Spas, Saunas, what to do? what to experience? what to wear?

Austria holiday apartment
Tauern Spa Kaprun close to Zell am See
 Beneficial Effects of Spas and Saunas? and what to wear?

For those who have not visited a Spa, or had a sauna, the experience can seem pretty daunting, in terms of the rituals and procedures, the following advice might be of help and may be of interest?

When to Shower?

If in doubt shower!  before bathing take a shower, before taking a sauna have a shower, after or between saunas take a shower, seems to be the golden rule,  you never can be too clean!

The contrast in temperatures has the beneficial effects of opening and closing the pores, which brings the blood to the surface, and improves the bodies circulation, and enlivens the body, and sharpens the mind with the enhanced blood flow.

Allow plenty of time it is supposed to be an enjoyable experience:-   


1) Allow plenty of time to enjoy the opportunity, there  is  a  rule  of  thumb,  that  it  should be  to  a ratio  of  1:1  or  1:2,  so  for  every  20 minutes  in a sauna,  20-40  minutes  resting / chilling  or  dozing around 2-3 hours or more  will allow you the time to obtain the maximum benefit from the experience.  By rushing you will not get the most from the experience, resting mind and body, cleansing  body and mind is what it is supposed to be all about.  This is your well deserved opportunity to unwind, to relax, soak up the heat, snooze and to enjoy the experience.

Steam room

2) After the shower enter the steam room, ( this is the one which looks like a cloud!) normally with a glass door.  Watch out for the steam pipe! more often at ground floor level, tends to get hot so best avoided! Try not to leave the door open too long, the idea is for the heat to build up and not be allowed to escape. Quite often the steam is scented with Eucalyptus, which has a beneficial effect on the chest and sinuses, and acts as a decongestant opening up the airways, making it easier to breathe.

3) Some spas will have plunge pools, some of quite cold temperatures, a bit of a shock to the system, but quite invigorating at the same time. And a lovely contrast to go from the cold of the water  back into the warmth of a sauna, or steam bath.  After the plunge towel down and back into the sauna, maybe a warmer temperature sauna this time?



Saunas experience

4) Saunas come at different temperatures, quite often there will be some form of indication on the outside as to the temperature.  It is worth remembering the lower levels / benches within the sauna will be at a lesser temperature. Take your time, start at a lower temperature and build up your confidence, and acclimatize to the heat. On the wall of the Sauna there is normally a sand timer, which can be used to time your stay, around 15 - 20 minutes is the norm, then time for a shower, and then take a dip in a pool.
 
5)  Some traditional "Turkish baths" have interconnected chambers, (as opposed to new spas where the saunas will be physically  separated) you will soon discover which is the hottest chamber and which are the cooler chambers.  Sometimes the Latin names are used to describe the differences  the Tepidarium ( warm as in tepid), the Calidarium ( hot ) and finally  the Laconium  which is the hottest room. After the sauna experience, comes the time to relax, there will normally be beds  where you can recline, stretch out and relax ( in Latin this area is called Frigidarium ), as opposed to what is signified by the name,  this area will be at a pleasant temperature for you to lay with a towel or maybe in a dressing gown, and relax and maybe dose, or read book.

Spa Use summary

Please observe the following General Spa - Sauna Rules:-

  • Take a shower prior to entering the sauna.
  • Please remove your slippers prior to entering the sauna.
  • When entering the sauna open and close the door as quickly as possible to conserve the heat.
  • Please only sit or lay on towels in the sauna, including your feet on the towels!
  • In the steam rooms ( the one with the fog remember?)  your towel will get soggy, so don't take it in!!  but do remember  to wash the bench down before and after you have been sitting down.
  • Please take a 20 minute break between sauna sessions and get some fresh air.
  • Please use the sauna whose temperature which best meets your physical needs /constitution.
  • Please be considerate to other users and keep the noise down, these are supposed to be tranquil places.

 Beneficial effects of Saunas / Spas - Well-being


 6) The water, the steam, the warmth has a beneficial therapeutic effect on the body, the skin and musculature, it allows the body to relax, and has a reported beneficial effect on aches and pains, freeing up joints and easing movement of the body.

In terms of overall wellness, this is very much a personal matter, on what makes you happy. But it is widely reported the de-stressing impact a sauna / spa experience can have on body and soul.

In a busy world  it is important to set aside "me" time to unwind, relax and perhaps a pamper.

                                                                                     Wellness Concept Diagram
Spa Treatments

7) Most spas will offer treatments, at an extra charge these might include massages (back, neck, foot, head, full) reflexology, reiki, hot stone therapy, waxing treatments etc.  Many will do pamper sessions for a day or a half day of treatments. For a special occasion or a treat you may wish to indulge yourself in a pamper treatment or two!

