All-inclusive holidays in Hungary

Think all-inclusive hotels and you probably think of either Spain or the Caribbean. Think again. Hungary now has a number of all-inclusive hotel options – including its first ‘spa all-inclusive’ that are perfect for families and couples looking for a good value holiday this year.

The 4* Danubius Health Spa and Resort Aqua at Lake Héviz, just a short distance from Lake Balaton has just launched its first all-inclusive spa programme. This is the first all-inclusive of its kind in Hungary and aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by providing Healthy Choice menus - a low fat selection of meals with calculated nutritional value - and free use of its extensive spa facilities and scheduled exercise programmes.

The unique Lake Héviz is the second largest thermal water lake in the world with a summer temperature of 33-35?C, and never falls below 23?C degrees in winter. The lake’s therapeutic waters and thermal mud are utilized in the pampering and relaxation packages available at the resort. Additional treatments can be booked at extra cost including aromatic oil and traditional body brush massages and Dead Sea salt or Cleopatra baths.

A seven night all-inclusive package costs from €455 per person per week (based on two sharing) including full board accommodation with three meals a day, snacks and local drinks, use of the hotels spa facilities (not specific treatments) and all scheduled exercise classes. Facilities include an indoor thermal bath (35?C), adventure pool (29?C) outdoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness room plus the Danubius Health Spa Centre that offers a range of therapeutic treatments.

Alternatively the 3* Danubius Hotel Marina is located directly on the shore of Lake Balaton in the resort of Balatonfüred, on the northern side of the lake. Families will love this hotel as it has its own private beach and plenty of activities such as swimming, tennis and rent-a-bike to keep everyone amused, plus lots of things for kids including a mini club house, a playground and lagoon, and children’s buffet.

Balatonfüred is a grand resort with an aristocratic legacy and was first mentioned in written works of the nearby Tihany Abbey in 1211 and rose to prominence in the early 1700s when a spa was established.

Prices are from €308 person per week with the first child under 14 going free and a 50% discount for a second under 14, based on two adults sharing. This includes accommodation, three meals a day with local wine, beer and aperitifs plus an entertainment programme for the children. The hotel opens from the beginning of May until the beginning of September.

Lake Balaton, is known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’ and is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Looking more like a sea because of its size, it’s where Hungarian’s go to play during the summer time. There are many activities that can be done on the lake or close by including swimming and sailing, walking and horse riding, golfing and bird watching, wine tasting and exploring historic towns and palaces – something for everyone!

Getting there
Ryanair (Ryanair.com) fly from Stansted to Fly Balaton airport Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday or fly to Budapest from Glasgow, Liverpool, East Midlands, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, Luton, Heathrow or Gatwick and hire a car or take the train. Balatonfüred is only 150km from Budapest Airport and Héviz is 200km.

To find out more about Hungary visit Gotohungary.co.uk.