Best Bucharest Spa Review: Everything To Know About Therme

Is the viral Therme spa in Bucharest really worth your precious annual leave time and money?

Unconvinced, I visited this viral Romanian destination in spring 2025 to bring you this honest, up-to-date Bucharest spa review based entirely on personal experience.

In this first-timer’s guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know – from the real scoop on ticket options and spa zones, to exactly what to pack and what to avoid for a relaxing day.

So if you’re thinking of booking a spa day at Therme, Bucharest, then let me walk you through everything you’d wish you’d known before you went!

What is Therme Bucharest?

Therme Bucharest isn’t just any spa – it’s Europe’s largest thermal wellness centre. It’s owned and operated by the Therme Group, whose mission is to blend nature and technology to design experiences that go way beyond the traditional spa day.

Since opening in Bucharest, it’s become a viral sensation, with to its jaw-dropping tropical pools, affordable prices creating a non-stop social media buzz. So it’s no wonder new locations are planned, with Therme Manchester and Therme Ontario already underway.

Their flagship Romanian facility is located just 10 minutes from Bucharest’s Otopeni Airport and about 30 minutes from the city centre. And with direct flights to Bucharest often cheaper than a UK spa day, it’s easy to see why so many are swapping Champneys for Therme!

Therme Bucharest Areas Explained

When you first step inside Therme Bucharest, it’s a little overwhelming – but in a good way. It’s like a slightly futuristic tropical resort, with warm pools and towering palm trees.

The spa is divided into three main areas, each designed to offer something a little different. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best part for your own visit:

The Palm Area – For Tropical Relaxation

If it’s pure relaxation you’re wanting, then head straight to the Palm area at Therme Bucharest.

Here, it genuinely feels like you’ve landed on a tropical island. Under a giant glass domed roof, you’ll find crystal-clear thermal pools surrounded by over 1,500 lush palm trees. I loved how the sunlight streams through the roof, making everything look warm and bright.

Here you’ll also find indoor and outdoor pools, mineral pools, hydromassage beds, aqua aerobic classes and swim-up cocktail bars – do you like Pina Coladas? Relaxing in the warm waters while sipping my drink was definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

This area is open to those aged under 3 or 14 and over, so it isn’t somewhere you can relax as a young family. Yet, be warned, this is still the most popular area. I visited on a weekday morning and the loungers were already completely full within an hour of opening.

Top Tip: Get there early and head straight for a sunbed – you can leave your towels or robes to reserve it. Ideally put something down that’s recognisably your own.

The Elysium Area – For Wellness and Saunas

For a more exclusive, grown-up experience, be sure to visit the Elysium area at Therme Bucharest.

This part of the spa is also strictly for those aged 14 and over, making it the most peaceful of the zones. It’s focused entirely on wellness, with various themed saunas, a luxurious indoor pool, holistic showers and a beautiful fine dining restaurant overlooking the water.

The saunas are genuinely incredible – each one has a different design and scent.

My personal favourite was the Alhambra Sauna, styled like a Moroccan palace, complete with starry lights and heavenly aromatherapy scents. I also loved trying the Aufguss rituals, where sauna masters create intense heat waves using essential oils. It felt super energising and was unlike anything I’d experienced in UK spas.

Top Tip: If you love saunas and quiet spaces, Elysium is 100% worth the small upgrade fee. Make sure you check the day’s schedule and arrive at least 10-15 minutes before each timed sauna activity to get a seat (standing isn’t allowed).

The Galaxy Area – For Family Fun and Thrilling Water Slides

If you’re visiting with kids (or you’re just a big kid at heart!), the Galaxy area at Therme Bucharest is the zone for you.

This section is all about fun and is Romania’s largest indoor slide complex, featuring 16 colourful, adrenaline-pumping slides. There’s also a huge wave pool, thermal pools for families, and a lazy river to float around.

While I didn’t spend loads of time in this area, it’s clear why Galaxy makes Therme one of the best family-friendly spas in Bucharest. I loved seeing families laughing, sliding, and having a brilliant time.

Top Tip: Galaxy gets very busy during weekends and school holidays. If you prefer a quieter vibe, definitely stick to The Palm and Elysium areas.

Outdoor Areas – Pools, Hammocks, and Sunbathing

Beyond the main domes, Therme Bucharest’s outdoor areas are also stunning – and perfect for summer visits.

The centre has beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with sunbathing spots, hammocks and thermal outdoor pools. I also visited last summer and loved looking at the peaceful water features and planted gardens around the Feng Shui Park and Pangea Park.

Last summer, Thermes of Sand became Europe’s largest urban beach with over 30,000 square meters of sandy beach, pools, and lounges. It really was a summer vibe! It hasn’t yet been confirmed if it will return for 2025, but watch this space!

