared when he washed it off. It was like magic. After washing in the showers, he quickly left without even using the water. I found out later that he is a regular whose doctor gave him private entry to the spa to help heal his severe eczema since it was the only thing that brought him any relief. Magic.

Booking a Massage

One of the most unique aspects about booking a massage at the Blue Lagoon is that they provide in-water massages. Unifying the dynamic pleasures of massage therapy, the revitalizing powers of Blue Lagoon Water, and the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic landscape.

Massage Pricing:

Relaxing Massage 30 minutes ISK 15 900 | Relaxing Massage 60 minutes ISK 24 900 | Signature Massage 120 minutes ISK 49 900

My Experience

I decided to book a 30-minute message when I visited the Blue Lagoon to get the complete experience. When I arrived for my massage, I was told to lie on a floating blue mat in the water. A small pillow is placed under your head, and a large wet towel covers your body to keep you warm. Unlike any other massage I’d had before, here you feel weightless. My masseur could massage parts of my body I don’t think you can explore in a regular massage.

Floating there, weightless, she could move around me like a fish. After she was done, she pushed my mat to another part of the lagoon, where I lay for a few minutes, eye closed, letting that sense of perfect calmness flow over me. I almost fell asleep, but soon I opened my eyes, and to my surprise, when I sat up, I saw that the entire pool was now filled with hundreds of people. I pulled my jelly-like appendages off the mat, went to find my friend, and swam in these crystal blue waters.

Benefits of the Waters

The water here is SUPER salty. I also noticed that different areas of the pools had varying degrees of warmth since there were heated by the earth’s natural temperature. The geothermal water cannot hold onto bacteria, so the waters do not need any chlorinator; therefore, it’s devoid of any chemicals which might dry out your skin. The lagoon had a few little nooks where you could sit and relax. There was even a waterfall which was so powerful that when you stood underneath it, you thought it much crushed you. But oddly enough, it felt great on sore muscles.

Silica Mud

We went and put silica mud on our faces to moisturize and exfoliate. As we swam around and loved squishing the silica between our toes. We giggled and laughed as kids again, playing in the mud and splashing around in the pool.

Steam Rooms

There were also steam rooms which were insanely hot but great for getting rid of impurities in the skin. The steam rooms looked like little hobbit holes in the hillsides. When you stepped inside, it was almost pitch black, with bursts of steam rising from the ground. Sitting inside on one of the benches, it felt like I was breathing in hot lava. It was a mysterious but enjoyable experience. I was too scared to stay there for an extended period, but we stayed long enough to decompress and let the hot air fill out lungs and purge our skin of city pollution.

TIP

While basking in these waters is super relaxing, it is important to take breaks. You will get very dehydrated, so be sure to grab a drink of water throughout your stay, so you don’t pass out. It is also essential to use the conditioner provided in the showers before you leave. Take this piece of advice seriously! The waters are extremely dehydrating for your hair, but their super moisturizing conditions are perfect for bringing back a soft texture. So don’t just shower and run. Some people even like to put some conditioner on their hair while they get dressed.

Iceland is an incredible city, unlike any other in the world. Mystical, magical and a must-see for anyone with a desire to seek out the strange and mysterious sides of this great place we call earth.

The post Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland [UPDATED 20223] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Ryokan Shimizu

Although this Ryokan doesn’t serve the fancy, traditional dinners to your room that others feature, Shimizu offers up every other aspect of a traditional Ryokan with the best service and hospitality I’ve received anywhere in the world. The room cost between $80-100/per night for two people. This is amazing as many other Ryokan are almost triple that price!

Location

Ryokan Shimizu was located about a 15-minute walk from the train station, which would have been a lovely little walk. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was pouring rain, so we spent most of the journey running for shelter.

When we finally arrived, we were greeted by the friendliest Japanese owners who welcomed us into their establishment. They gave us two glasses of cold, Genmaicha tea in a ceramic glass to welcome us in. Already we felt right at home.

On the wall, as you entered, there was a mural of cards, letters and photos from fellow travellers expressing their gratitude and love for their stay.

Entrance and Common Areas

The entrance to the Ryokan was complete with small cubby holes for your outdoor shoes and a fresh pair of slippers to put on once entering the house. We immediately threw our wet shoes into the cubby and slipped into the comfy slippers.

