CNN: where to go for the perfect wellness weekend in Budapest

Apart from the fascinating history, impressive architecture and amazing gastronomy, Budapest has a lot more to offer. Towards the end of the year, we could all use a bit of peace and relaxation. Whether you want a revitalising yoga retreat or a restful spa getaway, Budapest is the perfect destination.

Rudas Bath’s medicinal massages

Rudas bath
Photo: www.facebook.com/rudas.gyogyfurdo/photos/

As one of the most popular, authentic Turkish thermal baths, this bathhouse offers a wide range of services, among which are the more extensive massage programmes – reports CNN. Visitors can enjoy several smaller thermal pools with medicinal benefits, while there is also a large swimming pool, saunas, a steam room, a rooftop hot tub and several massage rooms. Experienced masseurs can help ease the problems of stress and sleeping difficulties through an aroma massage, for example, that relaxes both the body and the mind. Those suffering from joint pain and muscle tension can opt for a thermal massage that helps relax the body. There are VIP massages available as well; the most interesting one is probably the Kolop medicinal mud treatment that uses healing mud from the River Tisza and is perfect for easing sports injuries.

Prices differ during the week and at the weekend, but they are open every day from 6 am to 8 pm.

Széchenyi Bath’s thermal beer spa

Photo: facebook.com/thermalbeerspabudapest

Located in the heart of City Park, visitors can take full advantage of the ten indoor pools, saunas, steam room and the outside bathing area that this bathhouse offers. The massage treatments cost extra; however, they are sure to provide a unique experience. For example, the beer spa offers the perfect revitalisation opportunity for the winter months, with its 36-degree hot bath that includes minerals and natural extracts, such as yeast, malt and barley, used in the process of brewing beer. You can go alone or with a friend and enjoy the quirky bath along with local beer that is served as part of the treatment.

For prices and opening hours, check out their website.

Csillaghegyi Árpád Baths, wellness centre

Photo: facebook.com/pg/Csillaghegyi-Árpád-Forrásfürdő-Hivatalos-Oldal

As one of Europe’s largest open-air bathing complexes, the Csillaghegyi Árpád Baths have a lot to offer. Apart from activity pools, thermal pools and medicinal waters, visitors can enjoy infrared and Finnish saunas as well as a 33-metre long swimming pool for the lovers of swimming. It is the perfect choice for those who crave a sauna treatment, as there are a lot of options for that here, including an aroma sauna, a panorama sauna, a bio sauna, a hellish sauna as well as a salt bath, a steam chamber, immersion pools and a 36-degree hot relaxation pool. In addition, thanks to the panorama terrace, it is possible to relax, let all the tension and toxins leave your body while treating your eyes and soul to the marvellous view of the surrounding area.

Aria Hotel, Harmony Spa, music treatment

Photo: facebook.com/pg/harmonyspabudapest/

Chosen as the ‘Best Wellness Spa in Europe’ in 2018, the Harmony Spa at the 5-star Aria Hotel is a real luxurious treat. The musically inspired spa treatment is a truly unique experience, made complete by the option of a thrilling rooftop yoga session so you can feel wholly relaxed and revitalised. There is also the option of Finnish and infrared saunas, pools, an aromatic steam bath and private cabanas for those wanting a more regular relaxation.

Gellért Bath’s private baths

Photo: Gellért Baths Budapest

Besides the common thermal baths, massage rooms, the steam room, sauna and sun terrace, the ideal way to make the most of the over 100-year-old bath is to take advantage of the private room and sauna, in order to relax and unwind without the threat of bumping into anybody. Visitors can also take part in a mud therapy or herbal treatments.

Oriental Spa, Aquaworld

Photo: facebook.com/Aquaworld.Resort.Budapest

As one of the biggest aqua parks in Central Europe, the Aquaworld in Budapest is perfect for those wanting a more thrilling spa day as well as for those seeking true relaxation. Children can have fun here as well, with the numerous water slides, wave pools and other water attractions. The fitness and wellness centre offers various relaxation pools, steam baths, massage treatments and resting beds.

Outdoor fitness options

Elisabeth Lookout Tower
Photo: facebook.com/pg/JanosHegyiErzsebetKilato

We all know how important physical exercise is, and even though the winter is not necessarily ideal to go to Margaret Island’s running track or the outdoor gym machines in Városmajor, it is still a good idea to hike up the 528-metre János Hill and enjoy the view from Elizabeth Lookout Tower. If you are not a fan of walking, you can also take the Zugliget Chairlift (Libegő) to the top of the hill.

Yoga retreats

Photo: facebook.com/bikramjogakozpont/

Yoga retreats are all the rage these days, and Budapest is no different in the number of options it offers to yoga enthusiasts. However, the options in English are somewhat limited. The Bikram Yoga Centre is in the heart of the city, near Astoria, and offers 90-minute sessions of a strict order of 26 poses, having a positive effect on the mind, body and soul as well. The other option is the ASRAM Yoga and Meditation Centre, offering seven teaching styles that include spine-focused yoga, for example.

If you are interested in other thermal bath options in Hungary, read this article. If you happen to be in Budapest and need restaurant recommendations, check out this list with CNN’s top ten.

Featured image: MTI, Balázs Mohai

Source: cnn.com