Hello everyone! I'm super excited to share my review of the Volga Baths in Novokuybyshevsk, a fantastic day trip from Samara. To get there, take bus number 492 from Samara and then take the same bus back. I bought the tickets online while we were on our way to the baths. I registered in advance, checked the prices, and even got 450 bonus points for registering. We went on a weekday with my husband, and we chose the 3-hour tariff plus 30 minutes of free time for changing, which cost 1590 rubles per adult. With the bonus points I got for paying online, I was able to deduct up to 15% of the cost, so our ticket ended up being 2730 rubles for the two of us.
The website has different tariffs for weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as special tariffs for children and people with disabilities. The prices vary.
You'll need to bring a swimsuit, slippers, and a towel with you. You can also rent a robe and towel inside if you need to. We didn't need the robes, but you can buy everything you need inside the little shop.
When you enter, there's a cloakroom on the right where they give you bags for your shoes. Then you need to take a ticket from the electronic terminal on the left, which is similar to a government services office. After that, you're called to the cashiers by the number on your ticket. I bought my ticket about 20 minutes before we were due to enter, and the payment went through, but the tickets didn't arrive on the email I provided (funnily enough, they didn't arrive for me at all), but the cashier asked for my phone number and saw on the computer that the payment had been made. Then we were given wristbands, and we went through the turnstile to the changing rooms.
Each locker had its own number displayed on the bracelet.
There were plenty of lockers, but it was a bit cramped between them. Even though it was a weekday and the site showed only 27% occupancy.
There are individual cubicles for changing.
After that, the path splits into two directions - the men's and women's areas.
Volkhov Baths reviewsWhen entering the women's area, you can see rattan tables and armchairs, as well as coolers and cups for tea. And, by the way, the tea is free - you can exit the aqua zone and drink it. Next to one of the tables, a group of pensioners sat, sipping tea, chatting, and snacking on their own food, which they had brought with them. I didn't know you were allowed to bring your own food and drinks. As a rule, bringing your own food and drinks is prohibited.
Next was the shower and toilet, followed by the exit to the common area.
Life jackets are hung at the entrance to the aqua zone, which you can use for free.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were lifeguards scattered throughout the area, even though the pools are pretty shallow. As an adult who can't swim, I didn't feel the need for a life jacket, and the pools are indeed not very deep.
The facilities are huge and spacious, and there aren't too many people around, which makes it a great place to relax. The atmosphere is cozy, with Christmas trees set up all around.
Vолжские термы Новокуйбышевск отзывы First things first, we headed straight for the hot tub. It's got these cool buttons on the side that, when pressed, release jets of water for a mini-massage experience.
After warming up in the hot tub, we mustered up the courage to dive into the large pool. But what we found was a pool with warm water that was actually comfortable to swim in. We've been to a few water parks before, and their pools are usually icy cold, but the Vолжские термы pool was a pleasant surprise. The pool has these cool water jets along the edges, and you can even climb up to the platform and enjoy a relaxing hydro-massage experience.
One of the things I loved about the place was the showerheads on the sides - you can stand under them and get a refreshing spray of water.
Next up, we explored the saunas. Some of them were a bit tricky to find, even after walking around the entire area.
But the Himalayan sauna was a real treat - the walls are lined with salt bricks.
Volkhov Baths Reviews This isn't the hottest sauna, but it's incredibly comfortable.
On the other hand, the Zheleznogorsk sauna is going to be a scorcher.
Inside, you'll feel like you're in a meadow in the middle of the country.
Volkhov Baths ReviewsEven better, there are bunches of dried grass hanging from the ceiling, releasing a lovely meadow scent.
I found the wooden benches to be a bit of a challenge to sit on without a towel or special mat - it's just not very comfortable.
Volga Baths ReviewsTo be honest, it was a bit too hot for me, so I ended up going in a few times and only staying for a short while.
Novokuybyshevsk Baths ReviewsEach room has temperature and humidity sensors, which is a nice touch.
The Stone Basin sauna has stone walls that are nice and warm, and right in the middle, there's a stone basin - it's really fitting for the name.
Volga Baths ReviewsBefore each sauna, there's a sign with the characteristics, benefits, and contraindications - it's really helpful.
I skipped taking photos of the other saunas - there's a pine, a stroerus, a hammam, and an arctic one. We were really keen to try the arctic one, but it wasn't working, and the temperature was supposed to be -7 degrees Celsius.
Since we visited during the pre-new year period, the Volsky baths were offering free sessions, which was advertised on the notice board.
We didn't participate in the free sessions.
There's a snow slide in one of the passages.
Volsky baths reviewsThe snow falling from the ceiling was a fun touch - you could even catch it in your hands.
The kids' sauna was a highlight - it's designed to look like a ship, complete with a nautical color scheme, and even has a TV showing cartoons.
There's also a small kids' area.
We didn't get a chance to explore the kids' area in detail, since we were there without the kids. I'm sure we'll be back with the kids and take a closer look.
The baths have loungers along the pool.
Another area that caught my eye is the lounge zone with comfortable loungers and a beautiful backdrop.
Surprisingly, the most unpopular activity is the hot tub.
It's a small outdoor pool without heating, and I didn't see a single person using it during my stay.
Myself and my companions were too hesitant to take the plunge, but we did sneak a peek through the frosty door.
What really caught my attention, and I'd say is a bit extreme, are the heated outdoor pools.
They're clearly visible through the large windows.
When I step out into the cold winter air, I'm not exactly itching to take the plunge.
But then I hit the water's edge and can't resist jumping in for a refreshing soak in the warm, floating pool.
Volga Baths ReviewsThe outdoor area has two separate pools.
The smaller pool is a saltwater pool, and it's surprisingly buoyant - I found myself just lying back and floating to the surface with ease.
Volga Baths Winter ReviewsI was able to just relax and float to the surface without any effort at all.
One of the best things about this outdoor pool is that you can swim right out of the building. It's also warm, and there's this little nook called the "cup" - a circular, enclosed space with an entrance on one side where the water is even warmer than the rest of the pool. Plus, there's a circular current around it that lets you just float and relax. There's a snack bar on site.
They've got sweet treats and meat dishes.
Prices are a bit higher than your average cafe, but not ridiculously so. There's a microwave, too.
There are plenty of tables where you can sit and enjoy your food.
They've got an oxygen bar, and a shot costs 100 rubles.
You can get a fish pedicure for an extra fee.
There are lockers for your phones, and it costs 120 rubles per slot.
You can also get a massage for an extra fee. The hookah is 100 rubles, but I don't smoke, and my husband said you can tolerate it for 3.5 hours without any issues.
There's also a shower on the premises.
And a few more things.
The rest of the time, you can check on your phone by tapping it against the screen.
I've got to say, I was really impressed with Volzhskie Termy. I'd give 'em a solid five stars and overlook some of the drawbacks, like the Arctic sauna not working.
It's clear the designers thought things through and created a space that's all about relaxation, not just making a buck (although, let's be real, that's not a bad thing either).
I loved how warm it was, with almost all the water features heated up. After visiting, I felt super relaxed and like my overall health had improved, even if my muscles were a bit sore the next day from swimming.
The grounds were spotless, and there were plenty of trash cans. We're definitely going back, but we'll try to avoid weekends next time.