Bucharest’s Spa Renaissance: Therme Bucharest
Bucharest, once known for its grey Soviet architecture, is experiencing a stylish revival—led in part by a viral wellness destination: Therme Bucharest.
Just 30 minutes from the airport, Therme isn’t your typical spa. Think: tropical paradise meets luxury retreat. It features lush botanical gardens (with over one million plants from four continents), 10 pools, 12 themed saunas, 17 water slides, and three global-cuisine restaurants. It’s a full-day experience, with Instagrammable touches at every turn.
One standout moment? The dramatic aufguss ritual, where a “sauna master” fans searing air through the room using essential oil-infused towels—set to haunting music and clouds of steam. It’s an intense, theatrical experience that spa-goers won’t soon forget.
No wonder Therme has become a sensation on social media and among fans of ultra-quick getaways. Budget travelers even fly in and out on the same day just for it. But that barely scratches the surface of what Bucharest has to offer.
Old-World Elegance Returns
After relaxing at Therme, venture into the city to discover its Parisian-style boulevards, ornate villas, and secret courtyards. A walking tour through the Armenian Quarter reveals grand architecture and hidden gems.
The city’s new crown jewel? The Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest. Reopened after a decade-long restoration, this 1867 landmark offers all-suite luxury, a Michelin-style dining experience, and a spa sanctuary perfect for unwinding in elegant silence, far removed from the buzz of Therme.
Eat, Sip, and Stroll
Bucharest also boasts a booming coffee and dessert scene. Locals swear by BOB Coffee Lab and Zelateria, where classic Romanian sweets are reimagined as gourmet gelato. Grab a scoop and head to King Michael I Park (Herăstrău), a sprawling green haven home to lakes, fountains, and even a village museum showcasing Romania’s rustic wooden homes.
More Than a Spa Town
Therme may be what draws visitors in, but Bucharest has plenty to keep them coming back—from artisanal cafes and elegant hotels to romantic streets and rich history.
And while Therme has plans to open a giant sister spa in Manchester by 2026, the original Bucharest experience—with its mix of grandeur, greenery, and unexpected charm—remains one-of-a-kind.