My family in Burlington wanted to have a celebration, so they decided we should head to Balnea for…read morea Sunday morning "Reserve and Thermal Experience." So glad we did!
My only regret was at the last minute I forgot to pack my bathing suit, so I had to buy one at their reception. (They provide robes and towels, but it's also Bring Your Own Flip Flops.) Note - The morning ticket is only for 3 hours, so you might consider the full day ticket.
About the facilities, Balnea is located at the head of a lake within a nature reserve. Most of the spa experiences direct your view to the placid lake ensconced in surrounding forrest. The exception include certain enclosed spaces intended to cut you off visual from any distractions, like the Grotto sauna, Maroccon Salon with cocoon beds and reading space, nature cinema that can be enjoyed with or without audio, the aquarium room, as well as the eucalyptus steam room and sauna. Most other enclosed spaces, including saunas, have picture windows facing the lake.
One unusual view I'd recommend checking out includes the awesome wooden nonagon cone beds facing deep into the forrest.
The spaces are divided into whispering spaces and strictly enforced zones of silence. (In a very Big Brother moment, I was reprimanded twice by staff for whispering to my family even when no one else was in earshot.) Given that, considering cameras and phones are not allowed, Balnea has really structured the experience to ensure you focus on relaxing and personal wellness.
Note - 3 hours is a good time to cover many of the spaces, like a tasting menu, but you may want to splurge on the nominal extra for a full day not to be rushed.
Beyond the wooden cone bed, my favorite experiences there included:
+ The heated Infinity pool that had jets not only for the back but also feet and legs allowing me to soothe my muscles;
+ The steam room with eucalyptus;
+ The sauna by the lake and super hot sauna in the building;
+ The heated pool with waterfall and whirlpool jets;
+ The cocoon bed in the Moroccan Salon;
+ The floating beds on the lake, enabling me to listen to the water lightly splashing; and
+ The fire pit with (provided) marshmallows for roasting!
Balnea calls itself a Nordic Spa. Having lived for years in Finland, there is nothing I experienced like this there although there may be so today. No sauna I was in had windows and we always went naked!
That being said, Balnea is a fantastic experience. (My family even attests to enjoying it during the winter.) Recommend you check it out!
