Spa treatment in the south of the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Today's destinations are the resorts of Mangalia and Neptun, on the Black Sea Coast

Daniel Onea, 12.03.2015, 14:54

Mangalia is the right place for spending your holiday and also for visiting various archaeological sites and enjoying the richness of the area’s natural factors. Tourists can have spa treatments with sulphurous mineral waters and therapeutic mud in almost any of the Black Sea resorts, yet in Mangalia they will benefit from special spa services at the resort’s spa centre and sanatorium, where they will be welcomed by well-trained medical staff. Prices are not at all high despite the modern, state-of-the-art equipment of the spa centre.

Located 50 kms away from the large beach of Mangalia resort, the Mangalia spa centre and sanatorium can accommodate 200 people. These treatment facilities are more than 50 years old. At the spa centre tourists can buy complete packages including full board and various treatment procedures. Such as hydro-ozone-therapy, ambient relaxation therapy, volcanic stones massage, mud wraps, acupuncture or relaxation massage with aromatherapy oils.

Florentina Stoica is the head nurse of the Mangalia spa centre and she will tell us next how patients choose their treatment packages: ”If they have a health problem, tourists will first of all benefit from a medical check-up following which they will be given a certain treatment including specific medical procedures. If in the afternoon tourists want to use our SPA-wellness area, they can do so following the doctors’ recommendation. For gynaecological problems we can offer treatments that can solve the problem almost completely. If women want to stay slim, in the afternoon they can benefit from our programs: they will be given competent advice for a healthy living, they will have massages, sauna and everything related to the afternoon sauna. Fees are the same for Romanian and foreign guests. The spa centre and sanatorium is open all year round. There is no specific time of the year suitable for taking the treatment. It’s true that most of the tourists, given that Mangalia is located on the Black Sea Coast, want to come in the summer, but the sea is beautiful in winter and the spring as well. Not to mention that off-season we’re not that crowded and it is easier to find accommodation.”

According to the price scheme valid as of February 16, 2015, tourists will have to pay 1,010 lei, that is 220 Euro for a 10-day treatment package. The price includes four daily procedures, one of them being hydrokinetotherapy. The price does not include accommodation, that will be paid separately, and which can reach 25 Euros per person per day, in a double room.

Mud wraps are among the most sought-after procedures. The sapropelic mud in the Techirghiol Lake is rated as one of the most efficient therapy factors on the Romanian Black Sea Coast. This type of mud is rich in organic matter resulting from the decomposition of algae and crustaceans and is used in various medical treatments. The mud found in the southern part of the Romanian Black Sea coast is thought to be particularly efficient in relieving joint and muscle pain and rheumatic neuralgia. Due to its content and ability to transfer heat, mud relaxes the body, stimulates blood flow and helps hydrate the skin. According to some research, 2 or 3 weeks of mud treatment will result in a rebalancing of the entire body.

Mud wraps at a temperature of 39-41 degrees Celsius are not recommended for patients with high blood pressure and heart problems, because they can worsen initial pain, says Lacramioara Moroianu, the manager of a 4-star spa and accommodation facility in the resort of Neptun. A few days after treatment, however, in most cases pain will be gone for at least a few months. The spa in Neptun is also known for the use of salt extracted from Bazna, which has high magnesium content and is used for muscle pain relief and in recovery treatment.

Lacramioara Moroianu tells us more about the facility she runs: “The spa unit has three floors. The ground floor hosts our medical spa facility, which provides all the treatments covered by this type of spa, including balneo and rheumatic therapy, anti-stress therapy, detoxification and weight loss treatment. All these types of treatment are carried out under the supervision of doctors and therapists. The latter are all qualified staff. The first floor houses the reception area. Here, patients can make appointments and ask information about treatments, massage, packages and appointments. As far as our balneo-therapeutic services are concerned, we are proud of the quality of the sapropelic mud found in Techirgiol. We prepare the mud every day to make sure it is warm in the morning and can be used for baths, body wraps and massage. We also provide water massage and plant baths, which are recommended for people with blood flow and rheumatic problems.”

Lacramioara Moroianu explains that mud is extracted from the middle of Techirghiol Lake with the help of special bowl-like instruments. The lake is divided into squares, resembling a chess table. Mud is extracted from one square at a time to allow the area to regenerate, according to a well-established schedule. 8 tonnes of mud are extracted with each drill.

Neptun is also home to a treatment and relaxation centre called 2D Resort and Spa, which is located in a very beautiful and peaceful area. Its manager, Hristian Sapera, told us more: “The centre can house 321 people, has a restaurant for 350 seats and a spa facility providing the whole range of spa and wellness services. There are also two swimming pools, one indoor and another outdoor. The indoor pool has warm water. The centre also has a conference room seating 150. The entire complex has been restored since we took it over in 2002. We have constantly invested in it ever since, every year. Today, the entire accommodation area is modern, at 3 and 4 star standards.”

We can safely conclude therefore that visitors to the southern part of the Romanian Black Sea coast can choose from a wide range of treatment and relaxation packages at very attractive prices, especially if they book in advance.