Bad Aibling is a small resort town south-east of Munich and Bavaria's oldest "moor" spa. As early as 1845 the royal physician Desiderius Beck offered the first treatments with peat pulp and the town received the title "Bad" (spa or springs) in 1895. The healing water springs from 2300 m below ground and its mineral content is said to have a beneficial effect on different ailments. After 1945 Bad Aibling was a major center for U.K. and U.S.intelligence services, therefore English is spoken widely in town. The new spa designed by Behnisch Architekten opened in 2007.
Domes Dot Landscape
Eight white domes are the centerpieces of the spa's architecture. The dome shape is inspired by oriental baths and allows considerable energy savings. Visitors wander from dome to dome on a pool deck that extends from the changing areas through a brightly lit winter garden to the outdoor terraces. The rear of the building, a 690-foot-wide steel-framed glass facade, overlooks a green meadow with an outdoor swimming pool framed by stunning views of the Alps. The domes offer different spa experiences and provide more secluded spaces for guests who seek more privacy.
Dome of Experience and Dome of the Senses
A round mosaic-tiled whirlpool with jets and massage ducts is the centerpiece in the dome of experience, in the dome of the senses guests may listen to underwater instrumental music.
A whole banquet of massage treatments is available in the beauty-wellness dome. Classic Swedish massage, hot stone massage, hot chocolate massage, Ayurvedic rituals, Reiki treatments, Thai and Hawaiian massages, and a Turkish Hammam steam bath including body peeling, foam massage and a concluding tea ceremony. Rates for massage treatments range from Euro 20 for a foot or neck massage, Euro 42 for a 40 minute body massage to Euros 105 for a 90 minute treatment.
360° Dome Film Projection
In the relaxation dome visitors rest on bean bags and lounge chairs enjoying nature films projected across the ceiling."The Water Symphony" by director Harald Singer, presents 20 minutes of "visual music" showing running water, waterfalls, waves and clouds. The film ends with fascinating abstract ice structures.
Nine Different Saunas
Six indoor and three outdoor saunas offer the latest in European sauna culture.One of the outdoor cabins is built with Finnish kelo pines, favored by conservationists since they died naturally three hundred years ago. In the nearby spruce cabin the view and calming sound of the Triftbach river are integrated into the relaxation experience. Indoors a rose quartz sauna offers aromatherapy with steam arising from a glowing quartz stone at the temperature of 60°C, while the bio-sauna relaxes with a changing display of light impressions and music (55°C and 60% humidity).
Oldest Moor Bath, Newest Thermal Bath
The "moor ceremony", exclusive to Therme Bad Aibling is a fun way to celebrate the past meeting the future. A steam room beckons after a soothing peat body wrap. The spa has a comfortable restaurant facing the gardens, a smaller bistro, and an espresso bar in the foyer. Guests wear swimsuits in the bathing areas, and take everything off in the sauna areas, as is customary in Germany.
Therme Bad Aibling is open Monday-Thursday and Sunday: 10:00-22:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-23:00. A day-pass for Therme and Sauna costs Euro 20. Visits limited to Therme or Sauna only are discounted.
Directions: Exit Bad Aibling on Autobahn 8 ( A8) running from Munich to Salzburg (Austria)
Other wellness centers in Germany.
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