Wandering into Vabali Spa is like entering a different world. Gone has the addictive chaos of Berlin, instead you enter a Balinese health spa that exudes tranquillity out of its every pore.
Vabali Spa
The wellness retreat has gained an international reputation for excellence. For once the hype is deserved.
One of the striking aspects of Vabali is its central location. It is a few minutes’ walk from Berlin Central Station, making this a wonderful treat for your last day in the German capital before taking an onward train somewhere. I certainly felt refreshed and rejuvenated after my trip, something which even a Ryanair flight back to the UK could not diminish.
The other thing that hits you immediately is the sheer size of the space. This most definitely is a green oasis in the heart of Berlin. I was fortunate enough to time my trip for a sunny day, which allowed me to repeatedly stretch out on the loungers spread out across the gardens listening to the birds tweet away in the trees – any other form of tweeting was verboten as this is a digital free hotspot.
Textile Free
Vabali is also textile free but this is no naturalist retreat where everyone wanders around naked. Robes are supposed to be worn in communal areas including the sun loungers and around the pool as well as in the restaurant. It is only in the saunas where textiles are forbidden, although you can sit on a towel.
After checking in I proceed to the unisex changing area to leave clothes and possessions – mobile phones are not allowed inside – in my locker before taking a shower which are separated into male and female. Then I enter the spa area.
Saunas and Pools
There are 10 saunas, three steam rooms and four pools at Vabali Spa, including a women only spa and steam room. At first, the place resembles a maze and it is easy to get confused, but this is not a place to rush and swiftly I discover my path.
I try a few spas of differing temperature and humidity before venturing outside for my first lie in the sun. I would suggest taking a book with you, as you will find plenty of time to read. My other tip is to bring two towels as well as your gown – you are allowed to bring your own to the spa or hire them from Vabali. Leave one towel in your locker as you will need this at the end of your session.
My favourite sauna is the birch one which has a wonderful woody aroma, although the herbal sauna, which was scented with orange is also great.
Inside is a spacious cool down area as well as swimming pool so you can enjoy Vabali even if the Berlin weather is against you, although it really is brilliant in the sun, as I discover.
Vabali Spa Etiquette
Although Vabali is textile free it is not naturalist. At least on my visit people were wearing robes or at least wrapping themselves with towels between spas. A few people were sun bathing in the nude, and one man seemed to embrace naturalism more than others, but exhibitionists are in the minority. Also, excessive public displays of affection are not permitted, although one young couple seemed to ignore this veiled in the secrecy of the steam of the Hamman.
Before long, you acclimatise towards the nudity and everything seems as it should do, totally natural. Although nobody broke the no mobile phone rule, plenty of people clearly saw a visit to Vabali as a social occasion, chatting away in hushed tones with friends. But in general, Vabali is a quiet place with plenty of space for you to find your own tranquillity.
After trying out several of the saunas, I venture into the outdoor swimming pool which is refreshing and not too cold. Taking a few lazy strokes is a wonderful experience, the absence of swimwear providing a sense of liberation.
Dining at Vabali
Vabali also has an Asian and Mediterranean restaurant with both inside and outside seating, where robes are compulsory. Needless to say, there are many healthy and vegan options. Breakfast is served from 9am to noon, with lunch and dinner from then until 10pm. Most dishes are reasonably priced around €15, and apparently very good. You are requested not to bring your own food into Vabali.
Treatments at Vabali
Vabali Spa has a range of treatments from hot stone to Ayuredic and even a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Nui. These range from €49 to €119 depending upon treatment and duration.
I would recommend you allow at least four hours for your visit, longer if you are planning to eat at the restaurant or have one of the treatments. At the end of my four hours, I feel really refreshed and totally rejuvenated, the perfect conclusion to my short stay in Berlin.
Vabali Spa Berlin Fact File
Vabali Spa is open from 9am to midnight (April to September) and from 8am October to March.
A day-pass costs €43.50 (€47.50 weekends and bank holidays), or €34.50 / €37.50) for four hours. They also have multi-day passes.
Vabali Spa
+49 30 911 486 0
[email protected]
All images courtesy of Vabnali Spa Berlin.
