Why consider Bulgaria for spa treatment?

Green, tranquil and natural are three words to describe Bulgaria.  Think pine forests, crystal pure air, sandy beaches, cascading white waters and a land rich in folklore and traditions.  Bulgaria is located in south-east Europe on the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and is set to join the EU in early 2007.  Mountains occupy half the country’s territory and as well as being a top skiing destination (the resorts of Borovets in the Rila mountains and Pamporovo in the Rhodopes have become popular with British ski enthusiasts), Bulgaria has long been known as a healing and relaxation destination due to it abundance of mineral water wells and sources, healing mud on the Black Sea coast and a unique bioclimatic environment.

Natural healing resources are combined with breath-taking scenery in Bulgaria.  The capital city, Sofia, has plenty of charm and culture and since ancient times has been famous for its many cold and thermal mineral water springs in the city centre and at neighbouring Kniazevo, Gorna Bania, Bankia, Ovcha Kupel and Ivaniane.  Spa tourists can enjoy wandering around the city’s art galleries, museums and historical buildings such as the castle gates and towers of Serdica or the famous gold domed AlexanderNevskiMemorialChurch, one of the Balkans’ top archaeological sites. 

The Black Sea coast is a sub region of the continental Mediterranean climatic region which has none of the harsh climatic conditions of the northern European coasts, or the scorching heat of the Mediterranean sun.  The Black Sea resort of Varna for example has endless beaches of fine golden sand and is a mixture of ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures.  Within the Black Sea’s costal lagoons balneal mud can be found which has valuable thermo physical, biochemical, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and natural antibiotic properties and the curative mineral springs and mud can provide excellent treatment and recuperation at any time of the year.  

The Bulgarian balneotherapy science enjoys a long tradition and there are many health resorts with balneo sanatoriums providing very high standards of therapy and prophylaxis programmes incorporating thermal water into their physician-supervised medical programmes, infused with a large variety of minerals like radon, silicic acid, fluorine, calcium, sodium, and sulphates.  The high water temperature increases the health-enhancing properties to benefit patients with bronchitis, arthritis, skin diseases, orthopaedic disorders, neuroses, kidney and gastro-intestinal diseases. 

With so many different treatments available from Thalassotherapy to Physiotherapy, a medical spa vacation in Bulgaria is beneficial whether you suffer from a particular ailment or simply wish to retreat from stressful living.  Experienced spa specialists work in modern sophisticated centres with on site thermal springs to offer restorative, healing, luxurious and indulgent spa treatments for the body and soul.  As well as rehabilitating massages Bulgarian spas also offer holistic and anti stress treatments from Ayurveda to Reiki.

Spa Life Bulgaria is a spa travel and marketing company with its own spa facilities in Sofia, and is a member of the National Association for Spa Tourism promoting spas in Bulgaria which range from lively, adventurous spa vacations with fitness and weight control programs to beauty spas which focus on medical cosmetics and rejuvenation in seaside and mountain locations.  Prices are very affordable, for example a double room at a four star spa in Bulgaria starts from €14 and the most luxurious spas provide an ultimate experience package for under €250 a night including accommodation and meals.  Some spas offer all-inclusive programmes with fitness activities, healthy spa cuisine and a wide variety of recreational activities such as tennis, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, water sports. 

While in Bulgaria, spa tourists can take advantage of the fantastic shopping opportunities where prices are much cheaper than in the UK and sample some local cuisine in a traditional café or restaurant, usually comprising meat, potatoes and crispy beans or a Banita (cheese pie).  The Bulgarians are warm hospitable people and the country gets plenty of sunshine.  Furthermore, flights from the UK are inexpensive; a return flight from London to Sofia can be purchased for around £100 with British Airways and the flying time is just three hours from the UK.

Bulgarian is the local language, and the oldest Slavonic spoken language.  The climate is moderate continental with four seasons and an average annual temperature of 10 Celsius, the coldest month being January when temperatures go down to 0 degrees Celsius. 

Bulgaria is GMT + 2 hours in the winter and GMT + 3 in the summer months.

Photo courtesy of All Bulgaria Virtual Guide

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