Escape Everyday Life at Elamus Spa
Text Susanna Poikela Photos GoodNews, Evelin Kruus, Karen Harms
The 21+ section of Elamus Spa is an open, atrium-like space where the pools, bar, and relaxation areas form a unified whole.
The discounted tickets to Elamus Spa that we had bought two years ago waited surprisingly long for the right moment. As their final validity date approached, I invited a friend along and we headed off to try the still unfamiliar Spa 21+ section for both of us.
We began our spa visit with an aroma ritual. After that came a sound ritual, and thirdly we experienced a wonderful whisking ritual. Between the rituals we swam, enjoyed the saunas, and simply relaxed.
Three sauna rituals
Around fifteen people took part in the aroma ritual. The sauna master placed scented ice clusters onto the heater stones, where they melted and released aromatic fragrances into the air. The scents ranged from relaxing and sensual to refreshing. Calm music played in the background while the ritual master circulated air around the sauna with a large fan. The pleasant airflow carried the fragrances through the sauna. We sat quietly with our eyes closed, and ten minutes flew by. At the end, a feeling of complete relaxation spread through the whole body.
The second ritual was a sound ritual, in which the sauna master used various instruments ranging from wind chimes to a shaman drum and singing bowl. He also used his own voice, and I could even hear hints of throat singing. Personally, the instruments alone would have been enough for me, but my friend also enjoyed the man’s voice. The session took place in a sauna scented with rose, and the fragrance world suited the soundscape perfectly. Around ten people participated in this ritual.
In the final ritual there were only four participants, so full-body whisking was easy to carry out. The sauna master guided us into the practice itself through stories. While he spoke about whisking, we drank warm lemon balm tea, which is said to increase sweating. At the end we were given birch whisks, and the actual ritual began. First I whisked my friend, and then it was my turn to rest on the sauna bench and be whisked. The experience was truly relaxing, and the wonderful scent of birch leaves filled the sauna.
The Spa 21+ area is perfect for long visits
The adults-only section was extremely peaceful in the middle of the week. We spent just under three hours at the spa in Mustamäe, but this kind of experience deserves even more time. It is also possible to eat well, and enjoy drinks on site. I would say four hours is enough time to properly explore the Spa 21+ section.
The Spa 21+ area includes eight different saunas and pools, among them a wonderful Japanese pool. For someone as sensitive to cold as me, the hot pool was perfect. Along one wall there were covered double loungers side by side, and opposite them stood a drinks bar serving health drinks and alcoholic beverages alike. I tried a non-alcoholic citrus-based cocktail, while my friend chose sparkling wine. Between rituals we relaxed in the lounge area with our drinks. Everywhere there was a wonderfully calm atmosphere.
The SPA21+ section is an open, atrium-like area with a larger pool, whirlpool and drinks bar at its centre. On one side are the saunas, and on the other the relaxation area. It is also possible to book body treatments in advance. The treatment rooms are accessed directly from the pool area. Elamus Spa also has an outdoor area with pools and sun loungers. We ended our visit in the outdoor sauna located in the public section of Elamus Spa. In temperature and steam it resembled a traditional Finnish sauna.
Elamus Spa 21+ is open every day from 10:00 to midnight, and the age limit is 18. The duration of the spa visit is not restricted.
Elamus Spa, Akadeemia tee 30, Tallinn.
To learn more about this and similar topicsElamus Spa sauna rituals Spa spa restaurant Tallinn wellbeing whisking ritual
