Relax with a castle in the background at Thermae Boetfort.
THERMAE BOETFORT
Where wellness meets heritage TEXT: MAYA WITTERS | PHOTOS: THERMAE BOETFORT
Whether you need something to warm you during the cold winter months, are looking for that perfect Valentine’s date spot, or simply want to soak up the health benefits of a trip to the sauna: Thermae Boetfort has you covered. This spa complex boasts all of the features you could possibly wish for in a wellness centre, plus a unique location: the grounds of a 400-year-old castle. “We want wellness to be accessible for everyone.” Visitors to Thermae Boetfort get a free dose of culture served up with their wellness trip: inevitable, given its prime location in the 17th-century Boetfort castle. “The treatment centre and restaurant are located within the castle, which still fea44 | Issue 74 | February 2020
tures original tapestries and decorations,” explains marketing manager Ellen Van De Wijgaert. “The other wellness facilities are in the castle gardens and adjacent buildings. Wherever you are, a spectacular view is guaranteed.”
Wellness for everyone The health benefits of wellness treatments are well-publicised, and Van De Wijgaert believes that everyone should have access to them. “Warming up in a sauna and subsequently cooling down promotes a healthy blood flow and boosts your immunity – something we can all use in winter,” she explains. “Seasoned sauna visitors usually go nude, but we also want the benefits of wellness
to be accessible for those who, for whatever reason, do not feel comfortable with public nudity. That’s why we have two completely separate wellness areas, one where bathing suits are mandatory and one where they are not allowed. That way, everyone can enjoy the various saunas, pools and steam rooms in comfort.” Whichever area visitors choose, they will be able to attend a host of additional experiences, all of which are included in the entry ticket. “We offer Aufguss sessions, scrub sessions, guided meditations with sound bowls, hammam rituals, halotherapy and more,” attests Van De Wijgaert. “All of these are aimed at helping our visitors relax and de-stress. People have such busy lives today; it is really important to
