Why do tourists choose to vacation in the sanatoriums of the Vitebsk region?
I have heard many flattering reviews from people, including well-known media personalities in Belarus, about the "Lesnoye" sanatorium in the Dokshitsy district. This health resort differs from others in that no matter how many guests are staying, they never crowd or huddle: neither at the doctor's door, nor in the mud bath, nor even in the swimming pool. There is no reason for this. The pool is very spacious – four lanes 2.5 meters wide and 25 meters long, with large shallow lagoons for children on both sides, underwater cannons, a waterfall cascade, and two Jacuzzis… A dream! In the pool, you can get several procedures at once: swimming, underwater massage, pearl baths, plus several sauna sessions. No extra charges. According to many vacationers, there are no such pools in any other health resort, not only in the region but also in the republic. People also come here for extreme experiences offered in the cryosauna. Not everyone dares to spend three minutes in a freezer at a temperature of minus 120 degrees. But thrill-seekers do it with pleasure, and then share unforgettable impressions. Such options have been well-received by Russians from Tula and Moscow, many of whom are vacationing in "Lesnoye". Moreover, residents of St. Petersburg often come for the weekend to enjoy… the silence. The nature here is simply wonderful. The well-maintained territory is huge, with many gazebos lost in the pine forest, and there are "Lesnik" and "Rybak" houses that families rent with their pets for weekends and holidays, as there is a lake nearby.
WHERE THE STARS LOOK INTO YOUR SOUL
However, the nature around the Lepel Military Sanatorium is also magnificent. In summer, it's impossible to get vouchers here, as two natural bodies of water – Shchybot and Bobritsa – which encircle the health resort like a magnet, attract visitors. This health resort is aptly named, as it specializes not only in recreation but also in treatment. “In which other sanatorium can you undergo a course of intravenous infusions to strengthen and improve cardiac and cerebral activity after illnesses and post-COVID rehabilitation? You can do this in our treatment room,” says Natalya Alekseeva, Deputy Head of Medical Affairs at the Lepel Military Sanatorium. “Few medical centers offer such a service as non-invasive blood analysis. For a reasonable price, vacationers can undergo this procedure and receive blood test results for 138 indicators! Radon baths are prescribed for those suffering from bone diseases and degenerative joint inflammation. Moreover, we have our own laboratory where the individual radon concentration is selected for each patient. Vitebsk Region Health Resorts: Some for Quiet, Some for Treatment Today, 3.5 thousand people are vacationing in 11 sanatoriums in the Vitebsk region simultaneously, including 960 representatives from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. Their popularity has increased many times over recently. This is not only due to the unstable global situation, which makes many afraid to travel to overseas resorts. It is primarily because our health resorts are doing everything possible to provide highly qualified sanatorium-resort and rehabilitation care to the population. We will learn about the steps being taken in this regard through the examples of some health resorts in the blue-eyed Vitebsk region. The medical base of the institution is strengthened every year. For example, a salt room will soon be operational, the dining room has been капитально отремонтирована (majorly renovated), and a swimming pool is planned for the future. In the meantime, you can take advantage of the most popular and in-demand procedures, including rejuvenating ones. It is not surprising that citizens of Russia, Latvia, and Lithuania regularly visit the sanatorium in Borovka. Weekend tours "Antistress" are practiced. Connoisseurs of healthy recreation will not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the unique possibil
to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, change of scenery, and relieve accumulated fatigue.FEATURES OF "LESNYE OZYORA"
While the "Lesnoye" (KGB) and Lepel Military sanatoriums are departmentally affiliated, "Lesnye Ozera" (Ushachi District) belongs to the category of trade union health resorts. Trade union members receive a 25% discount on vouchers. Moreover, there are bonuses for Belarusian and Russian pensioners, as well as for members of trade unions from the neighboring country, in the form of a 10% discount. Citizens of both countries receive services of practically equal cost, which is attractive to tourists from Russia. It is not surprising that 2/3 of the vacationers in "Lesnye Ozera" are Russians. "Our feature is the price and quality of the medical services provided, of which there are over 200, we even have our own manual therapist," emphasizes Sergey Slyatsky, Head of the Marketing and Registration Department. "We offer 10 accommodation options for guests. There are single and double rooms, duplex rooms with fireplaces, and jacuzzis in wooden cottages or in the three-story building. In short, there is a wide choice. Various discounts and bonuses are offered during the off-season. The average price for a 10-day voucher ranges from 750 to 850 rubles. The Ushachi District is famous for its underground mineral water springs. In the "Lesnye Ozera" sanatorium, they gush directly from the ground under their own pressure. Moreover, the mineralization of the bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium water is very acceptable and suitable for everyone to consume. With the commissioning of the SPA complex with a swimming pool, Finnish and Turkish baths, the demand for vouchers has increased significantly. In any case, all vouchers are sold out until the end of August. Regarding holidays in this sanatorium, people say: "Maximum services and pleasures for a minimum price." FROM "LYOTSY" TO "ZHELEZNODOROZHNY" Another health resort of equal high level of services provided, "Borovoe" in the Dokszyce District, is also popular. It has its own features – a wonderful swimming pool with mineral water (though access is scheduled) and a buffet, which is relevant for gourmets. However, to each his own. The sanatorium "Lyottsy," specializing in cardiac rehabilitation, has its own..."кие санатории предлагают лечение по 16 медицинским профилям и предоставляют более 500 видов различных процедур.
