Monday 23rd March 7pm at Rossiter Books Malvern
Ticket £7 (£3 off the book at the event)
Be spa-stuck at this event with Ian Bradley who will guide us around the stunning architecture, healing treatments and glorious cultures of the ancient spa towns of Europe.
With an abundance of natural springs and wells, pure waters, rich history and well-dressing event, Malvern deservedly has a dedicated chapter in his Ian’s book, and will be the focus of his talk.
Spa towns have a tradition of being places of community and inspiration, they have evolved through the centuries to serve the modern quest for wellness, de-stressing, and slow tourism, and The Last Enchanted Places issues a joyful message that we must treasure and protect Europe’s spa towns for their quirky charm and their indefinable magical quality, making them among the last enchanted places in an increasingly disenchanted world.
Ian Bradley has been fascinated by spas since regularly taking the waters at Tunbridge Wells as a boy. He has visited, written and broadcast about spas across Europe and sampled the cures that they offer for over forty years. This book distils his accumulated experiences, research and reflections while also presenting an up-to-date picture of the atmosphere of what, for him, are the most enchanting, and enchanted spas today. The book blends personal reminiscences with a historical overview, amusing anecdotes, factual information and useful tips for visitors. It describes the experience of taking the waters and relishing the atmosphere at thirteen continental spas, seven of which have recently been given UNESCO World Heritage status as ‘The Great Spas of Europe’.
The result is a fascinating, amusing, and informative survey of these last enchanted places which are being increasingly visited by tourists for their cultural and historic connections as much as their therapeutic benefits.