The lobby of the Ryokan was complete with a small sofa where you could admire the Zen garden just outside the window. There was also a large area for pouring water and tea should you need refreshment while sitting downstairs and reading any of their large selection of books on Kyoto. Once settled, a kind gentleman took our bags, and we headed upstairs to our room.

Rooms

All the Ryokan rooms were built with tatami flooring and sliding doors, traditional in all classic Japanese houses. Tatami mats are made using rice straws and covered with a woven, soft rush. They are tough to clean but are gentle yet firm to stand or lie on. When you open the door, you immediately can smell their soft, earthy scent, like bamboo and sandalwood, permeating the air.

Japanese-style futons are synonymous with Ryokans and might seem strange to Westerners. These are light, quilted mattresses laid out on the floor. Usually, there is one per person, slightly larger than a single bed would be. The mattresses are thin enough to allow them to be moveable to be put away during the day to allow for more room in the home. These might be very hard for many Westerners to get used to, but compared to the hardstyle of Japanese beds we experience in Tokyo, these were actually much nicer to sleep on and roomier too!

Amenities

In addition to the large living/bedroom room, there was a private bathroom (complete with private bathtub), a large closet for our luggage and extra bedding, a fridge, tiny TV (local Japanese stations only) and a beautiful wooden table with floral mats to sit on. A small tea set was provided, along with supplies for making tea right in the comfort of our room. We were wet and cold from the rain and made a pot of hot tea immediately.

After so many busy days in Tokyo, we were dying for a break. We made the tea, went out to a local convenience store for some snacks and spent the rest of the day inside. I had a big nap, read my book and studying the binder left for us by the Ryokan. Inside were laminated pages of maps to the big attractions right from the hotel, the best places to eat and drink, places to do laundry and more. It was like having a local tour guide right there to give you all the advice you’d ever need. It was so lovingly created and made a difference in our experience of Kyoto.

Yukatas

The Ryokan also provided us with yukatas to wear while we were at home. A yukata is a light, cotton kimono generally made for everyday use. They were very comfortable and nice to relax in a while lying in bed. It made the whole experience feel very authentic.

Onsen

One of the best parts of this Ryokan was their private, on-site onsen. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and bathing facility. Since Japan sits on top of volcanically active grounds, the water underneath the earth is almost always hot, providing a natural spring. Many large, public onsens are found all over Japan. But for anyone new to experiencing an onsen, a private one is much simpler and less awkward. Onsen water is believed to have healing powers derived from its mineral content.

To use an onsen, both in public and private, requires you to follow several etiquette rules. These were expertly explained to us by our lovely hosts and detailed on a laminated sheet of paper inside the private onsen. The first step is to make sure you wash your body before entering the water. Bathing stations are located right beside the onsen; you sit on stools, turn on the faucets, and use their plastic or wooden buckets to clean your body. Swimsuits are not allowed; this may be particularly awkward in public for some and requires a bit of courage.

There are small towels to place over your private parts for modesty, but they are pretty small. Hence why a private onsen might be a little more comfortable to use. Once clean, you can step into the bath. Each day, our Ryokan added different types of aromatic baths, scents, seasonal fruits, flowers or hot spring minerals. It was immensely relaxing. We had the entire place to ourselves for an entire two hours—the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Our Experience

Every morning we would wake up from a cozy slumber. Adjusting to the futons took about a day, but there was certainly lots of room to stretch out.

Our room had a view down to the garden and front yard patio. There were several tables and chairs set up so you could enjoy a cup of coffee, a bit of lunch or even just sit and read in the shade of the beautiful garden.

The Garden

Despite it being the middle of October, there were flowers out all over the garden. Yellow, pink and red flowers dotted the bright green grass, and large-leafed plants peaked from along the walls. Hidden in the backyard were different ceramic sculptures of the raccoon dog, “Tanuki. “ He is a full-bellied Japanese prankster god based on a wild canine native to Japan. After a famous ceramic maker had given several sculptures of the Tanuki to the Emperor, who displayed them all over his castle, these figures become popular with the public and having one in your garden likened you to the Emperor himself.

In the front of our Ryokan is a purification fountain complete with flowers and ladles to cleanse your hands before coming into the Ryokan. Although doing this isn’t necessary, it’s a sign of respect for the household if you do so. Plus, it always smelled fantastic.

