Part 2: The making of a future Salus per Aquam wellness enthusiast!

Postcards from the Touchless Edge?, No. 6, by Erin Lee and Alina M Hernandez

Traveling with a 14-year-old teenager can be challenging, and my son, is no exception. As many parents can attest, in the best of cases, even when you have an agreeable offspring, the needs and wants of teenagers are quite different than prepubescent children, and worlds apart from the adult mindset.?

I was looking forward to diving into this world and seeing what would happen. The following is my break-down of the big thermal spa pay-offs!??

Therme Bucharest: My Son said he had “no expectations”?

Upon arriving at Therme Bucharest, my son’s excitement was palpable. The facility was impressive, and the main pool area was breathtaking for both of us. His face lit up, and he eagerly switched to “explore mode,” wanting to experience what was on offer.?

Access?All Ages! ?Exploring Saunas and Spas with Children?

In Sweden, children often start using saunas around 4-6 years old, sometimes even earlier if introduced by their families. This practice is deeply rooted in Swedish culture, emphasising safety, shorter sessions, and family bonding.??

Such traditions highlight that introducing children to spa environments can be safe and rewarding if done responsibly. However, outside these traditional practices, there is often hesitation and uncertainty about allowing younger guests into spa facilities. This reluctance likely stems from safety concerns, a lack of tailored guidelines, and the need for proper education.?

When I planned our visit, he was initially anxious but also excited to experience something reserved for adults. He had heard about my many previous experiences and has tried sauna and steam rooms a couple of times, but this was different. His enthusiasm reflected a desire to be included and trusted with new experiences, especially those typically reserved for adults.?

Creating a Safe Spa Experience for Children, and setting up a lifetime of Wellness habits?

Cosmin Ciric is the passionate “Pied Piper” of Therme. As its Wellness Director, his multi-talented creds include clinical practice as a ?BalneoPhysioKinesiologist, a seasoned Sauna Master, Aufguss judge, physiotherapist, keeper of the Romanian cultural pulse and in my sons eyes a ‘very cool guy’. ?He shared valuable insights with us and educated us on the experiences to come.

Originally, the Elysium area was restricted to guests aged 16 and older, which aligns with other spas in the Therme Group. However, this spa recently lowered the age limit to allow guests from 14 and up. Cosmin pointed out the importance of educating children on safe practices. He explained to us both how to protect the male reproductive organs for someone his age and introduced him to a protocol for alternating cold therapy with saunas (a bit different to the usual sequence), explaining the purpose and timing of each step. This responsible approach highlighted that creating a safe and educational experience should be a priority when welcoming younger guests.?

Initially hesitant to be on his own, my son quickly pivoted, independently going to the cold pool for his protocol provided by Cosmin. He also had his first massage as a teenager. The last time he experienced a massage was when we did baby massage classes together—and that was long ago. After his session, I asked how he found it, and he replied, “It was very strong, but felt really good. She worked on lots of tight areas and hard bits in my muscles.” When I asked if he’d like to continue having massages, his response came without hesitation, “Yes! Once a month would be good, but if I could manage it, then once a week!” It looks like we need a new item in the household budget!?

A Day at Sauna Fest: Fun, Learning, and Family Bonding?

Being at the spa during Sauna Fest was the best introduction for my son and also for adults of all ages. We began with a lower-temperature sauna session on the second of five levels. This was his first Aufguss—a traditional sauna ritual that has now been elevated to performance art involving a master distributing hot steam, accompanied by music and aromas. Within minutes, he was clapping along with the crowd and enjoying the experience, losing any initial inhibitions.?(See our postcards No.3 & 4 for more on Aufguss).

Despite the allure of water slides, he suggested returning to the adult area after just one slide to explore more saunas. We ended up participating in five Aufguss sessions, prompted by his enthusiasm. Our day at the Therme lasted a full 12 hours, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. During this time, we explored various pools, both indoor and outdoor, and tried amenities like infrared loungers and hydromassage beds.?

A Turning Point Experience: Building Confidence and Connection?

With few expectations for the weekend, I only hoped that my son would enjoy himself. To my delight, it became clear that this visit was more than just an outing. His relaxed body language, growing confidence, and joy spoke volumes. For someone who sometimes struggles with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly with physical touch and emotions, Therme Bucharest’s environment delivered on all levels. He was able to relax and seem to lean into the experience leaving a profound and lasting impression that, I believe will deliver wellness benefits for years to come.?

We also participated in a session led by Unbounded from Toronto, which focused on breathing techniques. He was fully engaged and immersed in the experience, despite the fact that teens often face challenges with body image, worry about being judged, and remain hyper-aware of their surroundings. Yet in this setting, all those anxieties seemed to melt away. Plus, he didn’t look at a screen all day!?

The Appeal of Saunas: What Kids Can Learn and Enjoy?

While the water slides were appealing, he remained captivated by the sauna experience. We tried different saunas, spending only a few minutes in those that didn’t offer an Aufguss, as we found them less engaging. The night ended with a Bavarian-themed Aufguss party—four masters, 35 people packed into a 90-degree sauna, and lively singing, clapping, and dancing. It was the perfect way to conclude our day.?

Reflections: A New Tradition in the Making??

After a wonderful night’s sleep, we returned to the spa when the doors opened (we were supposed to go sightseeing). While I anticipated a request for more time on the slides, he was focused on the sauna fest program. He eagerly planned how many sessions we could fit in before leaving at 3 p.m. His growing love for the sauna experience reaffirmed that, with the right guidance and responsible practices, children can not only enjoy but also appreciate spa culture.?

The Rise of Touchless Wellness: A New Way Forward for Younger Generations??

Interestingly, aside from the massage, most of the experiences at the spa were forms of touchless wellness—an emerging trend emphasising self-directed relaxation and rejuvenation without physical contact from therapists. From infrared loungers to hydromassage beds, saunas, and the breathing session with Unbounded, these experiences allowed him to engage deeply in wellness practices independently.?

Touchless wellness seems especially well-suited for younger generations growing up in the Digital Age, all Gen Zs and younger are digital natives and have never known a world without screens and hand-held devices. Touchless offers tools to manage stress, relax, and connect with themselves (and us) without the need for physical touch from a therapist. For my son, who can find touch from others overwhelming due to his ASD, these experiences felt safe and empowering.?

And this wasn’t just about solo relaxation—it was also a form of social wellness. The Aufguss sessions, with their communal rituals of clapping, singing, and shared appreciation for intense heat, created a unique atmosphere of connection and camaraderie. Despite the social challenges posed by ASD, my son actively participated, finding joy and comfort in this collective experience.?

Is Touchless Wellness the Future for Younger Generations? I believe it could be. The autonomy it offers, combined with mental, physical, and social benefits, makes touchless wellness a compelling option for introducing young people to the world of relaxation and wellness.?

As we wrapped up our time at Therme, I turned to my teenage travel partner and asked, his opinion about his wellness experience at Therme. He turned to me and asked, “Where can we go next?” I realised that I now had a Bonafide Wellness seeker and consumer, and that, we had experienced the future, now.?

Special thank you to Mariana Suciu & Cosmin-Nicolae C?r?c

In Touchless Synergy,

Erin & Alina

?