Balcova Springs | Spa's and Thermal Springs

The Balcova Springs looks to be the formula the Turkish government's ministry of health and tourism must follow if they are to achieve the stated aim of becoming the world's number one thermal tourism destination by 2023.

Possessing not only a 1,000 bed capacity but also the world's largest indoor thermal pool, the spa complex, situated in western Turkey, offers a wide range of treatments using its sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate rich waters. A patient therapy pool, sauna, massage, underwater massage, ultrasound, physical exercise, electro-therapy and physical therapy are all provided.

Rheumatic diseases, digestive maladies, post-injury healing, post-operative problems, as well as calcification and metabolic disorders are among the conditions which can be improved over the time of a stay at the Balcova Springs.

The complex sits on the site of the Agamemnon Baths. Legend has it that Greek hero Agamemnon was told by an oracle to direct his soldiers, who had been wounded in battles against Troy, to the Balcova Springs and its sulphur-rich waters, where their wounds were healed. Greek orator Aelius Aristides was a regular visitor and he believed Asclepius the demi-god of medicine began to prohetise at the site.

Accommodation-wise, there is the choice between a 400-bed three star hotel and a 600-bed five star hotel which features a new park.

According to the Balcova Thermal Spa Hotel: "This very Historic Spa has a wonderful setting. The climate is perfect. Turkish hospitality is unequalled. And now we've installed the best Health Sector architecture, facilities and equipment too."

Such is the depth of health advice and medical support at the complex, that the centre is split into different departments, similar to a hospital in an organisational sense. Sections include: diagnosis, balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, paraffin and mud, kinezitherapy, massage, occupational therapy, a dental clinic and beauty centre.

The diagnosis department itself is huge and has facilities which come up to the best standards of modern-day private healthcare. Such as : "Ten Examination Rooms, Laboratory sedimentation, ASO, CRP, RF, complete urine analysis, blood glucose, biochemical analysis x-ray, emergency and EKG room, meeting hall, library, computer and archive room and a 24-hour ambulance service."

In terms of the water treatment itself, a 56-cell bath with provision for whole and partial sitting give thermotherapy to guests. These spaces are supplemented by three swimming pools of various sizes and three thermal Jacuzzis.

A range of hydrotherapy facilities are available, including an exercise pool, jacuzzi, underwater massage, whirlpool, jet-bath, vichy bath, mani-jet, pedi-jet and a contrast bath which finishes with a treatment of ice-cold water.

Anyone with a condition which could benefit from the treatment of an electrical current will be interested to know about the low frequency current (Diadynami), middle frequency current (interference), high frequency current (short-wave), galvanic-farady Current (4-Cell), TENS, Ultrasound and Fluidotherapy treatments on offer.

Health and beauty does not go neglected at the Balcova Springs either, with skin care, physiotherapy and weight loss programmes are all catered for.

In terms of quality and depth of medical service, there is no spa centre which tops the Balcova Springs.