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You might not have known it, but Ukraine is a haven of spas, sanatoriums and health resorts, with venues to choose from across the country. Mixing traditional natural treatments with modern science, these venues offer great results for relaxation and rejuvenation, almost always at cheaper prices than what you will find around Europe.
Two of the most popular spas in the country are Truskavets and Morshyn. However, another spa has slowly kneaded its way forward as not only the best in the country, but the world. According to the General Assembly and International Scientific Congress of World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC), Myrhorod wins top honours as the world’s best spa resort of 2013.
Myrhorod
Found in the Poltava region, just three hours by train from the capital, is the 400-year-old town of Myrhorod. Rich in historical heritage, the mineral springs of this region were discovered in 1917 by retired major general Dr Ivan Zubkovskiy, who opened the country’s first clinic offering spa treatments.
Containing many trace elements beneficial for health, Myrhorod mineral water is used to treat liver and gall bladder diseases as well as chronic gastro-intestinal problems. The spa also has a number of comfortable rooms in which to relax, an attentive medical staff, and a picturesque landscape perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy week away.
Some of the treatments in which you can indulge include mud and chloride-sodium baths, pearl, carbon dioxide, pine and aromatic baths, various therapeutic showers (circular, underwater, hydro-laser), plusluminotherapy, speleotherapy, inhalations, a cryosauna, and a swimming pool. The mineral water found here has been compared to that of world-famous resorts Soden, Aahen, and Baden-Baden, with the cost of stay and treatment starting at 300hrv/day/person.
With its newest title “Best Spa Resort” awarded by FEMTEC in November last year, Myrhorod was chosen by leading experts in the spa and health industry of 27 countries for its holistic approach and its well-equipped facility including extensive therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. CEO of Myrhorodkurort Dr Oleksandr Havlovskyy, MD says it’s thanks to the “more than 20 rehabilitation units within the resort [complex that] allow for the complete healing of the body”. Now that sounds like a good way to spend a week following the nepolezno reality of the holidays.
www.mirgorodkurort.com.ua
Morshyn
 To get to Morshyn you’re going to have to travel a little further – just 90 kilometres from Lviv, the mineral waters found here have, for over a century, restored the health of thousands. As one of the best balneological resorts in the country, the trip is well worth your time. Found at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, Morshyn compares with foreign options Wiesbaden in Germany or Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic in terms of quality and effectiveness, plus it is also more affordable.
What you’ll find here are local mineral springs rich in sulphates, sodium, and magnesium, which are used to treat stomach ulcers, gastritis, various gastro-intestinal problems, plus hepatitis, pancreatitis, Type 1 diabetes, and various allergies. Every sip helps to accelerate cellular purification, eliminate radionuclides, and boost your overall immune system.
As far as treatments go, you’ll be able to bring your body and soul back to a state of balance easily with pearl, mineral, pine or iodide-bromine baths. Or, try the various mud baths, solariums and phytotherapy, massages, and physiotherapy. The cost of stay and treatment in any of the spas located in the area starts at approximately 180hrv/day/person.
Should you decide to make the trip, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the woodland territory found on the grounds of Morshyn. While there, ensure you take in the numerous historical and cultural monuments, such as The Rocks of Dovbush geographic reserve.
www.morshynkurort.net
Truskavets
It may be one of the smallest spa resort towns in the country, but that doesn’t take away from it being one of the most well-known. Located just 80 kilometres from Lviv, Truskavets sees more than 500,000 spa visitors each year, thanks to its 14 mineral springs. Its famous Naftusia mineral water was recognised for its medicinal properties as early as 1833. High in organic matter, it stimulates the endocrine glands and protects and regenerates red blood cells. It also ranks highly in the treatment of renal, urinary, and gall bladder disorders.
Another mineral water, recognised as Truskavetska, stimulates body metabolism, and is recommended for weight loss, as it suppresses the appetite if drunk before a meal. Then there is mineral water from the Yuzia spring, which helps preserve the skin’s fat-bearing cells thanks to glycerine oil inherent in the water, renewing the skin’s structure and suppleness.
Mined a few kilometres from Truskavets, Ozkerit or mountain wax is also actively used in treatment procedures. First heated, it has been successful as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as being used for degenerative diseases. In addition, to various new-age treatments including aerophytotherapy, speliotherapy, and singlactic-oxygen therapy, the more traditional options can be had enjoyed here as well.
As one of the ritzier spa complexes in the country with a large number of venues to choose from, prices in Truskavets generally start at around 300hrv/person/day.
www.truskavetskurort.ua
Other spa options around the country:
Kuyalnik – therapeutic mud resort, just 13 kilometres from Odesa. Treats musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders, skin inflammations, gynaecological and urinary diseases, circulatory and digestive system illnesses.
Soledar – therapeutic salt mine, in the Donetsk region. Treats respiratory diseases and allergies using speleotherapy, thanks to the biologically active aerosol sodium chloride in the air.
Don’t want to go that far? Here’s a few spa options closer to home:
Diva Spa (Opera Hotel, Khmelnytskoho 53, M Vokzalna)
www.operahotel.com
Spa Naturel (Hyatt Regency, A Tarasova 5, M Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
www.kiev.regency.hyatt.com
Leonardo Wellness Club (Khmelnytskoho 17/52a, M Zoloti Vorota)
www.clubleonardo.com
Mimoza Mobile Spa
www.mimoza.ua
by Lana Nicole
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