Want a Woman-Only Spa

Q: I would like to find out if there are any women-only Turkish-style spas in Budapest. I will be in the city during July and would to spent time in a traditional bath house for women, not a new hotel spa. Can you assist me? - Riana Mostert

A: I don't know of any women-only traditional spas in the city, but some of the finest bath-houses do have days reserved for women. However, the pickings are rather slim. The famous thermal Rudas Baths is reserved for women only on a Tuesday, while men get four days of the week to themselves. This spa has a central octagonal pool with five smaller pools. There are also three saunas and two steam rooms. At the Gellert Baths, the indoor thermal pools are separated by gender during the week (Monday to Saturday), but the three outdoor pools are open to both sexes. These baths, built in immaculate Art Nouveau style, is home to a wave pool and an evervescent bath in additional to nine medicinal pools. The Kiraly Baths used to be reserved for women on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but since May last year it opened to both sexes throughout the week. When you are in Budapest, ask your hotel concierge to check the status of the spas as changes can take place.