Top Tip: Don’t skip the outdoor pools, even in cooler weather – the water is so warm it feels like a giant hot tub!

Aufguss Rituals – A Unique Sauna Experience

Another standout feature of Therme Bucharest’s facilities is their Aufguss rituals.

These are special sauna ceremonies where a ‘sauna master’ (or Aufgussmeister) sweeps hot air and essential oils around the room using towels and rhythmic movements. This was definitely an intense experience of heat and detoxing.

I tried a few different rituals during my visit, and each one felt different.

My favourite was the herbal scrub sauna experience – you receive a handful of exfoliating scrub to use all over your body before showering it off. It left my skin feeling so smooth and soft!

Best of all? Aufguss rituals at Therme Bucharest are included for free with your ticket.

Top Tip: Just check the daily schedule online and head over to the right saunas about 10-15 minutes before your chosen ceremony is due to start.

Also, if wellness rituals are your thing, then plan to visit during Therme’s annual Herbarium Festival. This year it takes place between May 5th and 18th and involves 450 rituals, infusions, guided meditations, natural beauty treatments and sound therapies.

Thermal Pools and Wellness Attractions

Across the spa, you’ll find a variety of pools and wellness zones, including:

• Mineral Pools – including selenium, zinc, and lithium pools with each one designed to boost health and well-being
• Infrared Beds – ideal for deep muscle relaxation. I could have lazed under those lovely warm lamps all day!
• Hydromassage Beds – these are one of the few paid extras at Therme, but they aren’t expensive and are definitely worth experiencing
• Calla Showers – don’t skip this mist and rainwater experience for a refreshing cool-down after time in the sauna
• Salt Library – grab a cosy cushion and relax while over 80 minerals in the composition of the walls work their magic

I actually lost count of how many pools and saunas I dipped into during the day. Everywhere you turn, there’s something new to discover!

Top Tip: With the mineral pools, if you can’t get a seat straight away then wait in the centre until one becomes available. It usually only takes a minute or so.

Tickets, Deals & Discounts for Therme Bucharest

One of the best parts for me when visiting Therme Bucharest was just how affordable it was compared to UK spa days.

I actually couldn’t believe what I got for the price – especially considering it’s the largest spa in Europe! And there are different ticket options, depending on which areas you want access to and for how long.

Here’s everything you need to know about ticket options and how to grab the best deals.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Therme Bucharest offers three main ticket types, depending on how long you want to stay:

• 3-Hour Pass – perfect if you’re short on time or want to also see Bucharest city
• Full Day Pass – stay as long as you like!
• Evening Pass – discounted entry after 6:30pm on weekdays.

Here’s a full breakdown of the tickets available and price:

Area	3-Hour Pass	4.5-Hour Pass	Full Day Pass
Galaxy Area	63 Lei/£11 (or 53 Lei /£9 evening pass)	87 Lei/£15	119 Lei/£21
Palm Area	87 Lei/£15 (or 77 Lei/£13 evening pass)	111 Lei/£19	143 Lei/£25
Elysium Area (all areas included)	117 Lei/£20 (or 107 Lei/£18 evening pass)	141 Lei/£24	173 Lei/£30

*Prices correct as of April 2025.

Top Tip: If there are only 3-hour passes available, don’t worry. Buy one, because you can stay as long as you like – you’ll simply be charged the difference when you leave.

Personally, I went for the full one-day holiday Elysium ticket – this gives you access to all three zones for the full day. I ended up spending 13 hours at Therme, so it was absolutely worth it!

Are There Any Deals or Discounts?

If you can be flexible with your timings, it is possible to get a better rate – if you time it right!

Here are a few offers that can help lower your ticket price:

• Morning Entry: Arrive before 11:30am on weekdays and enjoy discounted 3.5-hour sessions
• Evening Spa Sessions: Cheaper entry Monday to Thursday evenings after 6:30pm
• Partner Hotel Packages: Stay at nearby hotels like the Epoque Hotel and get combined stay + entry deals
• GetYourGuide Package: This bundle includes your entrance ticket plus fast and convenient transport from Bucharest city centre – super handy if you had an early start and don’t fancy dealing with unfamiliar taxis or buses. Check availability below.

Top Tip: I definitely recommend pre-booking your tickets, because the queues can get long at weekends and in school holidays. And once the spa is full it operates a one-in, one-out rule. Buying in advance guarantees your spot and saves loads of faffing about when you arrive. You can buy up to 2 months in advance on the app or 1 month on the website.

Food and Drink at Therme Bucharest

A full day lounging around at Therme Bucharest can surprisingly work up your appetite! Luckily, the spa has a wide range of restaurants and bars dotted across its different areas.

