Over hundreds of years, the sauna culture has remained a significant part of Estonian life. So ingrained in the Estonian psyche are saunas, that Estonia can be considered as one of the growing number of wellness destinations. Whether to experience a traditional spa or a tranquil retreat to one of the many islands, Estonia is a great environment to rest, rejuvenate and recharge.
Combining ancient traditions with innovative modern treatments, Estonian spas combine the old and new in wellness. From a salt room to a saltwater pool, steam rooms and saunas are available to adults-only and families. Below are the top five destinations in Estonia for health and wellness travellers.
Vōromaa
Included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritages, Estonia’s smoke saunas are a long-standing and unique tradition. Originated in the community of Vōromaa in southern Estonian, the saunas have been part of local culture since the 13th century. Since then, the processes of the sauna have been mastered to create the experience that is still enjoyed today. The sessions can last between three and five hours, during which, the saunas are fumed by the scent of burning wood, as well as birch and honey. Bathers beat their bodies with a tree branch whisk which exfoliates the skin and stimulates circulation. Throughout the ritual, users cool off outside and rinse their bodies with cold water, typically in a freshwater pool. Today, the traditional smoke saunas remain largely in the very south of Estonia
The peace of Võru County’s pine forest can be enjoyed at Kubija Nature Spa: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/spa#/spa/kubija-hotel-and-nature-spa
Tallinn
For visitors looking for a more sociable spa experience, the Iglupark in Noblessner is highly recommended. Built by Estonian company Iglucraft, the igloo-style saunas and pods can also be found in the gardens of the Beckhams, Guy Ritchie and Gordon Ramsey. Opened in summer 2021 on the edge of a former dock, the Iglus – mostly individual sauna pods – can be rented by a group of friends to enjoy an afternoon or evening overlooking the Baltic Sea. There is one Iglu open as a bar and others have been made into sleeping pods, or spaces to work.
In the centre of Tallinn, the Hotel Telegraaf Spa offers a 10-metre swimming pool under a skylight roof. It also offers a Telegraaf’s Chocolate Retreat, a decadent all body massage that removes impurities and promotes a healthy glow.
Pärnu
Pärnu is known for its longstanding spa culture. Opening its first mud baths in 1838, Pärnu has continued its culture of spa visits for centuries. The city is known for its wooden villas and beaches, as well as an array of spa and wellness centres. Hedon Spa Hotel is located on the city’s beach. It is a modern spa complex housed in a historical mud bath building and combines traditional and contemporary into Estonian wellness.https://www.visitestonia.com/en/hedon-spa-hotel
Muhu Island
Away from the mainland, Muhu island is located in the West Estonian archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Here, with a population of under 2,000 people, this peaceful island offers a tranquil retreat. Spa treatments at Pädaste Manor are centred around the harmony and revitalization of the senses. The spa culture s based on centuries-old Estonian herbal traditions, complemented by the unspoiled natural beauty of Muhu island. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/padaste-manor-hotel
Saaremaa Island
Nicknamed ‘Spa-remaa’ due to its density of spas per capita, Estonia’s largest island is a hub of wellness and spa experiences. Treatments on Saaremaa amalgamate the old and new in Estonian wellness traditions. They offer a wide variety of health procedures, medical services, mud baths and luxury treatments. A popular ingredient is the red algae found on Saaremaa’s beaches. This is widely used by the French cosmetic industry, but in Estonia it is used to give a red algae wrap treatment. Saaremaa’s curative mud is combined with peat and used to help alleviate muscle tension and joint aches. In addition to its spa culture, Saaremaa is part of UNESCO’s biosphere reserve, which values sustainable lifestyle. One of the most relaxing experiences on offer on the island is a walk-through nature to smell the scent of the junipers, or a walk along the pebbly beach at sunset. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/spa#/spa/georg-ots-spa-hotel
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