A very relaxing way to spend an evening- whether alone, with a partner, or friends- as long as the…read morepeople with you are fine with nudity, go for it! My review is just for time in the saunas, pools, and relaxing areas.
WHAT YOU NEED:
First off- we speak next to no German- but managed to get what we needed in broken English. We didn't bring anything with us, so we got the robe+towel+flip flop package for 15.90€ each to start. While everyone is nude when in the pools and saunas, they usually wear towels or robes when walking between areas.
At the bare minimum, you'll want a towel to dry off and to sit in, but a robe is definitely more comfortable in relaxation areas, if it's cold outside, or if you dine in the restaurant- same is true for the flip flops- plus there are some loose stones outside and people seem to bring glassware outside, so you never know.
CHECK-IN:
You'll be given a bracelet, which will be your locker key and be used for any charges to your account during your stay. You'll pay at the end. After checking in, you're directed to the lockers- there are some female only lockers and some mixed area lockers.
WANDER:
Most people start off by changing into their towel/robe and then wander around the facility that way to get a lay of the land. There are multiple levels and doors to walk through and explore- and as long as you're in your robe- most people will understand that you're exploring and checking things out.
The map that reception gave me wasn't practical to carry around- more of something to study and understand and then leave behind. It helped me understand that there were basically two levels- and indoor section and an outdoor section. As you wander around, you come to understand it's a little more complex than that, but not too much.
WATCH FROM HOT POOLS:
Once you get a sense of how things are laid out, I'd recommend kicking back in one of the small indoor stone hot pools and just watching people come and go between pools and saunas. You may catch the beginning or ending of one of the infusion rituals to begin to understand what that might entail and how people all huddle into saunas for those experiences at the dedicated time and saunas, which are posted on black chalkboards near the saunas and steam rooms.
TRY THE INFUSIONS:
Give some of the saunas a try- if you want the benefit of the infusion experience, but not a crowded sauna- go in just after everyone comes out. The air is still going to be heavily infused, but much less crowded with people. If you decide to go in for an infusion- what you're in for is a little explanation of the benefit of the aromatherapy or herbs being poured over hot stones and infusing the air, some towels being swung in the air to move the air in the room, some big fans to wave some super hot air in your face, and maybe a spritz of some water to make sure you don't die after being in there for 10minutes or more at 90°C. One full ritual was all I needed - after that I just went in after everyone else left. Shower when you're done if you just sweat out your lunch.
TRY THE COLD POOL:
The large indoor pool and the larger outdoor pool are both cool temperatures relative to everything else. They aren't freezing, but they may feel that way after a hot sauna.
TRY THE SCRUBS:
You have to enter through the historic area door to access the scrub rooms- you'll know them by their art nouveau details and stained glass shower stalls. There's a schedule of what scrubs are being presented in this area- as well as if it's intended for women-only during certain times. Bring a friend to help get your back, and enjoy the extra essential oils used with the salts or sugars. Rinse off in the room so the salt or sugar doesn't get everywhere else.
TRY THE FLOAT POOL:
Also in the historic area in a little enclave is a float pool with pool noodles if you need help floating. I'm made of blubber, and need no help floating in any kind of water. Speaking of blubber- most people here are actually really fit- but they hold back on the judgey vibes, or I simply don't understand insults in German- either way, I wasn't bothered by not being as fit as many others here.
TRY THE RELAXATION LOUNGES:
Grab a book or whisper with a friend. Some lounges feel more chatty than others. Some people fall asleep in the lounges for a short nap. Some just sit and read. It's a nice way to take a break from the circuit of hot and cold air and water.
TRY THE TEA:
They have a nice selection of teas in the restaurant, as well as a selection of salads, cheeses, fruits, heavier things and beer, wine, or cocktails. If you'd like drinking fountain water- bring a water bottle and fill up in the Fitness Center Gym on the other side of the restaurant.
TOTAL: 50€
Four hours in the spa, robe, towel, flip flops, a tea, and bowl of fruit, plus parking. I can think of worse things I've spent 50€ on in one night that weren't nearly as relaxing- so I call it a win.
