A new alpine-inspired spa has opened at Alpamare Scarborough, a waterpark attraction in Yorkshire, UK.
Sitting alongside the waterpark, which opened in 2016, the 1,000sq m (10,700sq ft) spa, called Wellness at Alpamare, was created by consultancy firm Spa4 and offers a wide range of treatments inspired by ancient therapeutic traditions from across the globe, including the Aufguss Ritual.
Billed as an 'intense and enjoyable' multisensory experience, Aufguss – the German word for 'infusion' – is a thermal ritual that involves an intricate ceremony where essential-oil infused water is poured onto the sauna stove, creating scented steam. The Aufgussmeister then directs this steam at bathers using rhythmic movements and a towel. The ceremony is followed by fresh air and a cold shower that creates a thermal shock, releasing adrenaline and, later, endorphins. The spa boasts a number of Aufgussmeisters, with each putting their own spin on the ceremony, incorporating music, poetry, scent and movement, making each ceremony completely unique.
Other treatments include three self-guided ritual 'trails' designed exclusively for Wellness at Alpamare: Hammam-Relax, Detox or Sauna Vitality. Created to relieve pain and aid respiration, Hammam-Relax is an 11-step ritual that combines thermal experiences with bathing, that aids relaxation by slowly warming and then cooling the muscles. Wellness Detox purifies and detoxes whilst aiding weight loss. It features 13 steps including sauna and shower experiences, while Sauna Vitality is an 18-step ritual designed for rejuvenation and energy.
The spa consists of four private treatment rooms, offering treatments from luxury product house Elemis, a hammam, herbal steam baths, soap steam baths, mud rhassoul, foot bath, a Finnish panoramic sauna, hay bath, clay sauna, ice and aroma shower and an outdoor iodine infinity pool.
Visitors to the spa will also be able to access to the Alpamare waterpark.
Alpamare CEO, Dr Anton Hoefter said: "Wellness at Alpamare is an experience that's completely different from anything else in the UK, caring for the wellbeing of the mind as well as the body. You can free-flow through a series of saunas and steam rooms at will, follow ritual trails specially created by wellness experts, enjoy a classic treatment, or immerse yourself in an uplifting Aufguss ceremony."
Spa manager Amanda Shachnaey said: "The spa is designed to help you as an individual - whether it's a personalised detox, an escape from everyday stress, taking time to relax with a loved one or having fun with friends during a live ceremony or as part of a special event. It's an experience that everyone can enjoy."
Janet Deacon, Tourism and Corporate Marketing manager for Scarborough Borough Council and area director for Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "With the opening of its new holistic wellness centre, Alpamare Scarborough is helping to transform Scarborough into a spa town for the 21st century."
Wellness at Alpamare is open year round, with opening times varying depending on the seasons.
