Health & wellbeing sidebar

Many people come to Lithuania for quality health care at a reasonable cost. Medical quality is very high. As an example, I recently destroyed a molar tooth. About 1/3 of the tooth broke off.

The next day I had a dental appointment at one of the best dental centers in Vilnius located centrally in the old town. It is a modern facility, very comfortable which looks exactly like any other quality dental center in any other country of the world. Several dentists and dental assistants work at the dental center. My dentist is very professional, speaks very good English. She is also the first dentist I have ever visited who has given me a hand mirror so that I could watch her work. Very entertaining to watch!

In about 1.5 hours she completely rebuilt my tooth and it was completely painless. Aside from the the discomfort of having my mouth held open for 1 1/2 hours, there very little discomfort.

The new tooth feels great. It feel completely natural and looks like the rest of my teeth. Only a trained dentist would be able to tell that it was not my real tooth. I am 100% satisfied with it.

How much did I pay for the work? 300 litas or approximately 85 euros all inclusive. I expect I would have paid 10 times that amount in many countries. Perhaps that explains the health tourism in Lithunia.

Text: Gene Emmer
(from his travel blog www.lithuania-travel.net)

Our baby was born at the Baltic American Clinic and our experience at the BAC could not have been better. Much of our positive experience at the Baltic American Clinic was due to two people: Our amazing OB/GYN Jurate and the excellent mid-wife Rasa. Rasa is something like the "mother superior" of the Baltic American Neonatology Center. Rasa runs everything with her experience and her charm. Rasa gave us our first lessons in parenthood. While Jurata took care of all things medical, Rasa was responsible for nearly everything else (food, comfort, diaper changes, even the bill at the end of the stay). Rasa seemed to be always watching over us with her careful eye. We loved it!

The BAC is something like a cross between a 5 star hotel and a hospital. To be sure the BAC is not set up for difficult births and if they believe that your birth might be complicated, you will be referred to the University Hospital. But if you will have a normal birth, the BAC will be for you.

You will receive round the clock care in a private room, room service, highly trained staff who will cater to your every need. You will be comfortable and well cared for and receive some basic training if parenthood if you need it. Both parents and baby are welcome to stay 24 hours per day in the guest rooms. There are no visiting hours (at least for parents). Fathers are always welcome.

While our pregnancy and delivery at the BAC were only positive, we have not always been happy with other medical care at the BAC. Like everywhere else, whether you are happy or not will depend on the health care provider. But if you are having a baby in Lithuania, we would highly recommend delivering at the Baltic American Clinic.

Text: Galina Emmer
(from her travel blog www.lithuania-travel.net)

The Nida resort at the Curonian Spit is the place
to go to recharge you batteries.

Finding the balance between relaxation and a cultural experience on holiday can be a challenge, but the friendly Lithuanians of the Curonian Spit have mastered the vacation battle, according to Daniel Andrews of Travelbite.co.uk.

White sand beaches, wind swept dunes and the dancing forests of pine, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers Europe's most preserved touch of natural paradise. Known for the highest drifting sand dunes in Europe, the 5,000-year-old, 97km peninsula, split between Kaliningrad (Russia) and Lithuania, provides a sense of tranquillity and an assortment of natural wonders.

Being so protected from development, it isn't the easiest place to get to. But once you are there, you'll be glad you made the trip. airBaltic provide flights from London Gatwick South to Riga, Latvia, where you can catch a connecting flight to Palanga, a 45 minute journey via taxi or public transport to Klaipeda, the start of any journey to the Curonian Spit.

According to the National Tourism Office, Klaipeda offers a true reflection of Lithuanian life. A stay at The Old Mill Hotel, situated in the up and coming historical port area of the city, provides luxurious comfort at an affordable price. Minutes from the hotel you'll find the Castle Museum, built in the remains of Memelburg Castle, dating back to 1252. The restored underground tunnels hold the entire history of the oldest city in Lithuania.

Take a walk along Aukstoji Street, beautiful 18th century warehouses line the old cobbled lane and is a great place to start exploring the old town and its unique architecture, which houses some of the cities many museums and galleries. One museum definitely worth a visit is the Blacksmith's Museum. Established in 1993, the working blacksmith's holds an impressive selection of craftsmanship.

Klaipėda

Rescued iron grave markings from the city's old cemetery, after it was levelled by Soviets, make for interesting viewing. After a walk around the museum, take a seat in the workshop and try your hand at crafting their own piece of jewellery, but be patient, it's harder than it looks.

