MARET SUKLES - Estonian Spa Culture

Immerse yourself in the Estonian spa culture MARET SUKLES 16th Annual ESPA Congress 25.05.11

Location

Did you know?

Although Estonia is larger than Denmark, our population is only a quarter

Estonia in numbers • •

•

•

Population size: 1.35 million. London is 5.5 and Berlin 2.5 times the size.

Total area: 45,228 km², which is more than Denmark and Monaco put together.

Population density: 29 persons/km², which means we have plenty of free space and great places to rest and spend your holiday.

EU and NATO membership.

Finland

Norway Sweden

Russia

Latvia Lithuania Belarus

NL

Poland Germany Czech

France

ESTONIA

Northern Estonia will surprise you with • • •

medieval towns and picturesque fishing villages; well-preserved manors of German nobility; mighty waterfalls and the steep limestone coast;

In Northern Estonia you can stay at: • Kalev Spa & Water Park • Viimsi Spa • Toila Spa Hotel • Meresuu Spa & Hotel • Aqva Hotel & Spa

In Western Estonia you can rest and explore •

• •

the resort towns of Haapsalu and Pärnu that date back several centuries and were frequented by Russian emperors and the renowned composer Tchaikovsky among others; ancient moors untouched by civilization; nature reserves where millions of birds representing over a hundred species choose as their nesting places.

In West Estonia you can stay at: • Thalasso Spa Fra Mare • Spa Hotel Laine • Viiking Spa Hotel • Estonia Rehabilitation Centre • Tervis Medical Spa • Tervise Paradiis • Go Spa Grand Rose Spa Hotel

Southern Estonia invites you to • • •

discover its rolling hills with beautiful views; meditate on quiet lake shores; go adventuring in spectacular ancient valleys;

In Southern Estonia you can stay at: • Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort • Värska Spa Hotel • Kubija Hotel NatureSpa

Statistical information Overnight stays of foreign and domestic tourists at Estonian accommodation establishments (in millions) 2,5 2 1,5 Domestic Total

1 0,5 0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Total Domestic

ch

y

Au gu st Se pt em be r Oc to be r No ve m be r De ce m be r

Ju ly

Ju ne

ay

24

34

27

95 0

39

42

23 7

85 2 37

43

46 7

58 2

06 0

24 1

08 1

30

00 9

30

39 42 9

61 5

30 1

31

31

97

12 1

67

84 7

91

75 0

64

72

58 1

18 1

08 8

48 5

17 0

52 4

14 7

05 4

82 8

56

72 1

56

95

89

60%

M

Ap ri l

ar

ru ar

ua ry

20%

M

Fe b

Ja n

10 5

38 9

Statistical information Overnight stays at Estonian spas in 2010 100%

80%

40%

0%

Foreign tourist

Domestic tourist

Statistical information Overnight stays at Estonian spas in 2010 by tourists’ countries of origin (%) 1,62 1,33 4,79

2,77 49,22

Finland Russia Estonia

32,88

Sweden 7,39

Norway Latvia Other

History

Did you know?

While Estonian history is measured in millennia, the history of our spas is measured in centuries.

Centuries of experience! •

Due to numerous health springs, curative mud and clean nature, the predecessors of modern Estonian spas began welcoming local and foreign visitiors at the end of the 18th century.

•

Estonia has been a popular rest destination and our visitors included members of the Russian Imperial family and the prominent composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

From ancient to modern Estonians •Estonians have been relaxing in saunas for centuries.

Until the beginning of the 20th century the only sauna type in Estonia was the smoke sauna, without a chimney.

•Then the popularity of the Finnish sauna started.

•As a rule, the temperature rises to 90-100oC After every period spent in the actual sauna the person cools down, either in cold water or simply by going outside.

•The first years of the 21st century have witnessed the advent of immersion barrels of Japanese origin and suitable for use even in the cold winter weather.

Modern sauna culture in Estonia Present-day Estonian spas offer sauna lovers a wide selection of the best sauna types from around the world.

The long list includes infrared sauna, various steam and vapour saunas, aroma sauna, salt sauna, Finnish sauna and cryosauna.

Early years of Estonian spas • •

• • •

•

The first mud health establishments were opened in Estonia in the 1820s.

It started with the interest displayed by local doctors in researching and applying curative mud and medicinal bathing activities.

The rapid development of local resorts continued until the beginning of the First World War. Railway construction commenced in the 1870s and it boosted Estonian tourism.

The regions of Haapsalu and Narva-Jõesuu quickly became the preferred rest destination for Russian Imperial courtiers, rich entrepreneurs and the intelligentsia.

At the same time Pärnu and Kuressaare also became resort towns.

Bergfeldt’s mud health establishment in Haapsalu in the early 20th century

Pärnu beach in 1930

Resorts during the Soviet time •

•

• •

The authorities commenced rapid restoration of resorts after the Second World War. Later they were regularly further developed and expanded.

