May 24

Saturday was spa day, sooo relaxing, well not quite. No massages or mani/pedi's but we did get some "delicious" sulfur water. We took a tour of the Varazdinsk Toplice Spa, which focuses on hydro therapies.

The spa was built on the sight of an old Roman bath where a warm mineral spring bubbles up 58 degree water (I can't do the conversion right now but it was pretty HOT!). A few more amenities have been added since the Romans were there, so when you're planning your next visit here's what to expect:
- 4 different accommodation options (from hotels to bungalows)
- Athletic fields (from football to mini golf)
- Salons (pedicures & hair stylists)
- Indoor and outdoor pools (which have some AWESOME water slides)
- Diagnostic & therapy center
- Fitness club

Even though the spa has expanded from the original Roman baths, the central idea of healing and relaxation has remand. The Croatia medical staff still believes in a holistic approach and that treating the person as a whole, not just the injury, is the best approach. This seems to stand in contrast to how many of the same ailments treated at the spa would be treated in the U.S. Treatment at this spa includes health programs for:
- Spinal problems
- Rheumatism
- Weight loss
- Senior citizens
- Recuperation & relaxation

The best part about the spa is that treatment is covered under the country's health care system. Why can't doctors back home prescribe a visit to the spa when I'm feeling under the weather?!
- Maggie