Though my tendency is to want to write another post about something food-related, I am resisting that urge to write about a venue in Berlin that lies at the other end of the energy spectrum. The place in question in Aspria, a gym/spa/restaurant/café/hotel/social club in Berlin located in the former West. The fact that is located in the former West is important because it partially explains why most Aspria members are either
a) older Berliners who were born and raised in West Berlin, and have probably only crossed into the now-former East a handful of times since November 11, 1989;
b) these older Berliners’ children;
c) German celebrities; or
d) well-heeled Russians.
Thus visiting Aspria will not give you a well-rounded impression of Berlin, but it will leave you feeling energized, rejuvenated, rested, detoxified, relaxed and pampered. For 25 Euro you can take advantage of their gym facilities (all 4 stories worth), which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, cardio and weight rooms, yoga studios (Bikram and AntiGravity yoga count among the course offerings), numerous classes (e.g. step, spinning, aerobics, volleyball, etc.), an in-house hamam, multiple relaxation rooms, Bodyformer, Power Plate, plus the requisite coed steam rooms and saunas (read: “Welcome to Germany”). Then book yourself an appointment at the spa, where you can choose between Decléor, Carita and St. Barth products. And if you just can’t bring yourself to leave at the end of the day, go ahead and book a night or two in the attached hotel.
Your Aspria experience doesn’t have to end in Berlin, though! There is another Aspria in Hannover, one in Hamburg and three in Belgium. If you ever decide to become a member of one of them, you can then take advantage of their in-house doctors and physical therapists, or host conferences and/or company events there. For information in English, German or French, go to http://www.aspria.de/en
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