Estonians are a sauna people. Their traditions in this area go back more than 800 years and the first known written accounts date from the 13th century. The Nordic sauna brings together all the essentials - fire, air, water and earth - the hot room, the flogging, cold water or snow as well as the treatment of the skin with potions of herbs and creams. The sauna includes several factors that contribute to health - it speeds up metabolism, rejuvenates the skin, stimulates the respiratory functions of the lungs and the heart, helps the kidneys and stimulates blood circulation. Today the sauna is a compulsory part of every private house, second home or farm. Private saunas are more modest and are often heated by electricity, while spas and tourist farms have many attractive sauna offers. In Estonia, a wellness center includes a salt sauna for the treatment of the skin, a steam sauna, to stimulate the function of the lungs, an infrared sauna which sends heat through the skin and a sauna with scents to relax. In the tourist farms you will get to know the ancient traditions of the sauna. One of the most original experiences remains the smoke sauna which is heated for half a day, and where the sauna itself can last for several hours. Finally, you can forget about soaps, shampoos and shower creams because the alternation between heating, flogging and cooling your body is more than enough to clean it.

The sauna also cleanses your soul

Estonians love the sauna so much that they built it in coaches, under Indian tents and even in the cistern of an old fire engine. There are also saunas on boats which circulate on a river or on a lake and which offer the possibility of bathing in the water after having taken advantage of it. Barrel saunas are popular on tourist farms. They offer the opportunity to contemplate nature and the landscape without leaving the hot water of the barrel - an exceptional experience for your body and soul. Most spas, on the other hand, can be found in the seaside towns of Estonia, where it is possible to gaze at the surrounding nature without leaving the sauna or the bath. Quality restaurants, nature, professional services and a large choice of beauty treatments will make your wellness holiday most enjoyable. For the record, the fashion for seaside resorts in Estonia began in 1813, when Georg Witte opened a seaside resort in Tallinn that later became a vacation spot for the Emperor of Russia. The clean air, the beautiful nature and the sandy beaches were then highly esteemed by the Germans of Estonia and the nobility of Russia.

Golf courses in unspoiled nature

A little tour of the golf courses in Estonia is a wonderful way to spend a morning or a late afternoon, especially at the end of summer when the sun is still high in the sky. Estonia has several golf courses scattered in the middle of nature. The courses are usually open from May until November and you can hire golf equipment on site. For those looking to improve their technique, instructors are available to clients on most courses. Estonian pitches tend to be rather flat and require great precision of play. The courses are generally accessible to all players, regardless of their level, age or athletic ability. The dress code in force at Estonian golf courses excludes jeans, heels and tracksuits. The most beautiful golf courses in Estonia can be found in Niitvälja, Jõelähtme, Suuresta, Otepää, Pärnu and on the island of Saaremaa.

Unique juniper-based treatments

But let's return more specifically to body care. Currently, there are more than 40 spas in Estonia and you can choose according to the nature of the services you need. Most spas use peat, mud and water from Estonia for their treatment protocols, which have been known for their therapeutic properties for centuries. The country is also developing unique treatments based on juniper, in particular on the island of Saaremaa, known for its toxin expelling and skin toning properties. In a medical spa, the specialists work out according to your state of health a program of fitness which includes means of physiotherapy, chiropractic, massages, treatment by cold, therapeutic mud, the room of salt and d other medical procedures. Leisure spas often offer high-end spas in private mansions or in manors or castles in the countryside or in the heart of National Parks. The grand architecture, the divine meals and the quality services will make you feel like you are being treated like a king or a queen. For families, spa hotels are more suitable. It offers several pool activities, play areas and childcare services. Because in Estonia, everyone finds the spa that suits them.

David Raynal

Accommodation

Opening of two new hotels in Pärnu with the Hedon Spa & Hotel and in Narva with the Noorus Spa Hotel:

The summer of 2014 saw the opening of a new and unique hotel in a historic mud bath building in Pärnu, Hedon Spa & Hotel. It is located along Pärnu Beach near the promenade. The beach and the charming parks of Pärnu are also not far away. In terms of services, the hotel has the facilities of a 4-star hotel and a high-quality spa center as well as a swimming pool. The property also has a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the beach promenade. It is the ideal place to come and relax and unwind!

information: www.hedonspa.com

There is something new in the air since in Narva, a new spa hotel called Noorus Spa Hotel has also opened. The 114 rooms of this very modern and design hotel are located along a sandy beach. This high-quality establishment has a restaurant offering a very romantic and natural setting, two sauna centers, a large swimming pool and several aquatic pools, a Fitness center and a wellness center where you can experience the latest innovations in terms of treatments.

information: www.noorusspahotel.com

For more information on Estonia, you can consult the website in French of the Tourist Office: www.visitestonia.com

Some useful sites:

www.estonianspas.eu
www.golf.ee
estoniagolf.com