(see this post: http://jainmacedonia.blogspot.mk/2017/01/dobredojde-macedonian-welcome-center.html)
where I met dentist Dr. Nina (http://drnina.mk/en/index.asp)
who mentioned that she and her daughter (about my daughter's age) like to enjoy a spa weekend in Bulgaria. This immediately put the idea in my mind that one day, we too would enjoy a spa weekend in Bulgaria.
Our plan was to leave early Saturday morning, stop in Stip and in Strumica (in Macedonia) on our way to an overnight in Sandanski. And then return the following day (Sunday). As it turned out, I had a project I needed to finish, so we did not leave until 9:15 am. And we decided to drive by Stip and to stop only in Strumica (posted separately). We did not arrive in Sandanski until 4:30 PM Macedonia time. I had forgotten that Bulgaria was an hour ahead - which meant that we arrived about 5:30 pm local time. Eeeeeek. We lost another hour.
We were at the resort just under 24 hours. But it was so worth it!
We loved the pools with mineral water. The "sauna park" (which was just like the Rainforest on the Disney Dream cruise ship - only a small fraction of the cost -and my daughter could join me (on the cruise it is 18+ years only) was amazing!! And we were even able to enjoy some spa services (again, at a fraction of the cost of similar services back home). My daughter was pampered with her first massage (a 20-minute "children's massage).
We were too busy relaxing to take many photos, but here are a few
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| our room had a balcony - sound of the babbling brook (stream? river?) was very relaxing |
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| ooops - the lens steamed up when I opened it up - in this room were these heated, ergonomic (tile-covered) lounge chairs (like the ones in the Rainforest room of the Disney Dream) - as well as a seating area - and these foot baths. behind us are the saunas. and in front of us is a cooler (room temperature?) room with lounges and relaxing music |
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| our "Relax" package included dinner and breakfast (all-you-can-eat) - of course I went for the chicken soup and the shopska salad |
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| this pool was my favorite - very hot mineral water - so relaxing |
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| there were 2 pools outside and also pools inside (I didn't get pics of any of those - but the website is below and you can click on that link for more resort pics) |
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| lunch in the lobby bar |
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| and dessert - I love that my daughter now enjoys baklava |
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| we were able to do several spa treatments - here we did the aromatherapy bath together - lavender from Bulgaria - we wanted to do this together - so we were in the couples heart-shaped tub ;-) |
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| my treatments were just about 20 minutes longer than my daughter's - so she was able to do this paint your own pottery while I finished in the spa |
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| some fun on the playground before the driver returned for us |
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| this was the weekend that the Disney live action "Beauty and the Beast" was released - we were channeling our inner Belle with our new t-shirts from Bulgaria. we'll catch the movie when we get back to Skopje. this weekend - we loved being at the spa! |
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| got some work done on the ride home... |
From a travel website, describing Sandanski:
http://www.bulgaria-relax-and-spa.com/sandanski/
"The town of Sandanski is one of the most beautiful towns of Bulgaria; it is located in the south-west of Bulgaria at the foothill of Pirin mountains covered with forests, at the two banks of the Sandanska Bistritsa River flowing down from the mountain.
Known as the birthplace of the leader of the Roman slave uprising in 73-71BC - Spartacus, who led an army of escaped Roman slaves that defeated several Roman legions and came close to sacking Rome itself.
Sandanski boasts the highest number of sunshine hours in all of Bulgaria - its air is thought to be probably the cleanest air in Europe and it is also suitable for treating respiratory diseases. The city is also famous for its over 80 mineral water springs.
The mineral waters are perfect for outdoor swimming all year round and have a strong healing effect on a number of diseases. The area is known for its low humidity and high average temperature."
About the Pirin Park Hotel
http://parkhotelpirin.com/
(Note that since the resorts are located in the Pirin Mountains that many hotels include the name Pirin. To be sure you have this hotel - click on the link included in this blog post - or type in Pirin Park Sharpalov)
Pirin Park Hotel facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Park-Hotel-Pirin-182182638922/
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