To Disrobe or Not? Danubius Health Spa Resort Budapest
It was all the robes that first caught my eye. As we’re checking into the Danubius Health Spa Resort Budapest, people were standing in line for the Concierge sporting their sparkling white BATHROBES, seemingly oblivious to the fact they forgot to dress.
Robes are walking the corridors, milling around in groups and even coming in and out of the elevators. No one was wearing street clothes – everyone had on a robe! Is this some sort of odd initiation to a Hungarian Health Spa? I couldn’t wait to find out!
We were quickly checked in and found our room overlooking one of the outdoor pools and a view of the Danube through the lush trees on Margaret Island – a 4 kilometer long island and protected biological park. There – on the hotel bed – were our OWN robes, just waiting to cocoon us in a pillow of softness.
We tried them on and modeled in front of the mirror, then took the obligatory Bathrobe Selfies (these will NOT be posted!). However, I was starting to understand the appeal of wearing one’s bathrobe 24/7.
The Danubius Health Spa Resort is a Medical Wellness dream. Within the rambling complex we found thermal pools to soothe, aromatherapy steam baths to breathe in, saunas to purge our pores of all impurities, and luxurious hideaways to relax with a book and a cool drink of the healthy mineral waters. All of this is available from 6:30am to 9:30pm daily. Yes, here robes are the requisite attire.
We quickly learned the protocol for robing and disrobing within the spa’s many areas and soon the robe became just another part of the experience. Co-ed steam baths – bathing suits. Single sex sauna – no clothing, just a towel. Thermal pools – bathing suits. Then, when we were finished and totally pruney, it was time to wrap back up in the robe and make our way to the room. The robe and I were fast becoming friends.
The Danubius Health Spa Resort is a delight for the senses. Whether you’re visiting for relaxation, a wellness break, or just to feel beautiful and pampered for a few days while visiting Budapest, this is the place.
Well being treatments are offered to completely soothe and recharge the body and soul. Favorites include:
Thai Massage – to physically and psychically remove pain and tenderness to achieve a flexible, relaxed condition. Masseuses qualified at the most famous massage schools in Thailand press energy points with the thumb, palm, elbow, knee and foot.
Hot Stone Therapy – Using warm massage oil to allow heated basalt or lava stones to glide smoothly along the muscles, this type of treatment is wonderful for back pain, poor circulation, tension and stress relief.
Wellness Mud Pack – Reawaken tired skin by replenishing lost minerals form the body and clearing out the pores of the skin. Warm mud is packed directly on the skin and left for 20 minutes. During this time, the capillaries enlarge, letting in small particles of mud that’s washed away at the end of the treatment. This peeling effect smooths and softens skin.
Salt Cave – Using the healing effects of salt, you’re situated in a “cave” made from rocks of salt from the Dead Sea. This therapy is intended for relaxation and boosting the immune system. The salt in the grotto creates an environment without microclimates and is effective for cleaning the respiratory system.
One of the treatments we most enjoyed was the Red Wine Bath with Anti-Cellulite Effect. Though I can’t be sure my cellulite has been reduced, it certainly was a relaxing way to experience oils containing red wine and grape extracts. As the oil from the red grape is high in natural antioxidants, our skin was treated to a glorious (and healthy) moisturizing treatment.
For the 7 luxurious days we spent at the Danubius Health Spa Resort, we were initiated into the culture of the Hungarian Health Club where robes are not only tolerated, they are the required attire. It took some getting used to, especially in a elevator full of bath-robed people, but eventually we caught on. In fact, I already miss my robe. Perhaps I can bring the practice of robe-wearing 24/7 back to Florida!
We got a great deal at Hotels.com for our stay at the Danubius Health Spa Resort in Budapest. It is always our first stop when looking for great places to stay at affordable prices, not to mention getting a free night for every ten you book through them!
This is similar to the onsen in Japan. When I lived in Japan, I frequented onsen baths which are all mandatory nude. It doesn’t bother you after awhile though! But they too had similar kinds of spa activities and massage options. This place sounds like such a retreat!