Narva nirvana

Aug 20, 2008
Julia Zulutskaja

NARVA - The local government plans to turn Narva- Joesuu into the European city of spas. Deciding to check its progress, I traveled over 200 kilometers to the very east of Estonia to explore the modern summer resort, which used to be popular among the nobility of St. Petersburg and Moscow.

A traffic sign on the Tallinn-Narva motorway warned of cross winds. Strong winds always blow at the car’s left side because the road to Narva-Joesuu streches along the coastline above the sea. This breathtaking view of the bay and the fluffy foliage makes it feel like the road to paradise.
The three-hour journey to the mouth of the Narva River fascinates with its peaceful sunrise.
Narva-Joesuu greeted me with ancient pine trees, a fresh, gentle sea breeze and a white-painted brick house: the Meresuu Spa and Hotel.

One could never imagine that such a spot in Estonia has a bit of something for everyone.
The former health center of the Kreenholm Manufacture, the 19th-century mill, has been rebuilt, complete with a spa, and decorated in a delicate cream-colored style. The Meresuu Spa and Hotel impresses with its magnificent restaurant and numerous comfortable rooms adorned with modern furniture.
Despite being tempted by an extensive lunch and dinner at the restaurants, I opted for a spa with seven different pools, five saunas and bathtubs.

I must confess that the managers of the hotel are right when they say: “Not only does time stand still out there — all the mundane worries fade away as well.” I was really spoiled for choice. Wearing a white waffle bathrobe, I shifted from one steam room to another. Finally, after aromatherapy at the steam room and a divine jacuzzi, I could relax by the pool, sipping my freshly squeezed orange juice.

A trip to Narva-Joesuu wouldn’t be complete without a walk on the famous 13-kilometer white sand beach lined with pine trees. The sea allures with its curly waves. It’s not a Canarian beach, but I could easily dig my feet into the warm, silky sand and enjoy the romantic sunset.

What makes this eastern resort special is the chance to be in privacy as well as around a noisy crowd.
With a funky pirate-themed pub called the Skull and Crossbones on the beach and a disco in the hotel, Narva-Joesuu provides more than just quiet spas. Dancing in the evening, I realized that I was far from alone.
The resort is also a hit with the locals. And as a recent trip proved, it holds its own for a day out, even when it’s pelting rain. No wonder this gorgeous place has inspired many poets, writers and composers of yore.
Narva-Joesuu is not the city of spas quite yet, but visiting this health resort will be a relaxing and memorable experience.

There is more information on www.narva-joesuu.ee

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