What Food Options Are Available?

There are eight places to eat and drink throughout Therme Bucharest, ranging from poolside bars to sit-down restaurants. You’ll find:

• Buffet-style eateries – quick and easy for families.
• Full-service restaurants – ideal if you want a proper sit-down meal.
• Snack bars – perfect for grabbing a coffee, ice cream, or light bite.

Menus are quite varied too, offering everything from burgers and pizzas to healthier salads and smoothies. I was really impressed by the options and quality – it’s definitely a step up from the limp sandwiches and stale scones I’ve previously had at UK spas!

My Favourite Restaurant: Mango Tree

During my visit, I decided to try the Mango Tree restaurant in the Elysium area for our evening meal – and I’m so glad we did.

They serve genuinely delicious fusion food with a Thai twist in a peaceful setting, with an outdoor terrace offering beautiful sunset views.

I had a gorgeous mushroom risotto and an ice-cold cocktail, and it felt like a real treat after a busy morning of sauna-hopping!

Top Tip: If you plan to eat at a sit-down restaurant, get there early or go later. Queues build up quickly after midday, especially at weekends. It’s not possible to book in advance.

Drinks and Bars

There are also several swim-up bars inside The Palm and Galaxy areas – offering cocktails, beer, and soft drinks that you can enjoy without leaving the water.

Top Top: Be aware that during busy periods, queues at the swim-up bars can get quite long and visitors aren’t always served in order. So prepare to be polite but assertive.

The Honest Truth About Dining at Therme Bucharest

While the food and drinks were great, I’ll be honest – the service can be a bit slow when it’s crowded. It took a while to get our lunch counter meal, and we were pretty hungry by the time it was served.

This is really just down to how busy the spa gets, and isn’t the fault of the restaurant staff at all. But try to plan your mealtimes around the busiest times, or be prepared for a long wait. Although this wasn’t as much of an issue in the sit-down restaurants if you have drinks and good company to pass the time!

What should I bring for a day at Therme Bucharest?

You’ll need a swimming costume/trunks (ok, that’s kinda obvious!). Plus you’ll need 2 pairs of flip flops – 1 for outdoors and 1 clean new pair to wear indoors.

You can rent towels and robes for an additional charge – about 26 Lei/£4.50 for a towel and 33 Lei/£5.50 for a robe for the day. In summer I’d recommend renting a towel to save space in your luggage but bring a lighter thinner robe from home. That way you can still cover up when you want to, but you won’t get as hot. And you’ll also have something to leave on your sun bed that’s clearly yours and is less likely to be moved.

Make sure you also pack sunscreen/SPF for sunny days, plus a hat and sunglasses if relaxing in the sun.

I used this waterproof bag to carry my belongings between areas. There are hooks around the pools for hanging bags and robes.

Other Useful Bucharest Spa Review Tips

Wristband Technology – Seamless & Cashless

One thing I really loved during my visit was Therme Bucharest’s clever wristband system.

As you enter you’re given a wristband that acts as your locker key, area access pass and digital wallet all in one. You simply tap it to open lockers, access different areas and pay for drinks or meals.

Then at the end of your visit, you scan your wristband at the exit, see your balance, and pay by card. However, it seems that recently new limits have been introduced, so you may need to make a payment sooner – which you can do using any of the touch screen machines dotted around the facility.

But this definitely made the day so much easier because you don’t need to worry about carrying cash or losing your locker token. Which is definitely something I tend to do!

Do You Need to Book Treatments in Advance?

This is one key thing I wish I’d known before visiting! You can’t pre-book spa treatments at Therme Bucharest. You have to book them once you arrive – and they sell out almost immediately after opening.

When I got there at around 9:30am, all the massage slots were already taken! So If treatments are important to you, get to the spa early and head straight to the treatment desk to book.

Where to Stay Near Therme Bucharest

Although Therme Bucharest can be done as an Extreme Day Trip from some UK airports, I’d recommend staying at least one night to make the most of your spa visit and also spend half a day seeing a little of Bucharest itself.

And after all that, you’ll definitely want a comfortable place to crash afterwards.

The good news? There are plenty of hotels and apartments near Therme Bucharest – ranging from airport stays to city-centre hotels. Whether you’re on a weekend break or a full Romania itinerary, there’s something for every budget.

My Stay: Uni88 Apartments

During my own visit, I stayed at Uni88 Apartments with two friends – and I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.

It was clean, comfortable and very affordable, with everything we needed for a short city break. The apartment had modern touches, good Wi-Fi, and felt like a quiet escape after the busy spa.

The location was also ideal – close enough to reach Therme Bucharest in under 15 minutes by taxi, and just a short drive into the centre of Bucharest too.

