Published: September 16, 2024
Updated: September 24, 2024
Hungary is renowned for its thermal baths, and nestled in the heart of the country lies a true hidden gem – the Jonathermál Spa in Kiskunmajsa. This expansive wellness complex offers a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and therapeutic benefits for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into what makes this spa a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Diverse Pool Selection
One of the most striking features of Jonathermál is its impressive array of pools. The spa boasts:
- Four medicinal pools (35°C, 38°C, therapeutic swimming pool, and a circular pool)
- An adventure pool with 14 different experience elements and a slide
- A wave pool with four types of experience elements
- A slide park featuring four giant slides and six experience elements in the slide pool
- An open beach area with aquapark elements
- Two children’s pools with slides and various fun elements
This diverse selection ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking therapeutic benefits or just looking to have fun with family and friends.
Wellness Facilities
Beyond the pools, Jonathermál offers a range of wellness facilities to enhance your relaxation experience:
- A sauna island with an aroma sauna, Finnish sauna, and steam cabin
- A separate Finnish dry sauna
- A plunge pool for sauna users
- A jacuzzi
- A salt room
These facilities provide the perfect opportunity to detoxify, rejuvenate, and unwind after a long day of swimming and sunbathing.
Activities for All
The spa isn’t just about water-based activities. Visitors can also enjoy:
- Two playgrounds
- A labyrinth
- Two volleyball courts
- A grass football pitch
- A grass basketball court
- Two skittles alleys
- An outdoor chess set
- Outdoor fitness equipment
These amenities make Jonathermál an ideal destination for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a diverse day out.
Therapeutic Benefits
The spa’s thermal waters are known for their healing properties. They are particularly beneficial for:
- Degenerative musculoskeletal conditions (arthrosis)
- Chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases
- Soft tissue rheumatism
- Post-operative or post-fracture conditions
- Gynecological issues
- Rehabilitation after cerebral events (six months post-incident)
Always consult with a medical professional before using thermal waters for therapeutic purposes, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Special Events and Programs
Throughout the year, Jonathermál hosts various events and programs to enhance the visitor experience:
- Summer night bathing sessions with music and special lighting
- Holiday-themed events during Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
- Wellness weekends with special packages and treatments
These events add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit and are particularly popular among regular guests.
Environmental Considerations
It’s worth noting that Jonathermál is committed to environmental sustainability. The complex uses the thermal water’s heat energy in an environmentally friendly way to heat the rooms during the winter months, ensuring a constant pleasant temperature for guests while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Contact Information and Details
Jonathermál Gyógy- és Élményfürdő Address: 6120 Kiskunmajsa, Kőkút tanya 26, Hungary Phone: +36 77 481 855 Email: info@jonathermal.hu
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, year-round
- Night bathing on Fridays and Saturdays:
- June 1 – August 31: 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- September 1 – May 31: 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Ticket Prices (as of 2024):
- Adult: 3,900 HUF (all day) / 3,500 HUF (after 3 PM)
- Children and Students (4-18 years): 3,500 HUF (all day) / 3,000 HUF (after 3 PM)
- Seniors: 3,500 HUF (all day) / 3,000 HUF (after 3 PM)
- Family tickets and weekly passes are also available at discounted rates
My Personal Experience
Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of the complex. Spanning 20 hectares, the spa is set in a lush, green environment that instantly puts you in a relaxed mood. The abundance of mature trees providing ample shade was a welcome sight, especially considering the hot summer day.
The variety of pools is impressive. There’s a big wave pool that’s super fun, several thermal pools with different temperatures, a lap pool for swimming, and even a lake-like area with a sandy beach! For the kids (or the young at heart), there’s a great water slide park with four different slides. The best part? All of this is included in the entrance fee!
Affordable Pricing
Speaking of the entrance fee, I thought it was pretty reasonable for what you get. A family ticket for two adults and two kids was around 11,000 HUF (about 30 EUR), which is a steal considering you can spend the whole day there and use all the facilities.
Therapeutic Benefits
As someone with occasional back pain, I was keen to experience the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters. After consulting with the on-site specialist, I focused on the pools recommended for musculoskeletal conditions.
I also tried a session of underwater jet massage. The combination of the thermal water and the targeted massage left me feeling more mobile and significantly less tense.
