The Steps to a Great Bathing Experience
Our world-famous hot mineral baths are one of our most popular and memorable experiences. And with the restoration of Downtown and the magnificent Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center & Museum, they are becoming even more popular.
Some visitors, however, have questions and show some concerns about the bathing experience because of modesty or assumptions about the nature of the baths. To reassure your clients about the pleasurable and STRESS-FREE bath environment, here are the steps involved in the bath regimen:
- As clients enter the bathhouses of their choice, their valuables will be locked in individual security boxes and the keys given to them for safekeeping.
- Next, the bather is escorted to the bathing area dressing rooms. The bath is a totally private experience, not a group bath. A personal attendant for the bather (of the same gender) will first assist in helping the bather into a cotton “toga-style” bathing wrap.
- Then the bather is given a cup of hot mineral water to drink. This is not a sulfuric “medicinal tasting” water -often associated with some hot springs - but our pure mineral water. It is free of contaminants and is world famous for its wonderful taste. The hot water helps ready the bather’s body for the 100 degree bath.
- Next the bather enters the bath. Throughout the bath, which lasts about 20 minutes, the bather’s progress and condition will be monitored by the attendant.
- Each bather is given the choice of a “sitz” bath or a steam cabinet. The “sitz” bath is a special tub allowing the legs and feet to rest over its edge, the therapeutic effect concentrating on the lower trunk.
- These are followed by hot packs and then a needle shower.
- Finally, the bather has the option of a full-body Swedish Massage, lasting a minimum of 20 minutes. A more relaxed and fresher-looking client leaves the baths.