by Vicki F-M
Originally published in Currents August/September 2004|
Copyright © 2004-2005 AWC Hamburg

If you are looking to get fit or just to sit outside by the Japanese gardens in nothing but your birthday suit and drink a cappuccino or while away the rainy days in Hamburg in the herbal sauna, the Meridian Spa is the place for you. It is more than just a workout, it is a mini-vacation.

The serene Mediterranean architecture lures you into a relaxed state of mind. The theme is the same in all four Meridians in Hamburg, wellness and workout, just the designs differ. For example, at Wandsbek and the Alstertal, there is a rooftop hot tub and big terrace. In Eppendorf and the City they have Japanese gardens and the smooth sounds of water bubbling in the goldfish pond. All have some sort of beauty treatment. Their newest and flagship, the Meridian Alstertal, has a 300 sq.m. day spa, and Eppendorf has a Beauty Farm and Ayurveda Center (go for the Stirn Guss where they pour warm natural oils over your forehead and massage for an hour!). There is a Ruhe Zone (quiet area) in all of them, supplied with plenty of magazines. Good time to practice your Deutsch and catch up on latest gossip in Gala! All have a swimming pool and lounge chairs to rest or read nearby. There is usually a café by the pool. At Eppendorf, you can test your skills (and work out your back!) on the climbing wall, one of the largest in Germany. There is, of course, lots of room to work out, too, with modern equipment. A personal trainer can help you start a program or change one at no cost. If you need more motivation than working out on your own, you have 200 courses to choose from per week, everything from Pilates to power yoga.

For people with children aged 1 to 8, there is a very big, wonderful day care Kindergarten (not in the City) where you can leave your child/children for up to two hours. I was marking off the days on my calendar until my twin boys turned one year old! Meridian Eppendorf was a life-saver for me when my boys were 1 to 2 years old. I went there just to relax and shower in peace. Those days it was a real luxury to actually blow-dry my hair! Now that my boys are 2½ years old, I have engaged a personal trainer who developed a new 45-minute workout for me to get rid of my “baby fat”. Next, I am waiting for them to turn three so that we can join the Kinderturnen (kiddie gym). When a child is under one year, you can bring him/her to Gym plus Baby, and they sit on a blanket by you while you sweat it off. There is really something for everyone here – young and old, fitness freaks or those needing a little R&R. Great place to take out-of-town visitors after long days of sightseeing!

You can buy a day pass (from EUR 15 up) or become a member. Membership costs are flexible; a one-time fee of EUR 200 plus the monthly plan you choose, depending on your needs (from EUR 59 to 99). If you are not sure or only here for a short period of time, there is a “Try and Decide” plan for 12 months. This costs a EUR 100 one-time fee plus EUR 99 a month. Wandsbek celebrates 20 Years of Wellness this year; watch for specials coming this fall.

For more information about any of the four Meridians (Wandsbek, Eppendorf, City or Alstertal), call the central telephone number (65 89 0) or check out their website at www.meridianspa.com.