When the mercury drops below zero and the days get shorter, winter spa becomes one of the most effective methods to combat seasonal mood and energy decline.
Instead of falling into a winter sleep, it is worth using this time for conscious biological renewal, which strengthens immunity and prepares the body for the return of spring.
Winter is a demanding period for our body. Central heating dries out the skin, lack of sun lowers vitamin D levels, and frost discourages physical activity. A trip to the wellness zone during this time stops being a whim and becomes an element of mental and physical hygiene. Changing the environment combined with properly selected treatments helps break the home-office routine cycle. The key to a successful rest is not the trip itself but the choice of activities that truly improve well-being.
Winter spa – take care of yourself also in winter
Low temperatures outside cause the body to instinctively seek warmth. Regular sessions in a Finnish sauna, where temperatures reach 90-100 degrees Celsius, act as training for the immune system. Alternating heating and cooling the body stimulates circulation, facilitates toxin removal, and relaxes muscles tense from chills. However, it is important to remember the rules: enter the sauna after showering and thoroughly drying the skin, and finish the session with a cool shower, starting from the feet upwards.
Skin in winter requires a completely different care than in summer. Frost and wind damage the hydrolipidic barrier, causing roughness and irritation. When choosing winter spa packages, it's good to pay attention to treatments based on dense, nourishing butters and natural oils. Hot stone or candle massages are a classic during the cold months. The heat of basalt stones penetrates deep into tissues, eliminating stress accumulated in the shoulders and neck, while the oily base regenerates the epidermis.
The diet aspect should not be overlooked. In winter, metabolism may slow down and we tend to reach for heavier meals more often. A stay at a wellness hotel is a good opportunity to try lighter dishes that warm you from the inside without overloading the stomach. Cream soups made from root vegetables, infusions with ginger and cloves, or dishes rich in groats are fuel providing energy for long walks without causing drowsiness.
Winter holidays at the spa with children
Family trips in January and February are mainly associated with skiing, but not everyone is a fan of white madness on the slope. Spa holidays are an interesting alternative, allowing adults’ needs to be combined with children’s energy. To make such a trip successful for both sides, verifying the water infrastructure is key. A swimming pool is an absolute minimum so children can expend excess energy when the weather doesn't encourage making a snowman.
When planning winter spa holidays, it is good to establish a time division. While one parent enjoys a massage or sauna, the other can take the children for a walk in the area or to the pool. Winter in the forest creates excellent conditions for tracking animal footprints or building an igloo, which is a great break from smartphone and tablet screens.
Winter spa near Warsaw surrounded by forest
People looking for calm in central Poland often look toward areas away from city hustle but with convenient access. An example of a place implementing the concept of relaxation close to nature is Santa Natura Resort & SPA in Wiskitki. The facility is located about 60 km from the center of Warsaw and 90 km from Łódź, allowing quick access via A2 motorway without spending half the day traveling.
The location in the buffer zone of Bolimowski Landscape Park defines the character of the place. The aesthetics of 58 rooms refer to the surrounding nature, focusing on subdued colors and materials conducive to regeneration. It is a space designed for guests who appreciate silence and the possibility of deep sleep. The cuisine at Restaurant OLS, run by chef Grzegorz Birek, serves traditional flavors in a modern interpretation, fitting the comfort food trend – food that wraps you and improves mood.
During the day, animations await the children, and in the evenings, screenings in the cinema room make the time enjoyable.
In winter, guests can use the outdoor pool integrated into a natural pond. This is an unheated reservoir, making it an excellent place for safe winter swimming under the supervision of instructors or independently for experienced people. Next to it is an Estonian sauna in a wooden cabin – after warming up in high temperatures, immersing in cold water is a strong hardening stimulus. For those preferring warmth, there is an indoor pool area with steam and dry sauna.
Completing the relaxation is an extensive spa treatment menu that meets the winter skin needs. It is worth paying attention to the Himalayan Salt Ritual, which combines detoxification with massage using warm salt blocks – an excellent offer to warm up the body. Dry skin from frost and radiators will appreciate strongly moisturizing treatments like HA Hero or the Japanese Kobido facial lifting. Importantly, the offer doesn’t exclude anyone: the Men’s World zone offers rituals dedicated to men’s skin (e.g., Titanium Power), and the Kids SPA provides fruit-based massages with shea butter for children aged 5-15. Thanks to this, the whole family can enjoy free time together, taking care of health and relaxation.
Attractions near Santa Natura
The surroundings of Wiskitki and Bolimowski Landscape Park encourage outdoor activity, even in winter. The proximity of large forest complexes makes it a good starting point for long walks or nordic walking. The flat terrain favors not only hiking but also cross-country skiing. When snow falls, the forest paths of the Bolimowska Forest turn into accessible, natural routes for cross-country skiing enthusiasts who want to train away from crowds.
If the weather is unfavorable or you desire water attractions on a larger scale, the location offers access to well-known swimming complexes. Nearby is the Suntago water park, the largest covered aquapark in Europe, where tropical temperatures prevail year-round. An alternative is the Mszczonów Thermal Baths utilizing hot thermal waters.
Those seeking cultural experiences can visit the nearby Palace in Radziejowice. It is a classicist residence surrounded by a picturesque park, where winter walks take on a historical character. An equally interesting option is a visit to the Museum of Linen in Żyrardów, located in post-industrial interiors of a former factory, telling the story of the region’s industrial glory. Meanwhile, fans of motorsports and adrenaline can test their skills at the Driveland track in Słabomierz, where instructors supervise safe driving training in difficult conditions.
Summary
A winter trip to a hotel with a wellness zone is an investment in health that pays off many times over in better immunity and mood stabilization. Whether you choose a solo weekend with a book and sauna or a family spa holiday, the key is matching activities to your own needs. It’s worth looking for places offering more than just accommodation – access to nature, thoughtful cuisine, and a pool zone.
If you feel your batteries are running low, check available winter spa packages and plan even a short trip. Sometimes two days surrounded by forest and warm water is enough to get through to spring with new energy.
FAQ: Winter SPA and holidays
1. Do SPA treatments in winter differ from summer ones?
Yes, in winter the skin needs stronger nourishment and protection against water loss. That’s why in the treatment menu it’s worth looking for rituals based on dense oils, shea butter, and warming ingredients (e.g., cinnamon, ginger, hot stones) instead of light cooling gels preferred in summer.
2. Is winter swimming in a pond safe for everyone?
Winter swimming is a great way to boost immunity but requires caution. If you’ve never tried it, start with short entries under an instructor’s supervision or with an experienced person. Those with heart problems should consult a doctor before entering icy water.
3. What to pack for a winter trip with children to a spa hotel?
Besides standard pool equipment (flip-flops, swimsuit, goggles), take warm clothes for forest walks (hats, gloves, waterproof shoes). It’s also good to bring loose sportswear so children can freely use the playroom or animations.
4. If I don’t ski downhill, will I find attractions nearby?
Of course. Winter is an ideal time for nordic walking on forest trails in the Bolimowska Forest or cross-country skiing, which doesn’t require slopes. Nearby attractions like thermal baths or museums are available regardless of skiing conditions.
5. Can children use the wellness zone?
Most family-friendly hotels have designated zones or pool hours for kids. Offers like Kids SPA (e.g., fruit massages) are specifically for the youngest, but saunas or quiet zones are usually available only for adults.