Top Tip: If you’re travelling in a group, apartments like Uni88 are perfect — more space, better value, and you can make your own breakfast before a spa day.

Hotels Near Otopeni Airport (Closest to Therme)

If you want to stay super close to Therme Bucharest, check out these airport hotels, just 10 minutes away:

• Vienna House Easy Airport Bucharest – 4-star comfort, very convenient
• Hilton Garden Inn Otopeni – sleek design and handy shuttle service
• Hotel Aviator Boutique – smaller boutique vibe, ideal for couples or solo travellers

These options are great if you’re flying in late or heading to the spa straight from the airport.

Hotels in Bucharest City Centre

If you prefer to base yourself in the heart of Bucharest and just travel to the spa for the day, then these hotels are stylish and well located:

• Radisson Blu Hotel – luxury pick with a pool and spa of its own
• Moxy Bucharest Old Town – fun, youthful and budget-friendly
• InterContinental Athénée Palace – 5-star classic with beautiful views and heritage charm

From the city, it’s about 30 minutes by taxi or shuttle to the spa – easy enough for a relaxing day trip.

Check Bucharest hotel availability below with booking.com:

How to Get to Therme Bucharest

Therme Bucharest is conveniently located just 5 km from Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni Airport), making it an ideal stop for travellers arriving or departing from Bucharest. It’s also about 20 km north of Bucharest city centre, accessible via various transport options.

Free Shuttle Bus From Bucharest to Therme

Therme Bucharest offers a free shuttle bus service from Piața Romană in the city centre. The shuttle runs every two hours, providing a direct and cost-effective way to reach the spa. Look for buses displaying “Therme” on the windscreen. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.

Public Bus From Bucharest

The STB 442 bus departs from Piața Presei Libere and stops directly at Therme Bucharest. Buses run daily, with a frequency of every 20–30 minutes. The ride costs 3 RON (approximately £0.50) and takes about 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased via the STB app or at kiosks.

Public Bus From Otopeni Airport

If you’re arriving at Otopeni Airport, you can take the STB 442 bus directly to Therme Bucharest. The bus stops at the airport and continues to Therme, making it a convenient and affordable option. The fare is 3 RON and the journey takes about 15–20 minutes.

Taxi From Bucharest City

For a more direct route, Uber or Bolt services are available from Bucharest city centre to Therme Bucharest. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 80–120 RON (£14–£21). This option is particularly convenient for groups or those carrying luggage.

Taxi From Otopeni Airport

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available at Otopeni Airport and journeys are cheaper than in the UK. A ride from the airport to Therme Bucharest typically costs between 26–46 RON (£4.50–£8) and takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Top Tip: Some visitors have reported being the victim of scams when using Uber and Bolt services. I took a number of taxis and didn’t have any issues, all of our drivers were friendly and helpful. But always pay via the app only, track your journey using Google Maps to ensure you’re on the most efficient route and don’t accept being dropped anywhere other than at your designated end point.

Is Therme Bucharest Worth Visiting?

This is probably the question most people are Googling – and I was asking it myself before I booked.

So here’s my honest, no-fluff answer: Yes… but it depends on your expectations.

If you’re looking for a truly tranquil, exclusive experience then this isn’t the place for you. But if you go expecting a busy but fun day with some relaxing elements, then I think you’ll really enjoy it.

What I Loved

• Incredible value – Less than £30 for a full day in Europe’s biggest spa? Take my money!
• Variety of experiences – From kids’ slides to themed saunas and tropical pools, there’s something for everyone.
• So easy to reach – 10 minutes from the airport and easy from the city centre too.
• The Aufguss rituals – A proper wellness upgrade and something we don’t really get in the UK.
• Perfect for groups and couples – If you’re travelling with friends or on a short couples’ break, it’s a standout experience.

What Didn’t Quite Work

• Can feel a bit less “luxury spa” and more wellness theme park – Great fun, but not always peaceful.
• It gets VERY busy – Especially during Romanian school holidays and on weekends and evenings. Think packed pools and queues for everything.
• Treatments can’t be booked in advance – So unless you’re through the doors early, you’ll miss out.
• Food and drink service is slow at peak times – We waited over an hour for lunch. You can’t take your own water bottle either, so expect to queue for drinks.

FAQs About Visiting Therme Bucharest

My Bucharest Spa Review Verdict

If you’re visiting Bucharest and want a fun, affordable, and totally unique day out – Therme is 100% worth it.

Just plan your timing carefully – midweek during school term time is best. Just make sure you check the Romanian and European school holidays as well as those in the UK, and manage your expectations around crowds.

Would I go back? Yes, but I recommend flying out the day before and arriving super early to grab a treatment booking, reserve a sun lounger and really make the most of it.

---