Therme Review: Key Things to Know Before Visiting
If your social media pages are anything like mine, you have likely seen Therme Bucharest pop up on your feed. This incredible wellness and relaxation centre has become a hot spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this Therme review, I’ll share tips and advice to help make your visit as seamless and relaxing as possible.
Location
Therme Bucharest is located just outside of Bucharest, Romania’s capital, and it’s the largest wellness and relaxation centre in Europe. Conveniently, it’s a short distance from Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni), making it an appealing option for visitors who are stopping over or want to enjoy a quick retreat. In fact, some travellers even opt to visit Therme as part of a day trip from neighboring countries due to its proximity to the airport.
However, while the idea of visiting Therme for a quick day trip might sound appealing, I’d recommend considering staying longer in Bucharest. The city offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences, so while Therme is an amazing experience, there is so much more to explore!
Getting to Therme from the airport
Therme is located a short 10-minute car journey away from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. You can easily grab a taxi, use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt, or even arrange an airport transfer through your accommodation or directly through Therme’s partners.
Getting to Therme from Bucharest city centre
If you’re staying in the city, there are several ways to reach Therme. The most convenient but perhaps not the most budget-friendly option, is to use a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Bolt. A ride from Bucharest’s city centre takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. However, there are more cost-effective ways in the form of public transport.
Getting the bus
For budget travellers, taking the bus is an affordable option. Therme operates a shuttle bus service that departs from several locations in Bucharest, including Piata Victoriei and Piata Presei Libere. This option costs less than a taxi or Uber ride and provides direct access to Therme’s front door. The schedule can be checked on the official Therme website, and the buses are clean and reliable.
Additionally, you can take a regular public bus from Bucharest city centre to the airport, and then a short taxi or ride-hail to Therme from there, which can save you money.
Getting an Uber/Bolt
Both Uber and Bolt operate extensively in Bucharest, offering a fast and straightforward way to get to Therme. The cost for a ride from the city centre ranges from around 50-150 RON (£10 – £30 GBP), depending on the time of day and traffic. While this is the most comfortable option, it’s not the most cost-effective, especially if you’re travelling on a tight budget.
Purchasing tickets for Therme
Tickets can be purchased 2 weeks in advance on Therme’s website here. However, with Therme welcoming thousands of visitors daily, it’s important to note that capacity is large. So while advance booking is recommended, tickets are also typically available for purchase upon arrival. There are three distinct areas at Therme: Galaxy, The Palm, and Elysium, each offering unique experiences. It is important to note that booking a Galaxy ticket, includes entry to the Galaxy area only. If you book a Palm ticket, this will include the Palm and Galaxy areas. Lastly, the Elysium ticket includes access to all three areas. If you’re planning to stay within Therme for a lot of the day, then I personally would recommend the Elysium ticket. Priced at 193 RON for an all day pass with access to all areas, the Elysium ticket is great value for money. More information about each area can be found below.
Galaxy Area
Unfortunately when we arrived, the Galaxy area was closed for maintenance. Whilst this information was shared on their social media sites, I was unaware of the closure before arriving at Therme. Therefore, it would have been beneficial for ticket holders to have been informed via email to avoid the disappointment on the day of arrival.
The Galaxy area was the area that I was most excited to explore, so this was particularly disappointing for me but we of course made the most of the other areas. Please take this as an important note to check socials before arriving, to ensure that all areas are open. If I had known in advance, I likely would have stayed exploring the Bucharest old city as there is so much to see and do. I will share with you below what you can expect from Galaxy and I hope to be back one day to enjoy this area too.
The Galaxy Area at Therme Bucharest is designed for families and those seeking a more active and fun experience. This zone is ideal for visitors of all ages, with its numerous attractions catering to both children and adults.
One of the key features of the Galaxy Area is its indoor water park, which includes over 16 water slides of varying difficulty levels, ranging from gentle, family-friendly slides to more thrilling options for adrenaline seekers. The slides are state-of-the-art and include both open and enclosed designs, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Palm
The Palm is Therme’s signature area and arguably the most serene. This tropical paradise features indoor and outdoor thermal pools surrounded by thousands of palm trees and lush vegetation. It’s an adult-friendly oasis with plenty of relaxation zones, including Jacuzzis, hydrotherapy jets, and swim-up bars where you can enjoy a cocktail in the pool.
