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A peaceful Sunday?

If not wanting to be stuck in traffic, heading to Oostende on a Sunday on a long weekend is not the best choice. Nor having to return later on that evening! 

But in need of a different experience and noting how our go-to wellness resort is already reserved out a day on forehand (wow!), it's a dive into the deep end.

What doesn't help the peaceful frame of mind, is that the Villa Aqua wellness center in Oostende doesn't do reservations: will it be sold-out? Will it be jam-packed? 

Therefore the question: is relaxation really on the cards?

Anyway, why have we not earlier visited this place, afterall it's not too far away? Don't know (as in unknown) is a good answer. They are also not really well in selling themselves. And nobody I know of, has recommended this.

A look at Google reviews (based on nearly 600 reviewers) gives it 4.3 stars which is not top notch, but probably do-able; sometimes it's just expectations. 

My expectations are these: a good place to while away an afternoon. 

So not too high.

Villa Aqua is located on the outskirts of the city of Oostende, just short of the airport runway. Don't be too concerned, the airport is not busy. 

Ample parking available. It could also be able to reach by public transport (an Achilles heel of nearly all wellness center set ups), but not too far from the city as evidenced by bicyles parked out front.

Progress

Our experience. 

Well, traffic was not too bad after all, we are going north south rather than east-west. 

The entry is efficient, expect a 40€ entrance fee. 

You are then sent to the dressing rooms and even though it's obvious you are not familiar here, your left to your own devices. Some lockers are defect in the jam packed locker room.

After undressing, you then logically proceed to the showers and to the main hall which contains a warmer relax pool in the center. 

On the one side is the entry to the restaurant facilities, otherwise there are 4 sauna's available, a steamroom, an ice room and a big jacuzzi all off this hall. 

 The north side is a glass wall to the outside which is packed with loungers. And a pool. 

We walk around outside: there's the pool, a bigger sauna, and at the back a smaller building with more showers and 2 sauna's. 

Pity that the 2 outside jacuzzi's are not in working order. 

Note also there is no explanation of the set up (a map?).

It's not too busy when we arrive, though during the day more visitors are incoming. Progressively younger too, though the average age may well be more older. Many couples, just the odd small group of friends.

Aufguss happens regularily in the bigger outside sauna. 

Our mid-afternoon session is attended by nearly 40 soakers, with more space available. 

The Meister did a handy job, though the level of details seems to suggest that he just walked in that morning and would be entirely comfortable throwing some water on the sauna rocks and wave with a towel. Very rustic.

Discounted

Otherwise it was a good weekend, good enough to return if not for the price. Here's an overview of what to expect for amount of money, locally (south-west Netherlands, western Flanders; as of November 2024):

Well, now that I made this overview, in comparison the entrance fee for Villa Aqua is not too bad. 

I can remember when you paid halve the above, 10 years ago? 

I now also understand why some people shop around, seek voucher sites, look uplast-minute deals or use member websites offering discounts. They all assist in getting the price down.

The bistro menu was not too bad, better than expected for vegetarians. Prices expensive, but service was good, so that helps. 

Other points I would share. 

Management go to quite some effort to request users to try to be silent. Even though, this seems to help little. People feel that talk is required for, even if the sauna is designated silent. 

Luckily there's quite some choice of sauna's, so there is a chance to avoid the louder sauna users.

I also thought the atmosphere was very open. And relaxed. Could have been an exception but it helps in bringing the score I'm going to give to Villa Aqua is 8.5.

Other reviews sites
* Tripadvisor: 3.5 (138 reviews)
* Facebook 4.5 (133 reviews)
* Bongo: 4.5 (34 reviews)

For more footage (devoid of humans) you can also look up the Instagram account of Villa Aqua.