Our favourite thing to do was visit the local bakery in the morning, find a coffee shop and bring our goodies back to the Ryokan to enjoy outside. The sun was beating down on our faces, watching locals pass by on their bikes on their way to work.

We were heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye to this place. It was BY FAR the best place we stayed while in Japan. In addition to feeling like we experienced a piece of Japan’s history while staying here, it was also the most comfortable place we stayed with the sweetest hosts. They had taken our picture before we left, and we put it up on the wall with the other smiling faces, a small souvenir for them to remember us by. I really hope we return. I can’t wait to see them again.

The post My Amazing Experience Staying in Traditional Ryokan in Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I have never been to Niagara-on-the-Lake prior to this visit. I had passed through many times on the way to Niagara Falls but never stayed in this enchanting little town. The best place to stay is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

No exaggeration; this is the most beautiful hotel I have ever visited in North America. Last Fall, we stayed in a 5-star hotel in Beverly Hills, and although it was pretty posh, it was too modern for my tastes. I prefer something with a bit of history. So this hotel felt like it was MADE for me.

About the Prince of Wales Hotel

The Prince of Wales Hotel stands as a landmark in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. It has stood in this exact spot since 1864! It is a part of a chain of hotels called Vintage Hotels. This company features some of the best-preserved hotels in Ontario, which retain their antique charm but have many modern amenities.

The name of the hole “Prince of Wales” was in honour of the 1901 Duke and Duchess of York visit. These two would later be crowned King George V and Queen Mary. Their legacy can be seen all over the hotel. Paintings of their reign are hung throughout the hallways and guest rooms. And the essence of Victorian charm covers the floors, walls and even ceilings.

Architecture

Its architectural style was that of the Second French Empire, seen most clearly in its mansard roof. Everything felt so regal. It was as if you became the same kind of royalty that his hotel was named after when you entered. Our suite was in the building the furthest away from reception, but I didn’t mind. Walking down all the corridors and exploring every little corner of this place was a treat.

Rooms and Suites

Our hotel room was the cutest little place. Even the rooms are decorated in the Victorian style with Tiffany stained glass lamps on either side of the room and paintings of young girls in frilly dresses all over the place. We even had our little fireplace, the perfect thing to curl up in front of after coming in from the cold outdoors.

The approximate room costs are as follows: Traditional Rooms: $300 CAD, Superior Rooms: $330 CAD, Deluxe Rooms: $360 CAD, Premium Rooms: $390 CAD, Suite Rooms: $440 CAD

One of my favourite things about this place was the corridor into the reception area. It was lined with replica paintings from famous Flemish painters and other grandmasters. Even the wallpaper was luxuriously embellished! The ornate frames seemed to grow and swell with overgrowth as if they were living within these walls.

Pool & Spa

After settling in, we headed off for a dip in the pool. Even the swimming area was decked out with Victorian designs. The shape of the pool reminded me of European bathhouses.

After a dip in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, we were off for our couple’s massage in their world-class spa! We changed into our robes and made our way down to the spa. We sat in lush leather chairs and sipped tea and coffee while waiting. Even the bathrooms down here were gorgeous. Delftware-inspired porcelain sinks and wall tiles sparkled, and real wooden doors with etched glass made up each stall.

Restaurant and Food

The room where we had our massage was sumptuously decorated. It was perhaps the largest room I’d ever been in for a massage, but the luxury of the place simply added to the relaxation. After our massage and little outing, we returned to the hotel for a 4-course Valentine’s Dinner. Everything was perfect, but we perhaps had the best time entertained by a couple fighting with the waiter beside us. We gave him our condolences as they were the worst kind of people, but it made for a very entertaining dinner.

After too much wine and indulgence, we went back to the room where roses and chocolate-covered strawberries were awaiting us. We ate them before the fire as night poured itself over our eyes. 

The next morning we ordered food to our room, not wanting to escape the warmth of our fireplace. I ordered a simple English breakfast with cinnamon biscuits, and Dan chowed down some peanut butter pancakes.

But like all things, there must be an ending. We begrudgingly packed up our things and headed out. It was undoubtedly the most romantic and luxurious weekend of my life – and I got to spend it with my favourite person in the world.

The post The Most Charming Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Historic Prince of Wales first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.