(Continued)
Bad Worishofen
My final destination is a village near the foothills of the Bavarian Alps that ranks among the country’s most prestigious spa towns. Bad Worishofen is where Bavarian cleric Sebastian Kneipp established his center for holistic health over a century ago. I’m staying in the luxurious Steigenberger Hotel der Sonnenhof, which boasts one of the most extraordinary spa complexes I’ve ever visited—most of it devoted to the Kneipp tradition (see sidebar).
A glass elevator takes me to the ground floor, where wide fresh and saltwater pools of varying temperatures reflect the late morning sunlight. Sunbeds are arranged around the perimeter of an enormous pool set into one rounded corner of the space. At the far end of the room, five saunas, an aromatherapy steam bath, Finnish sauna, and steam room provide additional healing therapies between soaks in the pools.
After consultation with one of the medical staff, I’m led down a long, curved hall lined with thirty separate rooms for massage, Ayurvedic specialties, herbal therapies, and Kneipp treatments. An hour before they’re scheduled to rise, guests undergoing Kneipp cures are awakened by the delivery of a fresh, steaming, herb-stuffed pillow to their room. Part of the treatment regimen includes spending the final hour in bed each morning slumbering and breathing in the herbs.
During my deep tissue massage, my therapist explains that in Germany, spa is defined a bit differently than it is in the U.S. The word “service” in a menu signifies a treatment administered by a person, such as the massage I’m currently enjoying. Spa, on the other hand, describes a self-administered experience, such as soaking in a thermal pool. Or, in my case, the additional stress release I enjoy between my massage and dinner, as I stroll among the trees in the park adjoining the hotel. Tomorrow will be filled with trains, taxis, and planes, but for this one last moment, I’m still the princess in my story, and I’m free to pretend this land of spas is my kingdom.
The Kneipp Tradition
Over a century ago, Bavarian cleric Sebastian Kneipp developed theories of wellness and holistic health that are still highly respected throughout the world. Often credited as being the father of holistic healing, Kneipp believed that water was the ideal conductor to deliver the healing properties inherent in plants and herbs. His system of health was based on the synergistic assimilation of medicinal plant remedies from the Far East, the hydrotherapy and therapeutic bathing rituals of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and balanced nutrition combined with regular exercise.“The theories of wellness and holistic health, so long revered in Europe, have seen increasing acceptance in the U.S. over the last ten or twenty years,” says Irene Heiney, director of education for the Kneipp Corporation of America. “Many Americans have embraced more healthful eating habits and fitness regimens. The last decade has also seen a rapid growth in our spa culture—more and more people are trying to take care of themselves.”
Today, Kneipp's formulas are readily available, with a line of plant- and herb-based bath products. The product’s scents are all proven to promote such qualities as relaxation, stress relief, balance, harmony and energy, and include Orange & Linden Blossom, Rosemary, Melissa, Juniper, and Wildflower. For more information visit www.kneipp.com
Address book:
Caracalla Therme, www.caracalla.de
Europaischer Hof and Europe Spa, www.europaeischer-hof.steigenberger.de
Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish Bath, www.roemisch-irisches-bad.de
Kaiser Wilhelms Bad & Kur Royal Day Spa, www.kur-royal.de
Steigenberger Badischer Hof, www.steigenberger.de
Steigenberger Bad Homburg, www.bad-homburg.steigenberger.de
Steigenberger Hotel der Sonnenhof, www.spahotel-sonnenhof.de
January/February 2006