Gastein Valley Spas  and Tauern Spa Kaprun

i)  The are two lovely spas in the Gastein valley,  the one in Felsentherme  in  Bad Gastein is the smaller of the two,  it even has a swimming pool cut out into the natural rocks.  The roof terrace offers privacy and  fantastic views of the surrounding  mountains,  its definitely worth a visit.

ii)  The larger of the  of the two spas in the Gastein valley  is  the one  lower down the valley  in Hofgastein Alpentherme  it has been newly extended,  and again is in a stunning location, giving  views  to relax for.

iii)  Thirty minutes away  by car  from  the  Gastein valley  is the newest spa in the area  Tauern Spa Kaprun  which is different again, modern stylish, inspirational in design,  and relaxing in setting.

Rather than saying,  which is the best?  i am reminded that comparisons are odious,  and would advise visit them all!!  and enjoy  the different  experience they each have to offer.


Holiday Accommodation in Austria from 3 - 9 persons?
Are you looking for somewhere to stay for 3 to 9 persons?   3 couples?  2 families?   and an apartment that has the benefit of three bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms. Conveniently located in Kaprun, which is great for the new Tauern-Spa-Kaprun and around 30 minutes away from the Gastein valley Spas by car,  and with Salzburg  around 1 hour 15 minutes away its convenient for the airport  and city Sight seeing. Then then please take a look at http://www.austria-holiday-apartment.com/




This is very much a cultural thing, in America and the United Kingdom and in Catholic Countries, the answer in generally no.  However in the mountain / Alpine areas, Austria,  Germany, Scandinavian areas and parts of Eastern Europe the answer is yes.

In the Nordic areas and German speaking areas, larger spas will normally have a public area where costumes are required to be worn.  But then will have a separate spa area where costumes should not be worn, and naked is compulsory for all those who choose to enter.  ( In Austria FKK is the naturist organization for the country).  In the case of the new Tauern spa in Kaprun, there is a separate spa area which is a "textiled" area and swimming costumes are  to be worn.

To bare or not to bare on a nude beach
 The  is  a  quoted analogy  that  having  a sauna  with  a costume on, is  like trying  to  wash  your  feet  with  your  socks  on! 

 Trip-advisor in  a recent survey of its users, asked whether they would or wouldn't go naked on a beach? The survey identified the different percentages, bare all based on their geographic  area (Australia, USA, Canada, UK and Europe) the  numbers differ slightly but around 50% from each area said that they would be prepared to to go and bare all.

Sauna Protocols  

In Saunas it is the protocol for health reasons, that users should sit on their towels ( including feet!) Some argue how  the  wood  is  considered  sacred  and  should  not  be  touched with  bare skin.  However in the steam rooms (  the  one  with  the stem / cloud) because of the high humidity this is not practical, so there is normally the provision of a tap with hose to wash off the seating before and after use.

Some may find the experience, a little strange at first, but many speak of the freedom / liberation that it brings, that  rich  and  poor  become equals in this setting, with no worries about what to wear, or colour co-ordination! and just wear a smile to go with the a towel, maybe a dressing gown and some comfy  flip flop shoes to go with  it!

For further info on being naked in a spa, I would recommend Rick Steve's excellent spa experience blog on the subject, he looks at it from an American perspective, but gives an humorous account of his spa experience in Baden Baden in Germany, sounds like it is worth a visit. ( perhaps on the drive over to Austria as a place to stop overnight?)

The British newspaper the Daily Telegraph in an article entitled the "Bare Necessities provides further information on the does and don't, and the different cultural aspects from around the world of going bare in a Sauna.

The Magazine, the Economist in a review of the book "The Politics of Nudity"  deals with some of the history of going naked, from Adam up to the present day.

For another perspective read Lesley McKnight's amusing account  here, it gives a lovely North American / Canadian version  of a visit to an Austrian spa with a friend.

And finally for a further perspective on being naked in a spa, read this amusing account by Ron Karpinski in one of his life stories.

Final thoughts when in Rome do as the Romans?  Life is full of experiences and visiting a spa should be on the list of things to do, maybe you will even enjoy it and wish to return?


