My opinion of Yonaguni Spa in Obernai: an extraordinary sensory experience
Looking for an exceptional moment in Alsace? Yonaguni Spa in Obernai is much more than just a wellness center. Voted the world's best spa several times over, this sensory space located within the Yona Hôtel offers a unique immersive experience. I've tested the Day Spa formula for you: between water labyrinth, saunas and gastronomy, here's my full review and advice for your visit.
Summary
- My Yonaguni Spa review in brief
- An award-winning establishment: one of the best spas in the world!
- The mysterious world of Yonaguni Spa in Obernai
- The different areas: a 3,000 m² sensory labyrinth
- Day Spa package: gourmet lunch at the Yuzu Bar
- Additional services: massages and treatments at extra cost
- Stay at the Yona Hôtel d'Obernai to extend the experience
- Practical information: prices, reservations and access to Yonaguni
- FAQ: Everything you need to know for your visit to Yonaguni Spa (YONA)
My Yonaguni Spa review in brief
I liked
- Huge space with many things to try
- Labyrinth of the aquatic universe
- General aesthetics of the place
- Meal quality
- Night Spa option
I liked a little less
- Book well in advance
An award-winning establishment: one of the best spas in the world!
The Yonaguni Spa at the Yona hotel (formerly Parc Hôtel) in Obernai has already won several awards at the World Luxury Spa Awards: Best Unique Experience Spa, Best Luxury Country Spa, Best Day Spa… This gives you an idea of the level of what awaits you?
I’ve been there several times and it’s one of my favorite spas in Alsace! It joins my favorites La Cheneaudière and La Source des Sens.
The mysterious world of Yonaguni Spa in Obernai
To dive into the universe of Yonaguni Spa, we can already look at the origin of this name which does not sound very Alsatian… And for good reason, it is the name of an underwater island in Japan, which is quite mysterious and could be the remains of a disappeared city. That’s what makes you want to escape, don’t you think?
The spa invites you to enter a mysterious universe, offering you the possibility to live a moment out of time and exceptional the time of a Day Spa!
The spa has several areas: the aquatic world, saunas (panoramic, black and banya), steam rooms and relaxation areas. The Yonaguni Spa is truly immense: it covers 3,000m2!
The different areas: a 3,000 m² sensory labyrinth
The aquatic world: losing track of time in the pools
All the areas are aesthetically pleasing, but what really stood out for me was the 350m2 aquatic world. It looks like a kind of labyrinth: corridors lead to a dozen different rooms with multiple atmospheres, with various water jets, and you lose track of time when you walk through! The materials used are raw while being very contemporary, the mixture is really successful!
A large swimming pool with huge windows also completes the set, with different water jets to test.
Saunas, steam baths and waterfalls: heat rituals
On the second floor of the spa you will find various types of showers and waterfalls as well as saunas and steam rooms. Plan to spend some time testing everything!
Absolute relaxation in the rest rooms (and salt grotto)
The relaxation areas are also incredible. I won’t tell you everything so that you can keep some surprises, but I have a particularly good memory of the waterbeds of the salt cave, for example…where I fell asleep with a wonderful sleep!
Day Spa package: gourmet lunch at the Yuzu Bar
Lunch (for Day Spa) or dinner (for Night Spa) is included in the package. It is served at the Yuzu bar, which is only reserved for the spa’s customers (bathrobe atmosphere, it’s nice!).
A buffet is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and you’re in for a treat. A wide choice of raw vegetables, various dishes and desserts await you, and everything is of high quality.
Additional services: massages and treatments at extra cost
If you wish, you can of course book additional treatments or massages.
Stay at the Yona Hôtel d’Obernai to extend the experience
If you want to extend the pleasure, you can of course book a stay at the Yona Hôtel d’Obernai: the rooms are all delightful and comfortable. Access to the Yonasaya spa is included in the room rate, and there are special rates for spending a half-day or a full day at the Yonaguni Spa.
Practical information: prices, reservations and access to Yonaguni
As Yonaguni Spa is one of Alsace’s most sought-after locations, good preparation is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. Please note that the establishment has recently changed its name to YONA.
Opening days, prices and booking
The spa is open every day. Two main packages allow non-residents of the hotel to discover this world:
- Price : €114 per person (including buffet lunch at the Yuzu Bar, excluding drinks).
- Opening hours: daily, 9am to 11pm.
- Day Spa formula: 6-hour daytime access.
- Night Spa package: 6-hour evening access. An ideal option for enjoying the luminous, mysterious atmosphere of the aquatic labyrinth after dark… And book faster!
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and can only be made online. Given the popularity of the site, you’ll need to book several months in advance for the Day Spa… A little less for the Night Spa, depending on dates.
- Age: Access is reserved for people aged 16 and over.
Access and parking
By car
The official address is: YONA (ex-Hôtel du Parc), 169 route d’Ottrott, 67210 Obernai. You have to count:
- From Strasbourg: about 30 minutes (30 km).
- From Colmar: approx. 40 minutes (50 km).
- From Mulhouse: approx. 1 hour (90 km).
Parking: Please note that the hotel parking lot is now reserved exclusively for residents. If you’re coming for the day (Day Spa), you’ll find parking spaces right in front of the hotel or in the free public parking lot on Route de l’Altau, just 150 meters away.
By public transport
Obernai station is well served by TER trains from Strasbourg and Sélestat. From the station, you can reach the hotel in around 15 minutes on foot or by local shuttle bus.
FAQ: Everything you need to know for your visit to Yonaguni Spa (YONA)
How far in advance do I need to book the Yonaguni Spa?
The spa is extremely popular. For a Day Spa package, I advise you to book several months in advance, especially if you’re aiming for a weekend. For Night Spa, availability is often a little more flexible, but you should still plan ahead for 3 to 4 weeks.
Is free parking available on site?
The hotel parking lot is reserved for residents. For day or evening guests, the easiest way is to park in the free Altau public parking lot, just 150 metres from the spa entrance.
What’s the difference between Day Spa and Night Spa?
Both packages offer 6 hours’ access to the facilities. Day Spa includes buffet lunch at the Yuzu Bar, while Night Spa (evening) includes buffet dinner. It’s easier to book the Night Spa, which is a little less popular.
Is a bathing suit compulsory at Yonaguni?
Yes, unlike some German spas, bathing suits are mandatory in the aquatic world and pools. Bathrobe, towels and slippers are provided on arrival.
Is the spa child-friendly?
No, access to Yonaguni Spa is strictly reserved for people aged 16 and over, to guarantee the tranquility and Zen atmosphere of the place.
Can I access the spa without staying at the hotel?
Absolutely! The Day Spa and Night Spa packages are designed for non-residents who want to discover this exceptional sensory world without staying at the Yona Hôtel.