A beer bath is not a bath in beer, but it does come with a cold, local Grimbergen. This is the new treatment offered by Thermae Grimbergen, just a stone’s throw outside Brussels, ready to welcome not only beer lovers, but anyone in need of a bit of relaxation.
Evoking the beer that originated at the Norbertine abbey, which Saint Norbert of Xanten founded in Grimbergen in 1128, the private room the treatment takes place in is beautifully and meticulously decorated. The stained glass in the windows portrays the phoenix bird, which has always been the symbol of the Grimbergen label. On the opposite side, a wall paining brings homage to the monks that started brewing the beer in the abbey hundreds of years ago.
The setting is just right to transport you to the hallways of the medieval abbey when monks first started preparing the brew. With one very important difference. The room smells nothing like an abbey’s dark, stoned corridors or sour fermentations of hops, malt and yeast. It smells more like a summer garden in the brisk haze of the morning.
You walk in and a bathtub filled with sweet scented foam awaits. There is no actual beer in the bathtub, only the basic ingredients used in its making. “Malt is a powerful antioxidant that slows skin ageing and leaves your skin feeling silky-soft while hops, derived from hemp, have healing properties that deeply hydrate skin, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production”, Thermae explains.
To ensure the smell of beer, that can be quite strong and not to everyone’s liking, does not linger in the room, the products, which are custom made by Thermae’s own beauty products line, Sirene, are infused with bergamot, apple, lavender, chamomile and pineapple. “In aromatherapy, these extracts are known to enhance well-being, lift your mood and help you relax”, Thermae adds.
The experience is more than just the bath. Before submerging, a scrub awaits you in a small bamboo bowl. Infused with the same beer ingredients and sweet yet refreshing scents of the bath foam, the scrub feels delicate and nourishing, while, at the same time, taking off any trace of dead skin or product built-up, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
Now, it’s time to just sit back and enjoy the warm water around you. I did the treatment by myself and loved it, however, I couldn’t help but think it would be a great experience to share with my partner. I certainly know what I’m getting him for his birthday. It is also ideal for a best friends’ outing.
The package of beer scrub and bath for 2 people is €119, quite a bargain since it also includes access to all of the spa’s thermal baths and saunas, complete with an extensive range of Aufguss, scrubbing and relaxation sessions, as well as bathrobes, towels and slippers for both persons and, of course, a cold Grimbergen beer at the bar. Compared to booking everything separately, the package comes in at a 40% discount.
While you’re there, why not book a head spa as well for the perfect pampering day? If that’s not exactly your cup of tea, there are plenty of other promotions and packages to choose from to curate your ideal spa day itinerary. Even better, make a whole weekend getaway out of it with an overnight stay at the hotel on the premises.