In  Austria Spas in the Salzburgerland area include:-


Regional map of the Salzburgerland area of Austria
  • Tauern Spa Kaprun  which is close to Zell am See ( opened November 2010), there is a textile (clothed) sauna area and a non-textile nude / naked area.Also  a  brine  swimming  pool area.
  • In the Gastein valley around 30 - 45 minutes away from Zell am See / Kaprun,  there are two further brilliant spas the first is at Hofgastein the Alpen Therme is further up the valley is the 
  • Gastein Spa conveniently opposite the Bad Gastein railway station called Felsentherme.
  • Another Spa close to Salzburg is at Bad Ischl  Eurothermen complete with brine baths, as you would expect in Salzburg the City of Salt.
All of the above Austrian spas are based in excellent locations with stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains to be seen. There is something magical, after a long mountain walk, to be sat in a Thermal bath, with dusk drawing in, looking out on snow topped mountains. If you get the opportunity of visiting any of these facilities you will not be disappointed and find it well worth the trip.

The Salzburgerland website gives further information on Spa and Wellness facilities in the region.

For those who wish to travel a little further over the border in the Austrian Tyrol  at Langenfeld, is another fabulous facility  the Aqua Dome, which offers fantastic architecture and design in a mountain setting.  It can be found to the west of  Innsbruck.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Austria from 3 - 9 persons?


If you are looking for somewhere to stay for 3 to 9 persons? the apartment has the benefit of three bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms, conveniently located in Kaprun, which is great for the new Tauern-Spa-Kaprun and around 30 minutes away from the Gastein valley Spas. Salzburg is around 1 hour 15 minutes away. Then please take a look at austria-holiday-apartment.

Holiday Rental Accommodation in Kaprun Zell am See


 Austria Holiday Apartment - Kaprun a great holiday location

43 comments:

  1. The best thing about staying at a spa is the feeling of been relaxed and chilled out.

    spa breaks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, I am trying to get a feel of the same after going throuh this post.
    infrared sauna

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is so beautiful spa. Looks amazing. I'd love to visit them. I have never been to sauna, so this wolud be a good chance.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I had bought Anespa Mineral Water Home Spa System
    from http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/122330240521 in just US $1,199.95 And I Love love love this shower spa! Omg! It helps remineralize your hair and skin and even helps fight free radicals as it produces negative ions… health and beauty bundled into one!

    Highly recommended.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It was really awesome post. Thank's for sharing such a nice post. Body Massage, Body Scrubs

    ReplyDelete
  6. In today's modern life where we can not pamper our-self spa is like heaven where our body rejuvenates. Thank you so much for sharing about your spa. sounds interesting and eager to visit.

    Air blower for spa

    ReplyDelete
  7. I liked the content on this site. Would like to visit again.

    Spa in Dwarka
    Spa in Uttam Nagar

    ReplyDelete
  8. Body To Body-44 (◕‿◕) JaipuR ℂall-GiRls O9887449819 JaipuR EsℂORt-SeRviℂes
    [: Maℕsaℝovaℝ Esℂoℝts (+ O9887449819 +) ℕavℐ MuMbAℐ गरम ℂall gℐℝls ℂℍeMbuℝ Vasℍℐ, ℕeℝuL, : Body To Body-44 (◕‿◕) JaipuR ℂall-GiRls O9887449819 JaipuR EsℂORt-SeRviℂes

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the blog post buddy! Keep them coming...
    top rated hot tubs compare

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks, that was a really cool read!
    there

    ReplyDelete
  11. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Whirlpool baths

    ReplyDelete
  12. Do You Seek Funds To Pay Off Credits and Debts? PergoCF@cheerful.com ( PergoCF@qualityservice.com ) PergoCF@gmail.com Is Here To Put A Stop To Your Financial Problems. We Offer All Kinds Of Loan (Personal Loan, Commercial Loan, etc.) We Give Out Loan With An Interest Rate Of 1.00%. Interested Applicants Should Contact Us Via Email: PergoCF@cheerful.com ( PergoCF@qualityservice.com ) PergoCF@gmail.com

    Please Fill the Application Form Below:
    - Complete Name:
    - Loan Amount Needed:
    - Loan Duration:
    - Purpose Of Loan:
    - City / Country:
    - Telephone:
    - How Did You Hear About Us:

