Miory Regional Executive Committee
Today, 3,500 people are resting simultaneously in 11 sanatoriums across the Vitebsk Region, including 960 visitors from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. Their popularity has grown significantly in recent times. This is attributable not only to the unstable global situation, which deters many from traveling to overseas resorts, but primarily to the fact that our health resorts are taking every measure to provide highly qualified sanatorium-resort and rehabilitation services to the public. To learn what specific measures are being implemented in this regard, let us examine the examples of several health facilities in the lake-rich Vitebsk Region.
Many positive reviews have been received from the public, including prominent media figures in Belarus, regarding the "Lesnoye" sanatorium in the Dokshitsy District. This facility distinguishes itself from others by ensuring that, regardless of occupancy levels, guests never crowd or congregate anywhere—neither outside physicians' offices, nor in the mud therapy department, nor even in the swimming pool. There is simply no cause for such congestion. The pool area is exceptionally spacious, featuring four lanes measuring 2.5 meters in width and 25 meters in length, flanked by large shallow lagoons for children, underwater jets, a waterfall cascade, and two jacuzzis—an ideal setting. Visitors can avail themselves of multiple treatments simultaneously within the pool complex: swimming, underwater massage, pearl baths, alongside several sauna sessions, all included without any separate additional charges. According to numerous guests, comparable facilities are unavailable in any other health resort, not only within the region but across the entire republic. Furthermore, individuals seek out this destination for extreme wellness experiences available in the cryosauna. Not every visitor would dare spend three minutes in a cryochamber maintained at minus 120 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, enthusiasts partake in these sessions willingly and later share their unforgettable experiences. Such options have particularly appealed to Russian tourists from Tula and Moscow, who constitute a considerable share of the clientele at "Lesnoye." Moreover, residents of St. Petersburg frequently arrive for weekend getaways to enjoy... tranquility. The local natural environment is truly exceptional. The meticulously maintained territory is extensive, dotted with numerous gazebos nestled within the pine forest, as well as specialized cottages titled "Forester" and "Fisherman." These accommodations are regularly rented by families, including their pets, for weekends and public holidays, a convenience greatly enhanced by the nearby lake.
THERE, WHERE THE STARS GAZE INTO THE WATERS
However, the natural surroundings at the Lepel Military Sanatorium are also magnificent. In summer, vouchers are extremely difficult to obtain here because two natural bodies of water – Shchibot and Bobritsa – attract visitors like a magnet, forming a semicircle around the resort. This very characteristic is what defines the name of the sanatorium, as it specializes not only in general wellness but also in medical treatment. – In which other sanatorium can patients undergo a course of intravenous infusions to strengthen and improve cardiovascular and cerebral functions following illnesses and post-COVID rehabilitation? At our facility, this is available in the procedure room, – states Natalia Alekseeva, Deputy Head for Medical Affairs at the Lepel Military Sanatorium. – Very few medical centers offer such a service as a non-invasive blood test. For a reasonable fee, guests can undergo this procedure and receive test results covering 138 parameters! Radon baths are prescribed for patients suffering from bone diseases and degenerative joint inflammation. Furthermore, we operate our own laboratory, where an individual radon concentration is determined for each patient. Health resorts of the Vitebsk region: some seek tranquility, others seek treatment. Today, simultaneously, 3,500 people are resting across 11 sanatoriums in the Vitebsk region, including 960 visitors from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. Their popularity has recently grown significantly. This is attributable not only to the unstable global situation, which deters many from traveling to overseas resorts, but primarily to the fact that our health resorts make every effort to provide highly qualified sanatorium-resort and rehabilitative care to the public. What measures are being taken in this regard will be illustrated by examples of several health resorts in the blue-eyed Vitebsk region. The medical infrastructure of the institution is continuously strengthened. For instance, a salt room will soon commence operations, the cafeteria has undergone major renovations, and the construction of a swimming pool is planned for the future. Meanwhile, guests can avail themselves of the most popular and sought-after procedures, including rejuvenating treatments. It is therefore no surprise that citizens of Russia, Latvia, and Lithuania regularly visit the sanatorium in Borovka. Weekend "Anti-Stress" tours are offered. Connoisseurs of beneficial recreation will certainly take advantage of the unique possib
...to completely escape the city bustle, change the scenery, and shed accumulated fatigue.FEATURES OF «LESNYE OZERA»
If the «Lesnoye» (KGB) and Lepel military sanatoriums are under departmental affiliation, then «Lesnyye Ozera» (Ushachy District) belongs to the category of trade union sanatoriums. Trade union members receive a 25 percent discount on vouchers. Moreover, there are bonuses for Belarusian and Russian pensioners, as well as members of the neighboring country's trade union, in the form of a 10 percent discount. Citizens of both countries receive services of virtually equal cost, which naturally attracts tourists from Russia. It is no wonder that 2/3 of the guests at «Lesnyye Ozera» are Russians. – Our key feature is the price and quality of the medical services provided, numbering over 200 types, including our own manual therapist, – emphasizes Sergey Slyatskiy, head of the marketing and registration sector. – We offer 10 accommodation options for arriving guests. There are single-room and double-room accommodations, two-level rooms with fireplaces, jacuzzis in wooden cottages or in the three-story building. In short, there is a wide choice. Various discounts and bonuses are offered during the off-season. At the same time, the average cost of a 10-day voucher ranges from 750 to 850 BYN. The Ushachy District is famous for its underground mineral water springs. At the «Lesnyye Ozera» sanatorium, they flow directly from the ground under their own pressure. Moreover, the mineralization of this bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium water is highly suitable and appropriate for consumption by everyone. With the commissioning of the SPA complex featuring a pool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish bath, demand for vouchers has increased several times over. In any case, all vouchers have been sold out until the end of August. Regarding a stay at this sanatorium, it is said: «Maximum services and enjoyment for a minimum price». FROM «LYOTSY» TO «ZHELEZNOGORODZHNIK» Another resort equally renowned for its high level of services is popular as well – «Borovoye» in the Dokshitsy District. It has its own features – a wonderful pool with mineral water (though visits are scheduled) and a buffet, which appeals to gourmets. Then again, preferences vary. At the cardiac-focused sanatorium «Lyottsy», its own Belarusian sanatoriums offer treatment across 16 medical profiles and proviprovide more than 500 types of various procedures.