I spent most of my time in The Palm, enjoying the calming thermal waters and peaceful atmosphere. The highlight of this area is undoubtedly the outdoor pool, where you can soak while gazing at the sky, surrounded by greenery, creating the perfect sense of escapism.
In short, The Palm offers a peaceful, adult-friendly escape that combines the healing powers of thermal waters with the calming ambiance of nature. It’s perfect for those looking to recharge in a more laid-back environment, away from the chaotic energy of the Galaxy area.
Elysium
Elysium is the most exclusive section of Therme, and it’s tailored for visitors seeking a luxurious, spa-like experience. It features premium saunas, salt rooms, and a mineral pool, all designed to promote well-being and detoxification. This area is perfect for those looking for the ultimate relaxation experience and includes access to additional spa treatments and therapies, including facials, massages, and body treatments.
I personally didn’t spend very much time in the Elysium area because it was fairly busy and felt like there were a lot of rules to follow, such as ensuring you have a towel to sit on in the saunas and are thoroughly dry before entering etc. The staff would constantly enter the saunas and tell people off if they weren’t following the rules, which lead to a somewhat uncomfortable experience. Although this allows me the chance to share with you another top tip: Follow the rules! There are rules/information notices placed outside each sauna so make sure you read these fully before entering.
Spa Treatments Review
There are lots of spa treatments available throughout Therme with both paid and free alternatives. You can find a full list of available paid treatments on Therme’s website. Below I have listed some tips to help you best prepare for your day if you’re planning to receive a spa treatment.
- Arrive Early – Spa treatments are to be booked upon arrival within the spa. Therefore, I would highly recommend arriving early and making your way straight to the Elysium reception for booking.
- Know what you would like/are interested in before arrival – I was particularly excited about visiting Therme so I did lots of research into the treatments that they offer. Whilst this was a treat, I didn’t want to spend lots of unnecessary money so I decided on a mid-range facial. When I arrived at the reception to book my facial, the staff member was keen for me to book one of the more expensive treatments. Knowing what I wanted, I was able to stand my ground with booking my desired treatment. However, I would imagine that if you are unsure, it is easy to get talked into booking the more expensive treatments.
- Confirm price – Similar to above, it is important to confirm the price of each treatment to ensure that you are not paying more than you had originally budgeted for. All payments are done via a bracelet that is given to you upon arrival to Therme, therefore it is quite difficult to keep track of your spending until it comes to the payment at the end of your trip.
The treatment range includes traditional massages, hot stone treatments, and aromatherapy sessions. I booked the Therme Signature Treatment which is a 45-minute facial. This was an incredibly relaxing experience and was genuinely the best facial that I have ever had! The spa therapist used bamboo methods that I have never seen before and finished with a super relaxing head massage which was perfect after a day in the thermal pools.
My fiancé Chris went for the mineral massage and he thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing experience. The massage included some hot stone work and concluded with a mineral mud mask over all the joints. In both our experiences, the spa therapists were professional, and the facilities were pristine, ensuring a luxurious experience.
Food and Drink at Therme
Therme Bucharest offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a healthy salad, or a more indulgent meal, there are plenty of options. Several restaurants and snack bars are available within the complex, serving both Romanian and international cuisine.
We dined at the Humboldt restaurant, which offers food from 5 different food counters offering a mixture of fresh, tropical-inspired dishes that complement the wellness atmosphere. There are also options for smoothies, juices, and coffees, which you can enjoy by the pool. Prices were reasonable, considering the venue and the pool bars provided a large choice of cocktails/non alcoholic drinks whilst providing a surreal memory.
Final Thoughts – Do I think Therme is worth the visit?
In my opinion, Therme Bucharest is absolutely worth the visit, especially if you’re a fan of relaxation, wellness, and fun in a luxurious setting. However, before you go, it’s essential to check that all areas are open to avoid disappointment. While I missed out on the Galaxy area, I still found plenty to enjoy in The Palm and Elysium.
That said, if you have limited time in Bucharest, there is so much to explore in the city itself that you may find it difficult to fit everything in. With Bucharest’s rich history, vibrant old town, and numerous cafes and bars, Therme makes for a great escape but shouldn’t be the only thing you plan to do.