    Do You Need A Loan To Consolidate Your Debt At 1.0%? Or A Personal Loans * Business Loans etc. Interested Parties Should Contact Us For More Information Through Via E-mail: PergoCF@cheerful.com ( PergoCF@qualityservice.com ) PergoCF@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. In unserem Bestreben, unseren Kunden und Patienten unkomplizierte professionelle Service- und Gesundheitsvorteile zu bieten, ist die Abteilung für Krankenhaus und klinische Pharmazie mit serviceorientierten, motivierten und hochqualifizierten Apotheken ausgestattet. Die Arzneimittel werden nach eingehender Prüfung durch die zuständige Pharmazie- und Therapieausschussstelle des Krankenhauses beschafft und gelagert und gemäß internationalen Spezifikationen gelagert.
    Die Patienten dürfen sich frei mit Apothekern in Bezug auf die ordnungsgemäße Verwendung von Medikamenten austauschen. Dosierung, Verabreichungsweg, Nebenwirkungen, Vorsichtsmaßnahmen, und es ist die Hauptaufgabe des ausschreibenden Apothekers, den Patienten oder den Pfleger in allen Aspekten der medikamentösen Therapie zu beraten.
    Wir bieten auch die Dienste von Clinical Pharmacist für die spezielle Beratung von Patienten und außerhalb an. Ein gut ausgestattetes Drogeninformationszentrum, das von einem klinischen Apotheker besetzt ist, ist eine Informationsquelle zu jedem Aspekt der Medikation und ihrer Verwendung. Der klinische Apotheker führt die Beurteilung und Auswahl von Arzneimitteln, die Sicherheitsbewertung und das Management der Medikationstherapie durch, um die Patienten optimal aufeinander abzustimmen und eine optimale Therapie zu gewährleisten.Forschungschemikalien kaufen

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your article is worth reading. My pleasure to read blog and it is worthy.

    Big thanks best hotel in Sukhumvit

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a nice article and my pleasure to read your post. Hope to visit this sauna spa soon. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius, call/whats-App Contact Number +918929509036 via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. We, the team Karma Eco Adventure is a leading travel and trekking company based in Kathmandu Nepal dedicated to help travelers in the country with personally crafted tours and treks. Do kindly check out our featured packages as: Annapurna base camp trek, Annapurna circuit trek , Ghorepani poonhill trek, Annapurna sanctuary trek, Everest base camp heli trek , Everest base camp trek

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed offer! I will mark your blog and my friends have also read here often ..


    Full Body Massage Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  21. I appreciate your work. Thank you for sharing post on beneficial effects on spa. Keep doing.

    spa in bangalore

    body spa near me

    best spa in bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  22. This blog was very insightful and definitely very well written than most of the vaguely written blogs. body spa near me once sent me a trail voucher and that is when my spa experience started and since then there was no turning around. I later started my spa hopping in various best spa in bangalore it is an experience by itself. This process led me explore a thai massage bangalore and the experience was excellent. My body feels amazingly relaxed and I have turned this into a monthly ritual.

    ReplyDelete
  23. In most saunas, you can enjoy a wonderful spa in bangalore experience by wearing a bathing costume or a towel. Then again, you can also choose to go fully or partially naked. The key is really about finding out which route is comfortable for you. Explore thai massage bangalore for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great tips, many thanks for sharing. I have printed and will stick on the wall! I like this blog.

    Brugge Massage

    ReplyDelete
  25. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

    Day Spa San Jose

    ReplyDelete
  26. hello...!! Good news for you we add some new girls in your Town (Lahore). we also have School and college going girls in Lahore.
    If you search Escorts Girls in Lahore you see my website on this website you found 20 girls in Lahore. Our girls are not typicl call girls in lahore. we also give you service in any hotel in Lahore.
    Escorts in Lahore is the bigest escorts service in Lahore
    Lahore Escorts
    Elite Lahore Escorts
    Call girls in Lahore


    ReplyDelete
  27. Do you need an urgent loan today? Are you thinking of clearing debt or you have intentions of starting a new business? We offer loans at low interest of 3% for personal and business purposes! We also offer easy approval and fast transfer as guaranteed by our insurance company. Interested persons should contact Mr Carroll Walker with Email: infoloanfirm8@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. charlidameliomerchNice post. Thank you to provide us this useful information.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I read this article.playboyclothing.net I think You put a gigantic heap of work to make this article. I like your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice and interesting post, I appreciate your hard work, keep uploading more, Thank you for sharing valuable information.
    streetwearapparels.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. quackitymerch.net Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. We hope you will share some more information about it. We really enjoy your blog & content.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for the blog loaded with so much information.https://mediathrills.com/ Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is an incredible inspiring article. I am basically satisfied with your great work. You put actually quite supportive information. Keep it up. hoodieherren

    ReplyDelete
  35. shopsik
    its very interesting blog i really like this good job and keep it up.

    ReplyDelete

  36. hoodrichshopIt is very informative and interesting post.Thanks for sharing such kind of valuable post.
    Keep up sharing the wonderful piece of work.

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

If you have news or views, which would be of interest to readers of this blog please let us all know!!