Renowned for its enchanting forests, burgeoning creative hubs, rich history, and unique food delicacies, Estonia is also an unexpected spa and wellness haven.
To coincide with its 100th anniversary celebrations for 2018, Visit Estonia has launched a spa trail to invite visitors to discover some of the best wellness, sauna and spa offerings available across the country.
The handy map highlights the key areas that provide a range of wellness experiences across five key categories: city spas, wellness spas, eco spas, saunas and sauna centres, and enables guests to choose their own trail across the country.
From typical Estonian traditions such as juniper body peels and home-brewed beer treatments, to more luxurious offerings and countryside smoke saunas, there is a wellness experience for everyone.
The city spas are perfect place to visit during a weekend getaway or a long city-break.
Tallinn features a wide range of urban spas, from the luxury 19th century Telegraaf Hotel’s Elemis Spa to The Eforea Spa at Hilton Tallinn Park, where a variety of body treatments and fitness experiences are available.
Tartu’s Dorsat Spa offers a full range of spa, sauna and medical staff comprising of rehabilitation specialists, dermatologists and even a leech therapist whose treatments can help increase blood circulation.
Among the top-rated wellness spas in Estonia is The Emeraude Spa in the heart of Rakvere, a charming town close to the scenic Lahemaa National Park, and is part of the Aqva Hotel & Spa, featuring a water park and sauna centre.
Estonians have been using local ingredients found in nature in health and wellness therapies for centuries and today, modern eco spas still follow the same principles.
The Energy Eco-Spa on the shore of the Navesti River is the perfect place for those seeking a natural wellness experience.
Local, ecologically grown herbs are mixed together with clay, peat and natural plant oils to create the organic treatments on offer.
Saunas in Estonia are so special, that the smoke sauna traditions of Old Võromaa have been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
At Mooska Farm, a whimsical farm immersed in nature in the country’s southern region, visitors can enjoy this unique Estonian experience.
The rich aroma of burning wood is complemented by the mix of honey and meat smoked in the sauna.
Strategically located next to a pond, guests can quickly dip in the nearby icy waters to stimulate blood circulation.
Situated on the secluded, luscious island of Muhu, Pädaste Manor is the only five-star hotel outside Tallinn and a destination in its own right.
Boasting one of the most famous fine-dining restaurants in Estonia, Alexander, Pädaste Spa still follows the old-fashioned tradition to heat the sauna with wood pieces and the treatments are based on old Muhu herbal traditions and local produce.
Estonia offers a wide selection of sauna centres all over the country, boasting a range of saunas, Jacuzzis and even water parks.
The Orhidee Thermae & Wellness Centre, set in a tropical winter garden along the north coast near the Russian border, includes infrared, aroma, salt, steam and finish saunas, whirlpools and water-massage pools.
The Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa, recently opened in Pärnu, draws inspiration from Estonian nature and cultural traditions.