Thermal Resorts: Wellness is much more than a sauna or bubble bath

The true meaning of wellness? That can be interpreted broadly, according to Frank Veldwachter, Marketing Manager at Thermen Resorts. "As far as we are concerned, it goes beyond just using a sauna or bubble bath. At Thermen Resorts, we promise you wellness at the very highest level. You find yourself in a relaxation bubble, so to speak: the baths, the saunas, the good food, and finally a wonderful, comfortable hotel experience. We strongly believe that a hotel is an extension of the Thermen experience."

Hans and Ineke Dolman, the founders of Thermen Resorts, are the perfect example of how spirituality and entrepreneurship come together. How it all started? Veldwachter says: "Years ago, Hans and Ineke spent a day at the sauna themselves. Secretly, Hans saw plenty of areas for improvement. And then Ineke said: 'Then we should do it ourselves!'" And so, after seven years of preparation, Thermen Bussloo opened its doors in 2006.

Meanwhile, the Dolman family has been working on their mission for years: a stress-free life for everyone. They do this with six heartwarming and enchanting Thermen Resorts: Thermen Bussloo, of course, but also Thermen Soesterberg, Thermen Bad Nieuweschans, Thermen Berendonck, Thermen Maarssen and Thermen Maastricht. 

Fully relaxed and stress-free living starts with passing on positive energy, according to Veldwachter. "To your guests, but also to your employees. If you give positive energy to your employees, they ultimately pass that positive feeling back to your guests. Whether your guests stay for a day, a weekend or a week: if they then leave your hotel completely relaxed and balanced, they also radiate that to their surroundings when they return home. A vision we truly believe in. This is how we make the world just a little bit more stress-free."

It gives a lot of energy to work on that objective every day, Veldwachter stresses. "It is important to think at every step of the guest journey: how can we make this part of the guest experience even more enjoyable? How do we put even more positive energy into this part of the guest journey?"

"You do that by focusing on the smallest details. Because even those can have a big impact," Veldwachter explains. "For example, think of a tantalising text that you place somewhere to tell your guests that they can hang their towel there. Make sure that even that text is a nice one to read and makes you smile. That way, even the smallest details are a positive experience."

Veldwachter has an enthusiastic message for hotels: "Cut loose and look at your business in a new way! From a stress-free perspective, for example. When I visit hotels myself, I often notice that processes follow fixed rules. Check-in is one of those standard procedures that you can secretly make much more fun for your guests."

"Try to really pay attention to your guest. Don't just ask if they had a good trip, but add an extra dimension. Really listen to them and respond to the information and energy you receive back. That way, you really connect: not just functionally, but also personally. Because in my view, personal attention is also one of the most important parts of a top Thermen experience."

"One day is actually not enough to really unwind," Veldwachter says. "We think that should include a hotel stay, as we have been doing successfully for years at Thermen Bussloo and Thermen Bad Nieuweschans. At Thermen Berendonck, we go one step further." 

Here, Thermen Resorts is currently building a magical and luxurious wellness hotel with 103 rooms, two restaurants, its own Retreats department and a presidential suite. "What is unique about the hotel is the chosen theme, which is an extension of the thermal baths," Veldwachter says. "It feels like staying overnight in the 1001-night fairy tale. A holiday in oriental atmospheres, without a long plane journey. We do this with special Indian details, a fine-dining restaurant, a real Maharajah suite and an experience tunnel between the wellness area and the hotel. Guests thus simply make the crossing in their bathrobes in a relaxed way, without leaving the wellness bubble."

Construction started in May 2023, and developments are moving fast. "It's fantastic when you see how much work has already been done. We will officially open the doors in March 2025. Guests will be welcomed into the heart of the hotel and immediately imagine themselves in luxury."

According to Veldwachter, good food is also part of the Thermen experience. "In the hotel of Thermen Berendonck, there will therefore also be a fine-dining restaurant, which will cook at star level. We are using a lot of dark tones so that it looks mystical. There will also be a private dining room behind the kitchen with a view through from the wine cooler to the kitchen. So you see: with the right approach, hotel and wellness go hand in hand."