The Hilton Hotel Sofia
Address: 1, Bulgaria Blvd., Sofia 1421
Tel: 933 5000

THE Hilton group of hotels has been synonymous with excellence in the hospitality industry. Its five-star rating demands fine quality and service. The newly erected hotel (2001) doesn't carry the architectural feel of Bulgaria. However the staff and management without question do; from the doorman to the management.
Five-star hotels are a rarity in Sofia, so it was with particular interest that I wanted to test the health facilities of the `newest' in town in five-star style.
I was met by Gergana Grigorova, PA to the General Manager, Friedrich W. Niemann, who welcomed me with a tour of the health club and fitness facilities.
The health club has a peaceful ambiance, decorated in blues and greens, or for those who are experts on colours-shades of turquoise. All the health and beauty facilities are contracted to an outside company called Camelot who specialise in providing five-star services with expert staff. All the Camelot therapists, from nail technicians to masseuses have degree qualifications.  Camelot's manager Ivan Michaylov walked me through all the services they offer while insisting that to understand the service, you have to try it.
First I was introduced to two of the massage therapists, both of whom had received their qualifications at the National Sports Academy, four years in Kinesiology and a three years masters degree. Along with highly qualified staff, Ivan requires an excellent level of English and personalised customer service with a policy that nothing is too difficult - although stressing the fact that this is a first class facility and there is no sex. Ivan told me that this is the only 24-hour massage service in Sofia.
The therapists use high quality massage oils from Darphin and they offer a range of different types from the standard neck, back, arms and legs. A deep tissue and sports massage including ultrasound, Shiatsu, reflexology, and anti-cellulite massage are all on offer. And the signature massage is the Lomi-Lomi Hot Stone Massage - a stress relieving and relaxing massage. I can vouch for this, or what I can remember of it. I fell asleep! Anyway what I remember of the massage was fantastic. The technique uses a number of smooth volcanic stones, which are heated to just above body temperature and rubbed over the body in a special Lomi-Lomi motion while combined with essential oils. The stones feel very nice but I do remember wondering, probably just before I fell asleep, if it was stones rubbing across my back or a hand, no matter, it felt great.
The two massage rooms are next to the heated swimming pool. The pool, although small, has the feel of a big, peaceful, intimate bath at a temperature of 27 degrees. The down side of the massage rooms is that the peace and tranquillity of the expert massage can be interrupted by a guest splashing or having a loud conversation nearby. However this has generally not been a problem on the few occasions I have indulged.
It is often the little things that make the difference between a five-star health club and the others. The Hilton provides immaculately clean and private showers and changing rooms, with complimentary robe, slippers and towels. Both the steam room and sauna are easily accessible from the swimming pool and changing rooms.
Camelot also provides a hair salon and a beauty salon. I typically sport a number two haircut all over so there was nothing more to cut on my head, let alone to test the coiffure. But being a bloke, and for most of us fellas skin care is typically not on the top of the list, Ivan politely offered for me to test a five-star facial by the in-house therapist.
I sat down in a luxurious chair where I was treated to a range of treatments. Starting with a make-up cleanser. Now don't get the wrong idea, this fella doesn't wear make up. She assured me that this was the best way to clean the skin. She then followed with a milk facial wash, a toner lotion and a new-generation deep biological cleansing cream. At the same time I was treated to a 10-minute anti-fatigue gel around my eyes. And to finish off, a light peaceful facial massage.
Now if that sounds good, it does get better, while all this was going on, my finger nails were cut, filed, soaked and buffed and then my hands were finished in an avocado and pear replenishing moisturiser. On leaving, I was presented with my facial prescription. i.e. more cleansing and more moisturising!
After a relaxing afternoon like this who would want to sweat it out in the fitness facility? The gymnasium is a small but comprehensive room with enough machine equipment to provide a moderate weight and cardiovascular work out. Two televisions and music are available. There are limited free weights. Peak time is between 6pm to 9pm. Health assistants available to help you with your workout on request.

This is the third in a series throughout July in which Hugh Fraser checks out some of Sofia's leading health and fitness clubs' vital statistics to see which measure up to your summer workout needs.

Health Club Hours
6.30am to 10pm Mon-Fri
8am to 9pm Sat and Sun

1 month 200 leva
3 months 500 leva
6 months 750 leva
1 year 1300 leva

All members entitled to 10 per cent discount in Seasons Restaurant and Artists Bar

Hair and Beauty hours
9am-9pm everyday
Facial  45 leva
Manicure 30 leva

Massage 24 Hours
Standard Massage:  
1 hour 66 leva
Special Massage:
1 hour 99 leva