In addition to mud, balneo and climate treatment, the following treatments and activities were introduced at resorts: electrical and medication treatment, diet menus, remedial gymnastics and paraffin-ozokerit therapy.

The predominant majority of visitors were from the Soviet Union.

For instance, as of 1980, the resort town of Pärnu received approximately 300,000 tourists per year, of whom 25,000 sought treatment.

Laine Sanatorium in the 70s

Pärnu beach in the 80s

Spas after restoration of independence •

A uniform system of treatment and rest establishments has been created.

•

Sanatorium buildings have been renovated.

•

Resorts are now being advertised more widely in the Europe than previously.

Laine Sanatorium in the 90s

Estonian spas today •

• •

The Estonian Spa Association unites resort establishments with modern equipment and a wide range of accommodation and treatment possibilities.

In addition to medical spa services, these establishments offer wellness services.

Estonian spas are attracting more and more customers, both domestic and foreign. Approximately 80% of all Estonian spa visitors are foreigners.

Tervise Paradiis: Water Park in Pärnu, present day

Spa Association

Did you know?

Although water contains zero calories, it relieves hunger.

Water is also indispensable when you want to have a healthy holiday.

Estonian Spa Association

• •

•

•

Estonian Spa Association: Founded in 1996.

All our medical spas have licences issued by the Health Care Board, allowing them to render rehabilitative treatment services.

14 members are privately owned enterprises and 2 companies are owned by local governments.

Our spas now have over 2,300 employees.

Our spas Kalev Spa & Water Park

We have an amazing amount of resort towns and regions with a rich historical background for such a small country.

Toila Spa Hotel

Viimsi Spa Meresuu Spa & Hotel NARVA-JÕESUU Aqva Hotel & Spa TALLINN

TOILA

RAKVERE

HAAPSALU PÄRNU KURESSAARE

Laine Spa Hotel

KUBIJA Grand Rose Spa Hotel GOSPA

Estonia Rehabilitation Centre Tervise Paradiis Tervis Medical Spa Viiking Spa Hotel

Värska Spa Hotel

OTEPÄÄ

Fra Mare Thalasso Spa

Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort Kubija Hotel Nature Spa

VÄRSKA

Come and rest at our spas!

• • • • •

Our 16 world-class spas offer you: 3500 comfortable rooms; 100 swimming pools; 200 masseurs; 50 different procedures; countless possibilities for an unforgettable rest and holiday experience.

Categories of Estonian spa-hotels •

Medical spa-hotel: a recognised hotel that has the corresponding activity licence enabling it to offer, in accordance with its specialisation, primarily versatile rehabilitation treatment, dietary and other medical spa services.

•

Wellness spa-hotel: a recognised hotel that offers, in accordance with its specialisation, versatile care, relaxation and other spa services.

•

Medical and wellness spa-hotel: a higher-class hotel that offers both medical and wellness spa services.

Classification of Estonian spa-hotels The applied class (number of stars) is assigned for any category subject to compliance with both the hotel class requirements and the spa class requirements in the corresponding category.

Estonian spa-hotels use the same rating systems as conventional hotels and stars are applied for classification purposes: ***** five-star hotel or luxury hotel **** four-star hotel *** three-star hotel ** two-star hotel * one-star hotel or recognised hotel

Unique curative mud Estonian curative mud: • creates a pleasant feeling of relaxation; • cures inflammation and alleviates aches; • removes excessive liquid and toxins from your body; • improves blood circulation; • makes you feel warm inside; • has many other good and useful properties.

Excavating for curative mud in Haapsalu, 19th century

The sensible and scientific approach to sea mud as a means of curing people is closely connected with the activities of medical doctor Carl Abraham Hunnius.

Natural resource akin to gold •

Mud is a special gift of nature that can be used to cure different diseases.

•

Estonia has vast resources of sea and lake mud. The mud of Lake Värska is especially unique as it is not so active, allowing its application to treat people with heart conditions.

•

Curative sea mud is considered to be one of the most important natural resources in Estonia.

Karl Schlossmann was the first thorough researcher of the chemical composition of Estonian curative mud.

We will pamper you in 50 different ways SPA TREATMENTS

• • • • • • • • • •

Hands-on massage Other types of massage Body treatments Face treatments Hand treatments Foot treatments Bath treatments Capsule treatments Salt chamber Children’s treatments

TESTS • ECG • Laboratory tests • Health checks • Ultrasound • Podometry • Sleep tests

THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES • Mud therapy • Mineral wax or paraffin th.

