An Estonian fairytale

  • 2009-01-07

SEA OF SNOW: The views found on the road to Saaremaa can almost make the trip worthwhile on their own.

TALLINN - It looks like winter has finally arrived in the Baltics. The temperature is well below zero and crispy snowdrifts delight the Southern two Baltic countries. But not in the capital of Estonia 's Tallinn seems to be forgotten by the "snow fairy" this year and not a single snow flake can be found.
However even those who happen to be in Estonia at this time of year can still have a snow ball fight, burn their noses in the frost and then justifiably warm up with mulled wine.

This time's destination is Saaremaa Island, the Mecca for those fond of spa procedures, good food, top quality service, fresh air and the only place with white and puffy snow 's at least for now. The cute-little capital, Kuressaare, is like a fantasy village drowning in snow and amazingly welcoming for freshly arrived city people demanding relaxation for the mind and body.

Any trip starts with the road. The drive from Tallinn to Virtsu port will take about an hour through picturesque villages and forests. Once on the ferry, enjoy half an hour in the second deck bar watching the naked mainland coast moving away as the ferry dodges huge ice-floes.

The ferry first arrives at Muhu Island, which is so small that it's usually overlooked until arriving at the thin but breathtaking isthmus connecting the isle with Saaremaa. The stretch of land is only 3.6 km long.
But this is in the summer; now the water is frozen and covered with snow. A light fog hangs over the road and rays of light cut through it. It is an amazing experience; it seems that there is no end and no beginning. Imagine that driving through a cloud should feel this way, at least according to the fairytales.

Kuressaare is still another half an hour of comfortable driving away. The town is famous for its cozy little hotels and luxurious spas, the most famous of which is named after famous Estonian tenor 's Georg Ots.
In short it is called GO spa, which is obviously a well-planned word game. It is a big and modern entertainment and relaxation center, located on the bay. Spacious rooms with a sea view, and a lobby bar with a huge fireplace create unbelievably cozy evenings.

Nothing can be better for a winter evening than wrapping up with a soft blanket next to the fire and having an after-dinner chat with a glass of mulled wine.
 The wellness and water center at the complex deserves a special attention. Where else is it possible to enjoy a hot Jacuzzi while sipping freshly squeezed juice, and at the same time watching a sea covered in snow just a few meters and a glass wall away. Or the fabulous feeling of swimming under the snow flakes in the outdoor pool right after the sauna.

The spa also offers an outstanding restaurant and body and mind pampering procedures. Once getting in, there won't be any desire to leave.
 However, there are quite a few points of interest within walking distance. Go for a morning walk around town and definitely visit the castle next to the hotel. Enjoy the sunrise over the frozen sea and get the feeling of a total getaway.