This Beautiful Area in Croatia is Identified for its Thermal Springs

by Erin Davis

Croatia is thought for its piercing turquoise hues of the Adriatic Sea, its towering mountains, and its storied historical past. Maybe much less identified, it’s additionally a rustic crammed with wellness choices, particularly in its north-west half. For those who’re available in the market for a wellness-filled European trip, the countryside north of Zagreb (the capital metropolis) is effectively value together with in a go to to Croatia.  

On a latest press journey hosted by Air Transat and Croatia Full of Life (the nation’s tourism board), I received up shut and private with this gorgeous a part of the nation. I loved Choices Plus on the flight from Toronto to Zagreb, an Air Transat improve that comes with perks like free first-checked baggage, seat choice, precedence check-in, an unique check-in centre, precedence boarding and baggage supply, a blanket, sleep masks and headphones. 

Recent off the aircraft, we headed straight for the soul-soothing countryside. Positioned about 45 minutes north of Zagreb, the peaceable Krapina-Zagorje County is backed by the towering Medvednica Mountain and is thought for its wellness choices, full-service spas and bathing swimming pools (courtesy of its many thermal springs.) With its rolling hills and ranging shades of inexperienced, the panorama alone naturally evokes a way of calm and peace. 

Of its quite a few thermal springs, acclaimed for the reason that Roman military dominated the territory, essentially the most well-known are Krapinske Toplice, Varaždinske Toplice I, Tuheljske Toplice, and Stubičke Toplice. 

Terme Tuhelj is likely one of the area’s best-known spas (and the most important spa in Croatia), and sits on the location of the famed Tuheljske Toplice thermal spring. The sprawling, activity-packed property contains a full-service spa with an intensive water therapies program. The property’s Sauna World options 4 Finnish saunas, three steam saunas, and a loconium, which is a dry bathtub that helps heat the physique and put together it for publicity to excessive temperatures and humidity. Right here, friends will discover every little thing from a thermal mud program within the mud sauna, to an air whirling program within the panoramic sauna, and a program with fragrances and peelings within the salt and double steam sauna. There’s additionally a cold-water pool, a Kneipp Path, an indoor and out of doors whirlpool, plus relaxation areas – some with water beds and swings. 

At Terme Tuhelj, the area’s thermal water is entrance and centre. It fills all the indoor and out of doors swimming pools, and friends are welcome to take a dip within the thermal water spring and revel in a thermal expertise that’s stuffed with the helpful results of therapeutic water and peloid mud. 

By way of lodging at Terme Tuhelj, friends have choices: A room on the wellness-focused resort (which is hooked up to the constructing housing the Sauna World), glamping tents, a set of contemporary mini houses, and even their private RV. The brand-new fashionable mini houses within the Glamping Village are full with a separate swimming pool and wellness centre. The wellness centre contains a therapeutic massage room, sauna, whirlpool (backed by a mountainous view), and peaceable leisure space with pristine loungers. 

Catering to an lively household, the Terme Tuhelj property is designed for all ages and contains a sprawling indoor/out of doors water park (the place the swimming pools are, naturally, crammed with thermal water), tennis, trampolines, mini golf and extra.

For extra intimate and peaceable lodging, Vuglec Breg is only a brief drive away. Providing a wonderful alternative to pattern recent native goodness, the scenic property is backed by infinite rolling hills and homes a celebrated Michelin Starred restaurant serving conventional and selfmade dishes made with merchandise from the encompassing area. Outdoors, its thatched roof terrace overlooks the postcard-worthy panorama and infinity pool. 

At Vuglec Breg, friends may select from quite a lot of lodging choices, together with the Home Imbra, which is full with a non-public sauna, out of doors bathe, and a hydro therapeutic massage pool – known as “Softub.” Apart from the wholesome eating and poolside lounging, Vuglec Breg additionally contains a tennis courtroom and an onsite vineyard. These trying to totally unwind may take pleasure in in-cottage massages. 

These in search of the total spa expertise will even discover it close by on the celebrated Krapinske Toplice and its famend thermal springs. The village homes quite a few saunas, sizzling tubs and swimming pools. Right here, the water temperature on the springs is 39-41ºC (102° – 107° F) and wealthy in calcium, hydrogen, and magnesium mineral content material. In March 2023, the village opened the biggest complex of indoor swimming pools in Croatia – one thing that’s positively extra of a family-friendly vibe. 

For a extra refined expertise, Krapinske Toplice additionally homes the award-winning resort Villa Magdalena, positioned on a picturesque hill. The resort’s top-level panoramic ground boasts a brand new “wellness oasis” with saunas, a whirlpool, steam room, saunas, indoor pool and a peaceable leisure space. All residences in Villa Magdalena function a sizzling tub with a direct attachment to the thermal water springs (water temperature – 39°C (102° F) . Resort and spa facilities are additionally hooked up to that direct supply of thermal water.

For these trying to join with nature – maybe with a soul-soothing hike, scenic bike journey, or peaceable forest bathtub – the Krapina-Zagorje County area can also be identified for its pristine forests and trails. 

So, when you’re in search of a typically crowd-free, wellness-focused few days so as to add to a visit to Zagreb (which we additionally suggest, particularly for foodies), Krapina-Zagorje County area awaits in all of its picture-perfect and rejuvenating glory.

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Erin Davis is a Toronto-base author and common contributor to Journey to Wellness.