Elysium spa

The word elysium in Greek mythology meant the island of the blessed – a place on the western edge of the earth, where gods can transport their favorites while still alive; immortal heroes live there in eternal spring and without care.

In designing the spa space in the heart of historic Bratislava, we derived from the need to break free from the daily grind and find tranquility. The space serves as a meditative refuge from the surrounding world. We base the concept of the urban spa on the perception of the space as a temple for the body. The reference is the ancient city baths of Grössling, located nearby, which provided visitors with purification of body and soul.

Through an inconspicuous entrance from Grössling Street, we descend via the original stone staircase into the basement of the historic building. In the original cellars, we reveal a brick vault ceiling. The concept is built on inserted objects and a combination of materials such as terrazzo, brick, cobalt and black tiles, as well as wood. The volumes define an intermediary space that winds freely around the entire spa. In the background, we work with light. With natural light that enters through existing window openings or skylights and is dynamic throughout the day. Thus, the experience is unique at every moment and season. Or with artificial light, which arises from functional essence, but also enhances the overall intimate atmosphere of the spaces. A visit to Elysium spa aims to be an experiential journey of slowing down and purification – thus complemented by the work Trajectory of Movement by Stanislav Ondruš.

A benefit of the space is also the exterior terrace in the courtyard, where a mobile sauna with loungers is installed. This uncharted combination creates a new relationship with the city and the neighborhood. New vistas and new experiences.