USP A giant geothermal resort between the High and Low Tatras mountains in eastern Slovakia that offers subzero treatments for the brave.

AMBIENCE Nascent Eden Project meets Soviet-era apartments. There’s an Olympic-size pool, a heated outdoor pool (some parts warmed to 36C/97F), water slides, a solarium, and all the steam rooms, saunas, hot-tubs and massages you could possibly want.

EXPERIENCE Spa treats range from Lucifer’s Sauna to Snow Paradise. The latter promises “total blood circulation” but freezes my feet after 40 seconds. A new Cryochamber will have temperatures as low as minus 80C (minus 112F) – cryotherapy is said to help osteoporosis, rheumatism, back pain and cellulite. It works by encouraging your body’s molecules to move to generate heat, thus creating “internal warmth”.

FOOD A spectacular sugar-cubed restaurant annexe to the spa will be ready for the summer season. Word on the street is it’ll be the best and healthiest restaurant in town. In the meantime, fill up on hearty but often greasy food locally for under a tenner a meal.

IN CROWD Wealthy Bratislavs and Poles and Czechs descending for the weekend; a handful of forward-thinking Brits are starting to invest.

WALLET WATCH Doubles start from £87 including use of all facilities; massages are extra and start from £15 for 30 minutes. SkyEurope (www.skyeurope.com) has flights from Stansted to Poprad from £54.

NEED TO KNOW AquaCity, Poprad, Slovakia (01582 748840; www.aquacity.sk)

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