Where the power of mineral water purifies mind and body and the Rila Lakes glitter like precious stones under the sun, there is Sapareva Banya.
It is an ancient small town, known for the hottest Geysir in Europe with its healing qualities that have been famous since Roman times. Not to forget the picturesque surroundings including the Rila Mountains and the seven Rila Lakes.
Because of the vast potential of the region, the Bulgarian company Aqua Treatment chose it for the construction of a hotel, which is going to be operated by Swissôtel.
Geneticist and researcher Vadim Pospelov, who plays a key role in the creation and development of the project, tells us more about it.
First of all, thank you for your time, Mr. Pospelov. It is a pleasure to have you here.
The pleasure is all mine.
Mr. Pospelov, you are a renowned genetics researcher and a successful businessman. You are also the owner and manager of a drug factory, a private clinic, and research companies in Switzerland. Why did you decide to participate in the project?
Research and the ambition to discover new things have always been in my blood. The desire to leave a trace behind and to be useful to people is the reason I take part in the project.
Why did you choose Bulgaria as a destination for the construction of the hotel?
Our team aims to offer future visitors peace of mind, a break from everyday life, and a cure for their health problems. After analyzing sites and waters from all over the world and thorough research, we found that Sapareva Banya was the ideal place to build the hotel due to the healing properties of the mineral waters that spring from there.
What is Sapareva Banya popular for?
Sapareva Banya is famous for its natural geyser in Europe. It is the hottest one in Europe. The natural geyser is an iconic symbol of the city, located in a beautiful city park where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
In Sapareva Banya you can visit the antique St. Nicholas Church, built in the 12th century, which is considered a national treasure.
Nearby are the seven Rila Lakes: the Eye, the Kidney, the Lower Lake, the Trefoil, the Tear, the Twin, and the Fish Lake. Each name reflects a distinctive characteristic of the given lake. For example, the name of the Eye comes from its oval shape, and the Eye is called that way due to its clear waters.
Apart from their beauty, they captivate visitors with an old legend of their creation. Two giants, a man and a woman, lived happily in the Rila Mountains. Unfortunately, evil forces envied their true love and decided to destroy their home. In one battle, the evil forces killed the man, leaving the young widow mourning her beloved. Her tears poured down the ridges into the valleys and formed the Rila Lakes.
This is another reason why we chose the region for building the hotel. Its guests will not only be able to enjoy their stay but also to explore the nature and folklore of Bulgaria.
Overall, the area has a lot of potential for development, and we are glad that the construction of the hotel will promote both the region and the healing properties of its mineral waters. Last but not least, the hotel will create new job positions.
In that way, Sapareva Banya and its surroundings will get the recognition they deserve.
What diseases does the mineral water in Sapareva Banya cure?
The water treats various health problems like diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, gynecological, orthopedic, and degenerative joint diseases, as well as diseases of the spine. In addition, the healing properties of water alleviate skin problems and post-traumatic conditions.
The overall experience will be a feast for the senses and the mind for each hotel’s visitor. Guests will not only alleviate the symptoms of their disease but also will give their souls an experience they will never forget.
At Swissôtel Sapareva Banya, visitors will be able to take time for themselves and reflect on a simple truth.
Life is so much more than rushing to catch the next bus, finishing work and household chores on time, and striving for perfection. However, all the conditions we put on ourselves to be happy and to be the best at everything only lead to stress, fatigue, and the development of diseases.
Nevertheless, life is about getting in touch with the divine power of nature, caring for the health of both body and soul, and taking the opportunity to slow down time and enjoy every second of it — past or present.
This is what Swissôtel Sapareva Banya will offer: the chance to change your outlook on life and free your mind from all the limitations and conditions that prevent you from being truly happy.
Swissôtel Sapareva Banya guests will have the opportunity to enjoy various SPA treatments and to visit the hotel’s health center. Could you please explain what makes the health center different?
In our health center we will strive to integrate genetic analysis and treatment into mainstream medicine. Our goal is to focus on both the treatment of a disease and the prevention of its recurrence.
As a researcher, you own over 15 patents. What are you currently working on?
The biggest problem in genetic testing is data overload. In Switzerland, my team and I are currently working on a platform that handles genetic data efficiently, facilitating the customized design of genetic tests. This will push the boundaries of traditional genetic analysis, especially when it comes to precise tests in the field of oncology.
In our laboratory in Switzerland, we have recently conducted a study using cancer cell lines. In this study, we incubated them with various plant extracts and isolated the exosomes to examine the genetic information contained inside. The results of this study have shown promising indications of the anti-cancer effects of some plant extracts.
How would you describe the Swissôtel Sapareva Banya?
Swissôtel Sapareva Banya will be a very modern, elegant, and child-friendly 5-star hotel. Aesthetically pleasing and decorated with an eye for detail, its main aim will be to make guests’ stay as pleasant as possible.
It will offer treatment for diseases through the integration of genetic analyses into mainstream medicine. This will take place in the health center, which will be under my direction.
On the other hand, visitors who are looking for relaxation will be able to take advantage of SPA services such as massages, jacuzzis, saunas, mineral water pools, fitness and yoga areas, etc.
In addition, the hotel’s proximity to many scenic natural attractions and Rila National Park makes it a great starting point for tourist adventures.
It will be also close to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a repository of Bulgarian nationality and spirit. It served, by the way, as inspiration for some of the hotel’s architecture.
Sapareva Banya is about an hour away by car from the capital of Bulgaria, which offers all the amenities and attractions of a big city.
In conclusion, the hotel will offer modern treatments and an unforgettable SPA experience bringing together luxury, elegance, and aesthetics – everything Swissôtel stands for.
Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Pospelov!