Alma Health & Spa Retreat

The main lobby had an unpleasant smell after the floors were cleaned, almost like a dirty mop. It stood out, though the rest of the resort was clean and well maintained. We had a great stay last week. The rooms were lovely, and I’d suggest asking for one on a higher floor. Breakfast was a highlight, with lots of delicious choices. There’s plenty to enjoy on site, including a tennis court, pools, and a private lake beach. Book spa treatments like massages well ahead, since appointments fill quickly. Nearby, there isn’t much to do beyond a pleasant walk to the park and a beautiful wooden church.

Gama deserves a special mention. Every single day, he greeted us with a memorable smile, warmth, and helpfulness, and made us feel at home. The staff were all very polite. It’s a place where you can work and relax at the same time.

The slippery shower floor was a real safety concern. My youngest daughter slipped and nearly hurt herself, and there was nothing to prevent accidents. There’s also a sand play area by the kids’ pool with no fence or protection, so children could easily fall into the lake. I didn’t see a lifeguard at any of the pools during the three hours we were there. I visited Alma with my children and a family member. The facilities were okay, nothing special, though it’s a little different for Braila, and the kids’ slides are a nice feature. Still, I wouldn’t return or recommend it. Prices are massively inflated, enough that I’d call it a rip off. I was charged admission for two adults even after explaining that one adult wouldn’t use any facilities. They were just a relative I hadn’t seen in a while, and I wanted to catch up over coffee. I was told everyone had to pay regardless of what they planned to do, so I paid 80 RON for someone to sit on a chair for a few hours. Around the pools there are only sun loungers, with nowhere to sit for a drink or coffee, which seems odd. I also paid an outrageous 20 RON for a small box of Pringles. You wouldn’t pay that much for one even outside Romania. Maybe it was a big investment and they’re trying to recoup the costs quickly by overcharging and not having enough staff.

The noise is so loud that you can hear the programme clearly anywhere in Lacu Sarat, and I’d worry it could exceed safe levels, especially for kids. It’s a shame given what a gift this lake is, and that it should be protected. This place is a disgrace to Lacu Sarat resort and to the ideas of a spa and retreat. They play extremely loud music all day, with an entertainer screaming into a microphone about the girls dancing, encouraging people to drink, and promoting products. There’s no regard for the limits of their yard or for resting hours, and the noise disturbs the whole village. They should rebrand as “Mini Mamaia” or “Disco by the lake.” A complete disappointment.