Regular visitors who gladly travel from Belarus, Russia, and the Baltic states to relax, recharge, and undergo treatment. As Director Alexey Moiseyenko noted, the health resort provides more than 200 types of medical services.
Among physicians of various specialties (cardiologists, gynecologists, pediatricians), there are candidates of medical sciences. The medical infrastructure is highly respectable; here, joint treatment via ozonotherapy is available. The lack of a swimming pool is offset by the availability of cosmetology services, which attract guests from the neighboring "Zheleznodorozhnik" sanatorium. Meanwhile, swimming enthusiasts from "Letsev" make their way to the "Zheleznodorozhnik" pool. Such is a mutually beneficial arrangement. In any case, at this trade union health resort, where an off-season loyalty program operates (offering various discounts to trade union members, regular visitors, birthday celebrants, etc.), accommodations are booked through late autumn. Just one sandy beach with pine trees along the shores of Lake Shevino is truly impressive. It resembles the Baltic coastline. The "Plissa" sanatorium (Glubokoye District) is regarded as prestigious. Rumors circulate that executives and public figures can be found among the guests. Everything here meets high standards—beautiful nature, excellent facilities, and quality service. However, a high-quality and relaxing vacation requires a substantial financial investment. In terms of pricing, this health resort ranks among the most expensive not only in the Vitebsk Region but across the country.
WE DO NOT NEED THE TURKISH COAST
– If we summarize the points raised above, what conclusions can be drawn? Is it possible to enjoy a proper vacation in the Vitebsk Region, known as the "Blue-Eyed" land due to its abundance of lakes and rivers? – asked for a comment, addressing Snezhana Titova, Head of the Vitebsk Regional Office of the Republican Center for Health Improvement and Sanatorium-Resort Treatment of the Population.
– The conclusion is clear: “We do not need the Turkish shore,” as the well-known song goes. “At home it is no worse, and in many respects even better,” the interviewee says. – Our greatest wealth is the purest lakes and rivers, of which there are more than two thousand in our region. Just think of the Braslav district alone! The abundance of mineral water springs is also a significant fact. Moreover, each one in its locality possesses unique and individual properties. And then there are sapropelic muds, which effectively aid in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
– Before the pandemic and sanctions, Belarusians, including residents of the Vitebsk region, did not particularly value our health resorts. As soon as the weather warms up, they flock to Turkey and Egypt. Resort stays, supposedly, are only for the elderly. What is your comment on this?
– Today, our regional health resorts host many young people and families with children. The facilities feature a broad medical profile, are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and offer a wide spectrum of medical services. They compete with one another based on the number of medical services included in the treatment voucher: the greater the number, the higher the demand. For some guests, the availability of a swimming pool is a decisive factor when selecting a sanatorium. During the off-season, it acts as a true lifesaver. Saunas, fitness centers, and spa treatments are what appeal to younger visitors. In this respect, our sanatoriums have made significant progress, which is undoubtedly encouraging.
– Nevertheless, in many health resorts, foreign guests outnumber Belarusians. How do you explain this shift?
– It can only be attributed to a “Soviet-era” mindset. Foreign destinations are perceived as superior, even if the food is questionable and causes digestive issues, provided it operates on an “all-inclusive” basis. Meanwhile, local options are often dismissed as mediocre. I believe that far from everyone has yet to fully experience the benefits of domestic health resorts. Are they expensive? I doubt it, given that there are budget-friendly wellness programs available. Conversely, after recuperating at a sanatorium, citizens report improved physical and mental well-being, as well as renewed motivation to work with full dedication.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by