If you are in the city on a Sunday, make sure that by midday you are in the old Post Office courtyard. For 30 minutes a carillon of 48 chromatically tuned bells provides the city with an inspiring concert of sound ranging from the old classics to this years chart toppers. Before leaving, make sure you take a peak inside the red-brick neogothic Palace, built in 1893. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Klaipeda.

For something to eat, head to Friedrich Passageway, the western European styled street has something for every taste. For the adventurous types try Friedrich Pub which serves traditional food dishes like eel in white wine, Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat - despite looking like an alien egg, it is actually quite enjoyable). If the traditional cuisine isn't to your fancy, the nearby pizzeria or Mediterranean Friedrich provide a fine selection of western dishes.

After a good night's rest, hire a bicycle and take the five minute ferry ride over to the Curonian Spit. Described as a Mecca for artists and the recreational oasis for the tired, the tourism brochures are not far off the mark.

A dedicated cycle path weaves its way through the pine forests between the small settlements and is a great way to explore the natural sites. If you are extremely quiet, amongst the small deer that inhabit the island you might spot the pair of Elk which are said to have crossed the frozen Baltic sea.

Your first port of call should be the small town of Juodkrante. Lithuania is famous for its amber and on the bay of amber, after stormy weather, small pieces can be found washed up on shore. Further into the town, have a unique refreshment stop on board Kogas, a pseudo pirate ship moored in the harbour. Here you can enjoy a cold glass of Svyturys beer and some light lunch while looking out to the Baltic Sea.

Continue by bike through the pine forests that line the Baltic Sea side of the peninsula before crossing the Nida-Klaipeda road. A short distance from the crossing you will find one of the most fascinating sites of your stay, the Dead Dunes. Over hundreds of years the rolling dunes have engulfed villages which remained buried below the white sands. Make sure you stick to the specially laid boardwalk, which takes you up to the vantage point, or face a hefty fine. From the top you can view the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other.

For a relaxed night's stay, call in at Villa Queen Luise, named after the Prussian Queen who stayed at the site's original inn in 1807 before it had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1829. The views from your private balcony out across the Curonian Lagoon are stunning. The hotel also offers row boats for an evening on the lagoon or a Swedish sauna in the open air.

Next morning, head out for the final cycling stretch to Nida, the region's largest settlement. The path takes you through the forest before winding around the lagoon bay.
The best way to see Nida is by foot. Stop in at the local supermarket for refreshments and then head up to the lighthouse. During the summer months a number of festivals and open air film nights take place here, but head up early to beat the crowds. Continue through the forests towards the Parnidzio dune. At the top from storm damaged sundial calendar, the true beauty of the Curonian Spit can be admired.

Head back into the town, winding your way down the sand dunes and visit one of the many amber museums before taking a sunset cruise along the shoreline. Local boats take you right along the coast, up to the Kaliningrad border, and from here you really appreciate the size of the sand dunes as they tower above you.

Make sure you get up early the next morning and join the locals for a free early morning yoga session starting at 8am. An hour of gentle exercise on the soft white sand, with the wind massaging your skin, prepares you for the more invigorating blokart. Irklakojis offer the land sailing tours, wind levels provided, along with kayaking, sailing and hiking.
No visit to the area is complete without a taste of amber vodka or tea, enjoy your final Lithuanian sunset from one of the bars or cafes lining Nida bay. A perfect end to a culturally relaxing holiday.

Daniel Andrews
http://www.travelbite.co.uk/holiday-ideas/europe/lithuania/lithuania-s-natural-paradise-$1377673.htm

Vilnius has two health clubs:

Forum Sports Club on Konstitucijos 26

Impuls Gym: Several locations around town including Kareivių, Savanorių, Ozo, etc.

However, if you are in the old town or in the center you will find no quality gyms close by.

Some of the hotels, such as the Radisson will offer memberships. But the Radisson sports club is small and the equipment is very limited. If there are more than two people there at a time, it feels crowded. We have heard good things about the Forum Sports Club, but we have not visited. We are put off by both the location and the high membership fees. We visited the Impuls gym, but they seemed in need of renovation and again the locations are just not very convenient.

It seems that every second shop in the old town sells either Amber or Linen. I wonder if anyone would think about opening up a quality health club in the old town?

Text: Galina Emmer
(from her travel blog www.lithuania-travel.net)