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It’s time to lie back, relax and think of…

In this crazy modern world, no one ever has the time to relax, not to mention the money, as the cost of pampering oneself can often be prohibitively expensive. Latvia is no exception to fastpaced modern living. But one advantage of being here is that the opportunities to indulge oneself in health and beauty treatments are limitless and, for most Westerners, available at bargain prices. This month The Baltic Guide takes you on a tour of Latvian spas, saunas and beauty treatment centres, from city to countryside, on land and sea. And this journey is not only for the fairer sex – after all, men work just as hard as the ladies, and deserve to spoil themselves now and again, too! 

 

RIGA

 

Are you exhausted after a long day at the office? Caught in a rut caused by the daily grind but don’t have time to get away? Or just in town for the weekend with no time to explore outside the city limits? Riga has a number of spas and beauty centres right in the heart of the city. Set aside a whole day to indulge in a variety of treatments, or stop by for an hour or two just to rejuvenate.

 

Taka Spa Choose from individual treatments such as an Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow exfoliation treatment, or an Elemis Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap to strengthen and moisturize your skin. Need to shed some winter weight? Try the Elemis Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap, which is supposed to reduce cellulite. All of the treatments at the spa are done using worldrenowned Elemis Spa treatment products from Britain, which are only available at the most exclusive spas. They also offer a variety of massages including deeptissue massage, lymph drainage, to stimulate the cleansing of your lymph glands, foot massage, and even ones especially designed for expectant mothers.

 

One might also consider the option to combine several of these treatments into a "ritual" package, for example the Elemis "Absolute" Spa Ritual, which includes cleansing with lime, ginger and seasalt scrub in the spa’s pools and saunas, deeptissue massage, teas, snacks and relaxation in the quiet room.

 

Taka Spa also has a range of saunas and cold pools to ease into after enjoying one or more of their rejuvenating procedures, not to mention yoga and exercise classes to improve both body and mind!

 

Jokers Klubs Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, yet still close to home? Jokers Klubs, located in Riga’s esteemed quiet centre, has recently introduced a chocolate massage to their menu of goodies, just in time to welcome in spring. According to them a chocolate massage will awaken your "happiness hormones," get rid of toxins in your skin and even – although it sounds too good to be true – reduce weight! Joker Klubs’ spa procedures are the proverbial fountain of youth, geared to renew your skin’s youthfulness and eliminate signs of aging, for example the Structura Strong procedure with AHA acids, described as a strong antiaging procedure. They also offer one formula that is the answer to every aging woman’s prayers – the cure for sagging breasts! "Perfect Forms Line" is a procedure that improves the elasticity of the skin, strengthens the muscles and results in a ‘lifting’ effect. This is one treatment that both the ladies and their partners will appreciate! (1.5 hrs.)

 

The club also offers a variety of massages and even a water relaxation centre, with several saunas and cold pools to relax you after a hard day of work...or sightseeing!

 

JURMALA

 

The Riviera of Riga has long been known as a spa and resort centre. The location and placement of spas in this area is not random at all. There are several features of this seaside area that make it a healthy place to visit in its own right, namely, air, water and mud. The fresh sea air is only made more pure owing to the lush pine forests that surround. The mineral water springs and healing mud are filled with a variety of elements that have made this place the main destination in this region for curative treatments since the 19th century.

 

Baltic Beach Hotel Once voted one of the top five resort spas in the world, this place has got everything you need for a relaxing getaway from Riga, with a gorgeous ocean view to boot. Flamingos may not be indigenous to Latvia, but the Baltic Beach Hotel has one

 

Flamingo Centre that you surely will not want to miss. This area of their spa has a swimming pool with several waterfalls and underwater massage – forceful jets of water that actually do simulate the kneading of the muscles in a traditional massage – Jacuzzis and steam baths. You can also sign up for a variety of massages and procedures, including Turkish massage, bath massages with milk, honey, and even red wine (though not all together at once!), or go native and try a massage with birch leaves, which is sure to leave you skin as fresh and revitalized as a trip to the forest!

 

If a more authentic Latvian or Russian experience is what you’re looking for, check out the "Slav Yard," which is a delightfully rustic area of the hotel with Latvian and Russian saunas, and also a saltwater pool. This is the perfect thing for an experience of the countryside without actually being there!

 

If you’re there to do more than just relax, there are also a whole slew of beauty treatments available, from doctor’s consultations to decide exactly what your cure is, massages, body wraps, mud baths, and even permanent makeup applications.

 

Hotel Jurmala Spa Although it’s not located directly on the beach, it is quite literally a stone’s throw away, plus it’s on Jurmala’s famous Jomas Street, a pedestrian area in which most of Majori’s shops, restaurants, bars and clubs are concentrated.

 

One of the best things about this spa centre is their package deals for weekend breaks that include a variety of spa treatments thrown in with the price of the room. This helps to alleviate one more stress – choosing exactly which procedure to take from an overwhelming list of possibilities. A "Girl’s Weekend" package will get you two nights in a standard room, including breakfast and dinner at the hotel, entrance to the Wellness Oasis saunas and pools, a Fleur Aroma Mineral Golden Spa Treatment, Anne Marie Borlind Face Massage and Face Mask, and a spa pedicure with polish. Booking online gets you a 10% discount. The hotel also offers a ‘romantic escapefor- two’ package, ‘sweet honeymoon’, and a ‘golf package’ in partnership with the excellent Saliena Golf Course.