Staying put for 2 nights in Dausenau over the holiday w/e, has given us a chance to really settle in to our guesthouse and enjoy the area. We have loved it here. Today, we are going to ride our tandem to Bad Ems and spend part of the day at Emser Therme spa resort for some TLC.
This painting of Dausenau is a historic representation of what we see today. Oddly, someone stuck a paint brush in the frame.
Our trip to the pool/spa in Bad Ems exceeded our expectations. We purchased a pass for a 2 hour visit to the complex which features several pools with therapeutic water from 15 different mineral hot springs, whirlpools, small hot and cold pools, an herbal steam bath, a salt inhalation room using the popular Emser (sourced in Bad Ems) salt. We use the Emser salts at home for doing a nasal rinse. The rain room was amazing…for 2 minutes jets would shower down on you…intense but wonderful. As well, there are so many areas to stretch out and relax in comfortable loungers.
When you want a change, there is an onsite restaurant within the complex. No need to change out of your bathing suit…simply walk over and enjoy your meal..poolside.
The other half of the complex is the Sauna Park. This is a “textile free zone”. In other words you are not allowed to wear a bathing suit in the sauna. We are quite used to this as the public baths in Japan are textile free as well . However, in Japan men and women use separate baths. In Germany, men and women share the same saunas. Saunas have been a part of German culture for centuries and are deeply ingrained in the country’s history and traditions. Over 2100 public saunas are scattered around the country and 1.7 million households have saunas in their homes.
The Emser Therme spa building covers over 65,000 sq feet. The modern exterior is matched by a beautifully designed interior with a variety of pools, waterfalls, etc for you to enjoy.
There were immense pools to swim, relax..whatever you like. This pool outdoors was accessible by swimming from a pool indoors. In alternating cycles, jets would come on a section at time. Some of the features, such as “massage” fountains reminded us of Onsens in Japan.
On the left is the Rain Room room where people are standing under the jets for 2 minutes receiving an intense therapeutic experience. The room on the second floor above the Rain Room is the salt inhalation room with lounge chairs.
The Rain Room…you may think that this is Barry and I 🥴but sadly that is not so. We have used photos from their brochure as you are not allowed to take photos anywhere in the complex
Attached to the spa complex is the luxurious Emser Therme Hotel which gives you direct access to the facility. We saw people of all ages…babies up to very elderly people, using the facilities at the Spa.
Bad Ems has a long storied list of distinguished visitors that have performed in the Marble Hall and Kurtheatre. Along the sidewalk bordering these theatres, bronze plaques have been placed showcasing the many stars who have performed there…Richard Wagner, Offenbach, Clara Schumann and so on.
A ceremony was taking place to recognize the top three participants to finish their race. This young fellow, the first place finisher for his age group was quiet shy initially, but the moderator helped him to,shine.
This was funny. The following presentation was for the next age group. The little guy heard the announcer call for the first place runner, and he was happy to jump up on the podium again, not understanding that he is not the only 1st place runner that day. It took some convincing to get him to leave and let the older runner take his place.
Today's ride: 12 km (7 miles) Total: 153 km (95 miles)
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Kathleen ClassenThe term textile free still makes me giggle. I remember the first time we encountered it in Germany. Not a problem for us at all when travelling but we have had some hilarious conversations about whether we would we comfortable doing it at home with a group of friends. What a fabulous facility, and I was sure it was you and Barry in the rain shower! Reply to this comment 6 months ago
