Krasnodar Thermal Complex Review: Strong Smells and Trash

Finally, it was our turn to visit the new thermal complex «Termoland» in Krasnodar. My friend and I wanted to go there during the New Year holidays, but videos of crowds scared us off, so we went on the first weekend after. It turned into the classic «expectation vs. reality» meme.

A Krasnodar resident shared her impressions of visiting Termoland with the portal 93.RU.

What«s Wrong with Termoland?

First, we wanted to go to Termoland on Sunday, because we thought most people would decide to relax on Saturday. But plans worked out so that we had to go on the first weekend day. So we chose what seemed to us the most fortunate time — right after opening. And we weren«t wrong.

At the entrance, we signed a consent form, provided the QR code of pre-purchased tickets. No one explained the rules: where the lockers are and how to use them, if there are places to store phones in the common area, how to pay for food and other little things that had to be found out on our own. However, they did state the rule: if you leave later than the time (we had a ticket for 4 hours), you will have to pay an additional 600 rubles (about $7 at current rates).

By the way, about time, in Termoland itself, for obvious reasons, people relax without phones or watches. And they were sorely missed. Wall clocks are there, but very few. For example, in my fitness club, right above the pool on both sides, there are digital clocks that show the time and water temperature. Here, if you decide to swim, keeping track of time won«t be possible — there»s simply nowhere to look.

Entering the common area, I was very surprised. In photos, the complex looks huge. I thought that you could easily spend a whole day there, constantly changing locations so as not to get bored. This is where the meme begins — in reality, the premises turned out to be very small for a thermal complex in a city of a million. The indoor pool itself is clearly not designed for crowds to swim in. And this was in the morning, when there really were few people.

Closer to lunch, as guests became more and more, discomfort is felt. It«s no longer so easy to find a free and comfortable sun lounger, and in general they are placed very compactly in the passage area. And also, everywhere there was a very strong smell of chlorine — the odor hit our noses even in the recreation area. We found ourselves sun loungers by the pool, but couldn»t lie there for long due to the sharp smell. After four hours of rest, our throats were scratchy until the end of the day.

The biggest minus, in my opinion, is hygiene. We decided to rejuvenate in special tubs, stepped into the water and… immediately stepped out. Not only was there a very strong unpleasant smell, but also trash floating. And this despite it being morning and very few people. What was going on in the mud SPA zone, I don«t even want to comment.

Pros of Termoland

But not everything was so bad. Termoland is very saved by free activities for guests, there is a wonderful team working. All schedules are displayed on TVs hanging on the walls. So you can immediately approach and choose what interests you. Then, at the appointed time, you just need to go to the right zone — only without being late.

First, we went to a group steam session: a man with a special fan to pleasant music drives streams of hot aromatic air. Our instructor gave it his all, people thanked him for a long time after the procedure.

Next, we went to meditation — at the entrance, there is a separate gym, not connected to water. There, for visitors, mats, pillows, and eye masks were already prepared. Unfortunately, some decided to immediately lie down with their head or feet on the pillows, but that shouldn«t be done: first, the trainer should give you an individual disposable tissue. The girl who conducted the meditation offered to apply aromatic oil to the palm, and then conducted a small session — it was very comfortable and pleasant.

And we finished our visit with a group workout in the pool. Here, the employee again gave her all, time during the class to upbeat music flew by unnoticed.

Another plus is the cafe: there are no inflated prices, and the food is quite tasty. A large slice of pizza costs from 125 to 190 rubles (about $1-2 at current rates), 350 ml of Americano cost another 220 rubles (about $2.50 at current rates). A tea bag is 160 rubles (about $1.80 at current rates). Drinks need to be made yourself.

Also liked were the spacious changing rooms and convenient lockers. But the hair dryer surprisingly turned out to be very heavy.

During the visit, it was frosty outside, snow was lying, so we didn«t dare to evaluate the outdoor pools. Perhaps in warm weather, this zone deserves separate attention.

And What«s the Verdict?

Why am I not planning to go there again? First, the location on the outskirts of the city. This is not a bad entertainment for those who live in the area of «OZ Mall». But driving across the whole city and spending only on the road one way an hour (and this on a weekend) — not so much pleasure. By the time you get home, it«s as if you hadn»t rested.

Second, sanitary conditions. At the entrance, no certificates are required, guests aren«t even asked to wear swimming caps. In the rules, it»s written that you need to gather your hair, but no one monitors this. As well as no one controls whether people shower before visiting the pools. As a result, in the water, not only hair was encountered, but also other trash.

Also, I didn«t like the strong smell of chlorine and the too small space. But for those who live nearby, this is indeed not a bad place to relax.