Travel associated with maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being is considered wellness tourism, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
In recent years, many countries have started offering medical tourism, but Poland has become increasingly popular.
Here are some of the reasons why Poland is a dream destination for body renewal as well as mental and physical revival:
1. Growing medical tourism market with excellent facilities
Medical services in Poland can be accessed through clinics and health centres that are equipped with modern equipment and facilities. Most of these medical facilities are state-owned, but some prominent private institutions cater to the needs of foreign medical travellers.
When it comes to an unforgettable wellness experience, Busko county is teeming with choices including Kazimierza Wielka thermal pools, Solec Zdrój Health Resort, and Graduation Tower.
Polish medical institutions are certified by the Polish Ministry of Health and are recognised by the European Union and NATO. International accreditation includes ISO as well as the Trent Accreditation Scheme from the UK and the European Society for Quality in Healthcare.
Graduation Tower in Busko
2. Well-served by European budget airlines and railways
Europe has a number of low-cost airlines, some of the largest and most established being EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, and Wizz Air. These airlines have stirred up air travel within Europe by dramatically cutting fares.
Aside from airlines, Poland has rail connections with all its neighbouring countries. Several direct trains arrive daily in both Kraków and Warsaw from Prague, Budapest, and Vienna; while Poznań, Wrocław, and Warsaw all have regular connections to Germany.
Once inside the country, travelling by rail makes it quite simple to reach many different wellness facilities. They connect the larger cities to the smaller towns and allow for the ability to visit multiple different areas of the country throughout your stay.
Don’t forget, Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe. So there are many different landscapes, cultures, and traditions to experience; especially when visiting areas that are centred around health and wellness.
3. Great range of hotels
Poland is known for its romantic small towns and picturesque cities and boasts a beautiful selection of luxury hotels that reflect the country’s heritage.
Some of the notable hotels are Hotel Kielce, Słoneczny Zdrój Hotel, and Bristol Hotel. These hotels are luxury resorts that have a spa and multiple opportunities for rejuvenation. The possibilities are truly endless in these sorts of hotels.
4. A large number of quality sulphide springs
Its sulphide springs, which are quite unique in Europe, are well known in Busko-Zdroj. Of course, the town is also one of the most attractive and popular spa destinations in Poland – as it has been since the beginning of the 19th century.
These springs are incredibly healing with many minerals that allow the thermal waters to ignite a healing transformation. These springs are not only great to soak in but they’re also wonderful to the body and mind as you indulge in the experience. Relax and let all your worries drift away once you’re able to pick which spring to go to.
Outside the springs in the area, there are many annual cultural events, including the Festival of Busko-Zdroj, the Ponidzie International Exhibition of Photography, the Florianski Fair, the International Music Festival, the International Folk Festival, and the Summer with Chopin.
Do you need more? Teeming with historic sites and tourist attractions, the area around Busko also provides brilliant opportunities for day trips.
5. High standard of healthcare
Poland’s healthcare system ranks 9th in the Index for Fiscal Sustainability. It ranks 14th in the world, when it comes to national solvency. And being manageable at a 47% debt-to-GDP ratio, it has reduced its public health spending over the last 10 years. Overall, Poland has strict price controls and access restrictions that keep spending growth in a manageable range.
This standard of healthcare also translates into the wellness options that are available within the country. State-of-the-art facilities, along with some of the greatest, world-class practitioners of healthcare in the world, make not only reactive healthcare readily available but also preventive care and maintenance throughout all life stages.
6. Incredible food to fuel your body
Throughout Poland, there are many different options when it comes to food, but there are also a few staples. Once in the country, be sure not to leave without trying traditional pierogies with a side of kapusta, makowic, or paczki. These are must-haves to fully experience the country and the culture.
Outside the staples, other typical Polish food includes a variety of meats, cabbage, and a variety of potato dishes.
Most meals are also typically served with bread to make a well-rounded, carb-heavy meal to sustain you throughout the winters, which can be harsh.
With each wellness resort, there are incredible menus that make up a variety of dishes, both traditional and contemporary. Be sure to check with the locals at your resort to find the best places to eat within the area you’re staying.
7. The landscape is breathtaking and rejuvenating
If you’re able to escape the city centres and make your way to the mountainside, you’ll be overtaken by the vast landscapes that you’ll encounter along the way.
Poland is situated at a geographic crossroads. It has everything from high mountain peaks in the Polish alps, which are great for a hike; to beaches along the Baltic Sea, where you’re able to rest and relax as you take in some rays and enjoy the sunset.
Beyond the views, some Polish cities such as Bialystok, are known for being away from industry production giving them one of the highest air quality in the world.
You don’t know how much different the air is until you breathe it in for yourself and your health is sure to improve with a little fresh air.
Takeaway
Poland has a little something for everyone and a lot of different options for those who are into health and wellness.
Next time you’re planning a trip to Europe, don’t overlook Poland for your own wellness and recovery retreat. Not only is it affordable, but it will be one of the greatest memory-making destinations you may ever visit.
A mental health advocate, Graham Howell is the video editor of Psychreg.