Постоянные посетители, которые с удовольствием едут из Беларуси, России, Прибалтики отдохнуть, набраться сил и подлечиться. Как отметил директор Алексей Мойсейченко, здравница предоставляет более 200 видов медицинских услуг.
Среди докторов различной направленности (кардиологи, гинекологи, педиатры) есть кандидаты медицинских наук. Медицинская база очень достойная, здесь можно пройти лечение суставов методом озонотерапии. А отсутствие бассейна компенсирует предоставление косметологических процедур, за которыми приходят отдыхающие соседнего санатория «Железнодорожник». А любители плавания из «Лётцев» спешат в бассейн «Железнодорожника». Вот такой взаимовыгодный обмен. Во всяком случае, в профсоюзной здравнице, где практикуется в межсезонье программа лояльности (различные скидки членам профсоюза, постоянным посетителям, именинникам и т. д.), места раскуплены до глубокой осени. Один песочный пляж с соснами на берегу озера Шевино чео стоит! Прямо прибалтийское побережье. Санаторий «Плисса» (Глубокский район) считается крутым. Ходят слухи, что среди отдыхающих можно встретить руководящих и медийных лиц. Здесь все достойно – прекрасная природа, отличные база и сервис. А за хороший и качественный отдых приходится раскошеливаться. По ценовому сегменту эта здравница в топе самых дорогих не только на Витебщине, но и в стране.
WE DON'T NEED THE TURKISH COAST
– If we summarize all of the above, what conclusions can be drawn? Is it possible to have a decent holiday in the Vitebsk region, which is called the Blue-Eyed region due to the abundance of lakes and rivers? – asked Snezha Titova, head of the representative office of the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Republican Center for Health Improvement and Sanatorium-Resort Treatment of the Population, for a comment.
– The conclusion is obvious: "We don't need the Turkish coast," as the famous song goes. Our homeland is no worse, and in many aspects, even better, – says the interlocutor. – The greatest wealth is the purest lakes and rivers, of which there are more than two thousand in our region. Braslav district alone is worth something! The abundance of mineral water springs is also an important fact. Moreover, each in its locality has unique and individual properties. And also sapropel mud, which effectively helps in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
– Before the pandemic and sanctions, Belarusians, including residents of the Vitebsk region, did not particularly appreciate our health resorts. As soon as it got warmer, they rushed to Turkey, Egypt. And a vacation in a sanatorium, they say, is for the elderly. What can you say about this?
– Today, there are many young people and families with children in the region's health resorts. The institutions have a wide medical profile, are equipped with the most modern diagnostic equipment and a large range of medical services provided. They compete with each other in the number of medical services included in the tour package: the more, the higher the demand. For some vacationers, the presence of a swimming pool is a decisive factor when choosing a sanatorium. In the off-season, it's a lifesaver. Plus a sauna, a gym, SPA treatments – this is what is in demand among young people. And in this regard, our sanatoriums have moved far ahead, which cannot but please.
– Nevertheless, in many health resorts, there are more foreign guests than Belarusians. How do you explain such a metamorphosis?
– Only "Soviet" mentality. If it's foreign, then it's very good, even if they feed you God knows what, causing stomach upset, but on the principle of "all-inclusive," and if it's domestic – then it's so-so. I think that far from everyone has appreciated the advantages of domestic health resorts. Expensive? I don't think so, because there are budget options for wellness. But after a vacation in a sanatorium, citizens note an improved physical and mental state, a desire to work with full dedication.