Wellness Wonder-land for All - Therme Bucharest

Postcards from the Touchless Edge?, No. 5, by Alina M Hernandez and Erin Lee

Part 1: A Salus per Aquam experience for all

My taxi driver looked back at me, and with a smile, assured me “The Therme is wonderful. My daughter, she five, she say, ‘take me to the waters, Tata,’ and I have to bring her every month!”

As I looked out, a massive building erected with ground-to-ceiling glass walls loomed in front of me, and I could already see the many plants that adorned the massive entry ways leading to the multiple turnstiles for check-in to the spa. At approximately 35,000 sq. meters, the complex is able to host thousands of people per day, and is divided into three distinct Wellness playgrounds, we are calling “Water worlds.”

I realised we had arrived at the Therme Bucharest. I felt a child-like anticipation for my day ahead. It was 10.15 am and there were at least 150 people milling around outside, and I could hear many different languages being spoken. Everyone was in various phases of arrival and meet-and-greet with friends and family – it was a Saturday, and these people were on a mission for serious fun!

Enter Three Water Worlds

Therme is a habitat of pure biophilic wonder as if inspired by an “Avatar” Wellness world where three different water world environments live harmoniously side-by-side. They have been designed and curated for high engagement, learning and curation – all with the sole idea of delighting the guest – while providing a BIG wellness value proposition.

Everything is on a grand cinematographic scale, with panoramas viewed from three levels and an “interior-scaping” of lush flora (every plant is real!) enveloping the spaces within each water world. Each world is thoughtfully curated with various vertical mini-environments—you might find yourself lying on an infrared-light bed nestled among trees, or enjoying touchless technologies like hydro-massage beds, all seamlessly integrated into spaces that immerse you fully in the experience.

Since the Therme sits on a site of a hydrothermal spring with water temperatures at around 80 degrees Celsius which are then delivered to the multiple pools at circa 33 degrees, you are always within reach of a soak with the feel-good proven benefits of thermal bathing.

Here’s a quick description of the three worlds:

Galaxy

The Galaxy is the energetic and family-friendly world that embodies the spirit of a tropical getaway (ages from 0 to the young-at-heart). This expansive area features a wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions, including exciting water slides and large swimming pools, all surrounded by lush palm trees and exotic?landscaping. (More on this in Part 2 of Erin Lee’s experience traveling with her teenage son).

The Palm

The Palm Area at Therme Bucharest is a serene retreat designed exclusively for guests aged 14 and older. Nestled among lush palm trees and vibrant foliage, this peaceful space features an array of mineral pools and hydro massage beds, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Visitors can sip on refreshing drinks at the vitamin bar, treat themselves to delicious desserts from the gelateria, or unwind with beverages from the beer, cocktail, and gin bars. Additionally, the Palm Area showcases the popular Sands of Therme, a calming beach-like environment ideal for guests during the warmer months. Here, wayfinding will lead you to access Pangea Park for further exploration of the lush surroundings. With its array of amenities, the Palm Area is the place to pause, slow the pace down and just relax – making it the perfect sanctuary within the Therme?experience.

Elysium

Set apart on the highest level of the water worlds, the Elysium area at Therme Bucharest is the world, design

Set apart on the highest level of the water worlds, the Elysium area at Therme Bucharest is the world, designed for guests aged 14 and older, offering a more niche and upscale sauna experiences. This unique space features themed saunas that provide distinctive sensory experiences, including aromatherapy and light therapy, as well as special Aufguss performances. Guests also have access to the Mango Tree, where they can enjoy premium dining and relaxation options (both indoor and out). Elysium seamlessly combines tranquility, unique thermal circuits, and social wellness, creating an immersive and revitalising escape within Therme?Bucharest.

It is a testament to a unique vision to welcome, encourage and promote the practice of communal bathing in all its benefits of absorbing the benefits of minerals all the way to the feel-good benefits of conversations, social interaction and even quiet contemplation – all with water.

Big wellness take-aways...

Water, water, everywhere

Water, water, everywhere—there is an impressive variety of pools, each designed to cater to different wellness and relaxation needs. From the expansive indoor and outdoor leisure pools to smaller mineralised pools enriched with dead sea salt including minerals such as lithium, calcium & magnesium, every experience is crafted to rejuvenate the body and soothe the senses.

The thermal pools, fed by deep geothermal springs, help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, while the whirlpools and hydro-massage beds offer targeted relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, hot and cold plunge pools invigorate the senses, promoting improved blood flow and detoxification. With its diverse array of pools, the Therme provides a unique water experience for?every?guest.

Building a Sauna Culture, in a country that had none

Therme Bucharest’s commitment to sauna culture has resulted in the creation of the world’s largest sauna fest.” It wasn’t always like this,” explained, Cosmin Ciric, Therme Wellness Director who was once a practicing clinician as a?BalneoPhysioKinesiologist. “Romania has never had a sauna culture,” he went on. They decided to create one instead. What began as a week-long event has now blossomed into a three-week extravaganza that attracts people from all over the world and some of the best Aufguss on the planet. More on this in Part 2 from Erin.

We’ll be back!

As a solo traveler, there are always great opportunities to meet new people and Therme offered that in abundance. I met a couple from Spain, a four-member weekend girls’ trip group, a male solo traveler and an Italian family. They all seem to share a common reason for visiting the Therme Bucahrest – a great place to come for wellness, create memories, get social – all within affordability for all. The woman of the Spanish coupled chimed, as we were soaking in the Magnesium pool, “You know, this would not have been possible years ago. I’m 30 and my parents never went to a spa because they couldn’t afford it, so it never occurred to them.” That’s all changed now with this place, and they'll be planning more long weekends at the Therme Bucharest. So will I!

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

Please do join us for Part 2 of the Wellness Wonderland for All.

Alina & Erin