Hello Fellow Travlers,
I am thinking of stepping out of my comfort zone and go to the Caracalla Spa in Baden Baden on my upcoming GAS tour. I will do it with a suit (I'm not that brave). Any advice?
Thank You
Suzie
Posted by
Reston VA
149 posts
My wife and I went there many years ago. We spent a lot of time in the public clothed areas, but eventually embraced the "challenge" and headed to the saunas (upstairs, I think) with only our towels. It was a blast. I will never forget in one sauna, a stout older German woman speaking to others in the room (seemingly about the steam content), and proceeding to whip off her towel, toss some water on the stones/heater, and start whirling the towel over her head for a minute or two to get the steam distributed. Quite a show!
In my mind, I'll never see those folks again or if I did, they wouldn't recognize me in clothes :D
My advice? Dive in to the whole experience.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7570 posts
The lower level, where you where your suit, are really not much of a stretch of your comfort zone, if you have gone swimming in any pool. But, the pools there are so, so, much better. I believe there are a couple saunas/eucalyptus rooms you can go in on the lower level, with your suit, but to hit the higher temp saunas and steam rooms would mean you shed your suit.
I really have never had a problem visiting baths (will be in Bad Ems next week), and would encourage you to throw caution to the wind, though I suppose, it may be too much "sharing" possibly with your tour mates. Do what is comfortable in the moment.
Posted by
Galt, CA
26 posts
We went back in 2018 and wore our bathing suits all the time. My husband was good to go on going to the “no suit” bath place and I fretted over it for months before our trip. One day I would say to myself “no big deal” and the next day “oh heck no”. Finally I decided I needed to go with my comfort zone and wearing a bathing suit in public is on the edge of my comfort zone and no bathing suit is WAY out of my comfort zone. My husband being the great guy he is went along with wearing a bathing suit. We had an absolute wonderful time! We would love to go back to Baden Baden and go again. I do believe in challenging myself and trying new things but being without a bathing suit in a public place just doesn’t work for me. Whatever you decide I am sure you will be happy you went to Caracalla Spa such an awesome relaxing place. Enjoy!
Posted by
Southport, NC
335 posts
Go for it! Life's too short to be concerned about the opinions of people you don't know. Besides, you will see ALL kinds upstairs.