It's Better to Travel than Arrive?

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive"

Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginibus Puerisque, 1881.


"Robert Louis Stevenson speaks utter tosh and has

obviously never flown long haul economy class"

Kristy, first ever blog post, 2011.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Spa Review : Der Oschberghof



Last Thursday I had appointment at Der Oschberghof in Donaueschingen to receive my birthday massage (yes, I know, my birthday's in January but I was a wee bit late getting myself organised).  The glorious Elke1 had very kindly given me a massage voucher for the spa at this gorgeous hotel, about 45 minutes from home.

I checked in with a friendly Spa receptionist, and as I was early, I was seated in a small relaxation area with a lovely cup of green tea.  I pulled out my book and chilled for a little while before I was escorted downstairs to the treatment rooms where I met Senta, my masseuse.

Senta and I were in a really lovely room, well on par with anything I've experienced anywhere in the world.  It was beautifully decorated and had lovely soft "tinkling" typical spa music playing quietly in the background.

Senta asked me to undress and I asked if there was a robe, or disposable knickers, or anything at all.  She said she had some disposable knickers if I wanted them, but she was happy with me naked if I was happy with me naked.  Now, I know this is a bit odd, and I felt slightly weird, but Germans seem to be more used to being naked than other people I've met.  If you go to a sauna here, everyone is naked and you're not allowed to wear your bikini - and that's why I don't go to German saunas!

Anyway, I undressed and lay down on the treatment bed and covered myself with a towel and Senta offered me a selection of oils and lotions to see which I'd prefer to be massaged with.  They all smelt lovely, I chose a fresh green flowery smell, and Senta started the massage.  I don't know about you, but I like a firm massage.  I'm not one for feathery soft strokes.  I want to be able to walk out of a massage and feel like something has actually happened.  About 5 minutes into a quite pleasant, though not mind blowing, massage Senta asked if it was okay and I said she could go much harder if she wanted to.

"No problem" she said, and turned around to the CD player and changed it from tinkly massage music to old R&B and jazzed up spirituals, and then she got stuck in to me.  It was one of the best massages I've ever had, as good as anything I had in Thailand from my lovely Khun Al.  My long term diary readers will remember Khun Al, the old lady at the massage centre at the end of our soi, who used to take great pleasure in battering the stuffing out of me; punching, whacking and chopping with a huge smile on her face.  Well, this was almost as good as that.

After my hour was up, I really felt fantastic and Senta went off to make me a cup of tea whilst I dressed. I was then shown into a huge relaxation lounge with chaises and fabbo Fat Boy bean bags - lovely.  I know tipping isn't as expected here, but before Senta left me I gave her a healthy tip as it was certainly deserved.

So, if you want a special treat, get yourself along to the spa at Der Oschberghof and make sure you ask for Senta!!

Der Oschberghof
Golfplatz 1
78166 Donaueschingen
Ph:- +49 (0) 771 840
info@oeschberghof.com

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