Experience the Ultimate spa Destination
A spa day at Therme, Bucharest
I recently spent 13 hours at Europe’s largest wellbeing centre – Therme in Bucharest. This huge spa has become an internet sensation due to the impressive array of facilities for visitors of all ages. And now, having been myself, it’s easy to see why.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own visit:
How do I get there?
The closest airport is Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, with flights available from UK airports including London, Manchester and recently-added Leeds Bradford. From the airport you can take the 442 bus direct to Therme, or the 100 from Bucharest old town, which costs the equivalent of about 50p. Or I recommend taking an Uber cab for speed and convenience – rides are far cheaper than the equivalent mileage in the UK, about 6GBP on average.
Do I need a ticket?
You can pay on entry, but I would recommend getting a ticket in advance, especially during the busy summer months – you can buy up to 2 months in advance on the app or 1 month on the website. There are different pricing models depending on which areas you want to access and how long you want to stay, ranging from approximately 12GBP to 33GBP. Towel and robe hire can be added for a small additional charge.
What’s there?
There are 3 main areas – Galaxy, The Palm and Elysium. Galaxy is the family area featuring water slides and entertaining activities. The Palm is the relaxing oasi with lush vegetation and mineral pools. And Elysium is the wellness epicentre featuring 6 different thematic saunas and a sunrise terrace. The Palm and Elysium have a minimum age restriction of 14. There are too many individual attractions to list but my favourites were the infrared light beds, the palm outdoor pool, Himalaya sauna and the Calla shower. Grab a map and schedule for treatment and scrub timings and even aqua class timetables. During summer, the Sands of Theme offers a beach experience, and there are multiple bars, food outlets and restaurants to choose from at very reasonable prices.
What should I bring?
A swimming costume/trunks (obvious!), and you’ll need 2 pairs of flip flops – 1 for outdoors and 1 new pair to wear indoors. There are lockers to secure your belongings, which are operated by a wrist band that also grants you access to the areas included in your ticket and act as your method of payment when buying food, drink and extras (you pay the balance as you exit, and debit/credit cards are accepted. I’d also recommend bringing sunscreen/SPF for sunny days, and maybe a light kimono/cover for walking between areas or while eating (not necessary, it’s totally your choice, but the Therme robe are quite heavy to wear in hot weather). I also used a waterproof bag to carry my belongings between areas.
Can I take photos?
Unless you have special permission, phones and cameras aren’t allowed in the pools or saunas and this is well policed by staff. You can, however, take photos pool-side and in areas like Sands of Therme, just be considerate to those around you and bear in mind that others may be waiting to get the same shot.
Does it get busy?
Yes BUT Therme is so big that no part feels crowded. You may struggle to get a sunbed or lounger at times, as visitors do reserve them with towels early, but they do free up later on and in the meantime there’s just so much to do. Sit in the pools and use the swim-up bars, or sit to grab food or a smoothie. Arrive for opening if you want to book treatments, as these sell out quickly, and be at the sauna ahead of schedule for mud/scrubs as they are popular and only those with a seat can take part.
Would you recommend a visit?
Yes! For full transparency, my ticket was gifted by the lovely people at Therme, however my opinion here is my own and in no way influenced by this. We had a really enjoyable day, and even though we stayed from morning until night we still felt we could spend far longer there. The facilities were so clean and well maintained, the staff friendly and the prices very reasonable, and each area offered a new experience and different vibe. The lights after dusk are just so pretty too, so I’d absolutely recommend the full day holiday ticket for value and to get the most out of your visit.
Where should I stay?
Accommodation in Bucharest is really affordable, and with 3 of us travelling together we opted for a spacious and air conditioned apartment which featured a kitchen and balcony. This wasn’t as central as some others, but is located in a friendly neighbourhood with restaurants and coffee shops close by and was only a 30-minute walk or quick taxi to the old town. Not bad for 15GBP per person per night.
So if you’re looking for the ideal girls trip or couple’s weekend, Therme Bucharest should definitely be a top contender. We found the price of flights and a Therme ticket was less than entry to many UK spas, with far more facilities on offer and better weather, not to mention the fact that food and drink is definitely cheaper there. Get started by searching available flights here. What are you waiting for?!
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