Discover the traditional and contemporary spa and wellness cultures offered from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and see why this part of Europe contains some of the best-kept secrets in the realm of travel and wellbeing. This book takes readers on a journey through the rich and varied wellness cultures of 12 European countries, from decadent Art Nouveau spas in Hungary to traditional pirts sauna rituals in Latvia. Throughout the book, the holistic approaches to wellbeing in each region are revealed, including those based in the power of natural resources, such as respiratory healing in Poland's salt mines, mineral-water therapies in Hungary, smoke saunas in Estonia, and mud pools in Slovakia. Stunning photographs of the region's architecture, landscape, food, and natural remedies are combined with fascinating tales from history and of famous visitors. This generously illustrated and informative book also explores cost-effective and culturally intriguing alternatives to the more frequently visited spa destinations.
