Got the bright idea of a new kind of christmas present for my wife, Jurmala in Latvia, spa and all the pampering she deserved. Three days after Christmas we were on our way. Stayed at the Villa Joma because the idea of a timber hotel appealed to me and the pictures looked good. Did I forget to mention that the price was very attractive. We loved the place. Cheerful reception, especially as like many Irish people I have no european language, we expect the receptionists to be multi lingual - how presumptious !!. That was exactly what we found. Charming receptionists, both female and male seamlessly dealing with people in english, german and other languages. The room was fine, after you came to grips with the odd squeek you get from an all timber house,- just added to the charm really.
The restaurant was just the business !. Breakfasts were great and by lunchtime we found ourselves whetting our appetites for the evening meal. Menu was varied, great food and delightfuly presented. I still have a photograph of a dessert ordered for my wife that was a fabulous construction !
The hotel is small and on what is the equivalent of Main Street. Jurmala could be viewed as either a small town or a large village from an era of a decade or so. Charm oozes from Villa Joma when it is covered with snow.
We used the Baltic Beach Hotel for its spa. It was a brilliant experiance also and at a price that was at least half what we would have paid at home. Used the facilities over a number of days. Astonishing size of Spa and lots of helpful professionals.
Being Irish and not too far from Blarney I should say , I was stunned when on our day of departing to respond to a knock on our bedroom day and find one of the receptionists with a bottle of Riga Balzam as a gift.