Tip: If you’re interested in the therapeutic treatments, book in advance, especially during busy periods. The most popular time slots fill up quickly
Thermal Pools – The Main Attraction
One of the highlights for me was definitely the outdoor thermal pool. The water was so warm and soothing, perfect for easing those achy muscles. Just a heads up though, it can get pretty sunny out there, so you might want to bring a hat or hope they install some sun shades soon.
The Pool Paradise
The variety of pools at Jonathermál is truly impressive. We made it our mission to try as many as possible:
- The four medicinal pools, each with a different temperature, provided soothing relief for my aching muscles. I found the 38°C pool particularly beneficial for my chronic back pain.
- The adventure pool was a highlight, with 14 different experience elements that had us laughing like children.
- The wave pool was exhilarating. The anticipation of waiting for the waves to start, followed by the joy of riding them, was a delight I hadn’t experienced since childhood.
- The slide park was an unexpected thrill. Despite initial hesitation, I tried all four giant slides and found myself racing back up for more.
Wellness Facilities
After an energetic morning in the pools, we explored the wellness facilities:
- The sauna island was a revelation. I alternated between the aroma sauna, Finnish sauna, and steam cabin, feeling the tension melt away with each session.
- The salt room was a new experience for me. The calming atmosphere and the purported respiratory benefits left me feeling refreshed.
- We ended our wellness journey with a dip in the jacuzzi, which was the perfect way to unwind.
Family-Friendly Features
For the kids (or the young at heart), there’s a great water slide park with four different slides. The best part? All of this is included in the entrance fee!
What impressed me most was how the spa caters to all age groups. My children were thrilled with the dedicated kids’ pools and play areas. The artificial lake with its sandy beach was a particular hit, offering a perfect spot for the little ones to build sandcastles.
Activities for All
While I primarily came for the waters, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of additional activities:
- I challenged my partner to a game on the outdoor chess set, which was a fun break from water activities.
- The volleyball courts were busy with friendly matches, adding a lively atmosphere to the surroundings.
- I noticed many families enjoying the playgrounds and the labyrinth, making it clear that Jonathermál caters well to all age groups.
Food Options
Now, let’s talk food. There are tons of food stalls and restaurants scattered around the complex. I tried a few different places and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety. One tip: try the fried fish (Hekk) at the “Andrea buffet” – it was delicious! Prices were generally okay for a tourist spot, though some things like the cheese and sour cream lángos (a kind of Hungarian fried bread) at 1,900 HUF seemed a bit steep.
Cleanliness and Facilities
The facilities were generally clean and well-maintained. The changing rooms and toilets were kept tidy, though the shower heads could use an upgrade.
Pro tip: Arrive early if you want to snag a good spot in the shade!
Peak Season Considerations
One thing to note is that it can get pretty crowded during peak season. I went on a Friday and it was busy but manageable. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, maybe try visiting during the week or in the shoulder season.
Accommodation Options
As for accommodation, they have a campsite and some small wooden houses for rent. I didn’t stay overnight, but people seemed to like the camping facilities. There’s even a small lake on the grounds where you can fish!
Minor Downsides
A few things to be aware of:
- Some people mentioned that the staff, especially the lifeguards, could be a bit gruff at times.
- If you have mobility issues, be aware that not all areas are easily accessible.
- There are tiny water bugs in some of the outdoor thermal pools. They’re harmless, but if you’re squeamish about that kind of thing, you might want to stick to the indoor pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there parking available at Jonathermál Spa? A: Yes, there is free parking available for spa guests.
Q: Are there lockers for storing valuables? A: Yes, lockers are available for rent at 500 HUF per locker.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks? A: While there are numerous dining options within the spa, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks. However, glass containers are not permitted for safety reasons.
Q: Is the spa suitable for children? A: Absolutely! There are dedicated children’s pools and play areas, making it an excellent destination for families.
Q: Are towels provided? A: Towels are not provided, so it’s recommended to bring your own or rent one at the spa.
Q: Is the spa accessible for people with mobility issues? A: While the spa has made efforts to improve accessibility, some visitors have reported that certain areas could be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s best to contact the spa directly for specific accessibility information.
Q: Are pets allowed in the spa or accommodation areas? A: Pets are generally not allowed in the spa area for hygiene reasons. However, some accommodation options may allow pets for an additional fee. It’s best to check with the management when booking.
Overall Impression
I had an absolute blast. Sure, there were a few minor things that could be improved, like adding some shade over the outdoor thermal pool, but nothing major. It’s a fantastic place to spend a day or even a weekend, especially if you’ve got kids. They’ll love it!