• Therapeutic gymnastics • Therapeutic showers • Physiotherapy • Ultrasound • Electric therapy • Laser therapy • Aqua therapy • Hot and cold therapy • Movement therapy • Doctor’s consultation • Specialist’s consultation

SAUNAS • Finnish sauna • Infrared sauna • Steam sauna • Salt sauna • Sanarium • Aroma sauna

BEAUTY SERVICES • Hairdresser • Manicure • Pedicure • Beautician • Solarium

ACTIVE EXERCISE • Group exercises • Water aerobics • Yoga • Nordic walking • Gym

POOLS • Swimming pool • Bathing pool • Children’s pool • Water park attractions • Jacuzzi

It is good to stay at our spas!

It is good to stay at our spas, because: • we practice a personal approach to every guest’s needs; • we have so much space for a small country; • our spas are new and world-class; • our spa traditions span several centuries.

Come and enjoy the freshness of Estonian spas!

www.estonianspas.eu

Kalev Spa Hotel & Water Park

Is situated in Tallinn’s Old Town Water park with a 50-metre swimming pool and let yourself be pampered at our spa A family hotel

100 rooms / 200 places 33 procedures and services

Viimsi Spa This is a medical and wellness spa complex offers a complete range of services and includes a new and comfortable hotel and modern health, beauty and leisure centres with friendly and helpful staff.

104 rooms / 187 places 44 procedures and services

Toila Spa Is situated on a high and picturesque seashore, just a couple of hours’ drive from both Tallinn and St. Petersburg.

Really private location offers excellent rest opportunities while the beautiful sea views fill you with positive emotions.

280 places 46 procedures and services

Meresuu Spa & Hotel Best Tourist Destination 2008

Is situated in Narva-Jþesuu, one of Estonia’s oldest resort towns.

Our four-star hotel boasts the newest wellness centre.

Our location is just 100 metres from the longest sandy beach in Estonia.

109 rooms / 256 places 29 procedures and services

Fra Mare Thalasso SPA Is situated in the lovely resort town of Haapsalu, 50 meters from the sea beach.

The spa complex offers wide range of thalassotherapy: sea water pool, floating, sea mud therapy, SAD light therapy, salt therapy,

115 rooms / 223 places 41 procedures and services

Spa Hotell Laine Is situated in Haapsalu, in a popular summer holiday and mud treatment destination.

Offers combinations of relaxing rest and pleasant treatment procedures.. mud treatment

98 rooms / 173 places 34 procedures and services

Viiking Spa Hotel Is situated in Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital.

In addition to our refreshing procedures and indoor water fun, you can take a couple of minutes’ walk and relax on the famous white sand of Pärnu Beach, right in the centre of the town with many cafés, art galleries, theatre and other exciting leisure spots nearby.

131 rooms / 236 places 37 procedures and services

Rehabilitation Centre Estonia It is one of the oldest medical establishments in Estonia, with long traditions.

Spa offers professional preventive and rehabilitating treatment of bone and muscle illnesses.

258 rooms / 485 places 43 procedures and services

Tervis Medical Spa

Here you can undergo treatment procedures, enjoy healthy meals and simply have a great time.

270 rooms / 508 places 42 procedures and services

Tervise Paradiis It is large and modern complex situated in Pärnu, the most popular resort town in Estonia, right beside the beach.

In addition to the spa-hotel with various treatments and care procedures, our complex has a water park with many pools, diving platforms and tube slides – one of the most fun-packed ways of looking after your health.

135 rooms / 244 places 41 procedures and services

Georg Ots Spa Hotel Is situated on Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia.

GOSPA is Estonia’s first wellness spa and hotel where spa procedures are carried out applying the so-called hands-on method.

GOSPA is a favourite destination both among families with children and people seeking an authentic spa experience.

91 rooms / 182 places 46 procedures and services

Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort Öko hotel Situated on the shore of the most beautiful Lake Pühajärv, not far from town Otepää.

Winter/Ski resort Ours is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country both among domestic and foreign tourists.

98 rooms / 176 places 29 procedures and services

V채rska Spa Hotel The spa is special for: pure mineral water baths and pools drinking of mineral water for digesting, which comes from 2 wells Furthermore, that is no simple mineral water, but the famous V채rska mineral water.

127 rooms / 165 places 42 procedures and services

Kubija Hotel NatureSpa

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A nature spa is situated in the middle of the pine forests and lakes of Southern Estonia. sleeping tests Resting or recuperating here, you will find harmony with nature and yourself.

57 rooms / 106 places 41 procedures and services

Aqva Hotel & Spa The Aqva Spa is situated in the Old Town of Rakvere.

The spa’s diverse water and sauna centre, exclusive interior design, exotic massages and luxurious treatments and friendly and helpful staff are sure to produce an unforgettable holiday of total relaxation.

Grand Rose SPA This wellness spa hotel, built to a very special design, combines the very best of old and new.

The running theme throughout the complex is the rose – a symbol of love, youth, health, freshness, cleanliness, friendship and success.

Rose petals have a largely unexplained effect on people: just looking at them can make people’s hearts beat faster and make them smile.