THE Crystal Palace is a stylish hotel situated on Shipka Street. Outside the hotel is the beautiful Doctors Garden park which, with its leafy trees, is a great place to hang out in summer with friends. The Crystal Palace Health Club has the same relaxed peaceful atmosphere all year round. The intimate private spa facility is one that feels more like the personal spa of the rich and famous than one of a hotel. 
On arrival, you are given a key for a locker in the immaculately clean changing rooms, a free towel and - what I consider a very nice touch - a small thin sheet to use in the relaxation room to lie over one of the 15 wooden lounge chairs or to use in the sauna. No complimentary slippers, so remember to take your own.
The spa has beautifully-selected interior design of western red cedar, and peaceful ambient music with seductive lighting that instantly creates a relaxing feel. All facilities are mixed, so they can be shared with friends of both sexes rather than splitting up at the changing room door with a customary, "see you later, enjoy your time!"
A semi-circular sauna is the central focus of the room, half glass and half cedar, which again is impeccably clean and second to none that I have experienced. For the sauna enthusiast, the temperature is cranked up to a boiling 80-90 degrees.
To cool down, the relaxation room has its own set of showers nearby to wash the sweat off before entering a large eight person jacuzzi. The fibreglass design is moulded to the body's shape with several pressure jets that can be turned on and off as desired underneath as well as on the sides. A wonderful hydro massage while you wait for the real thing.
For those who like to sweat, but find the Sahara-feel sauna a little too much, the Turkish- style steam room is ideal. Beautifully tiled, with thoughtfully placed water taps around the walls to splash some cool refreshing water over your body while enjoying the wet steam.
This 'sweat (hyperthermic) therapy' not only releases toxins from the skin, but also relaxes muscles by easing aches and pains. Releasing toxins via the skin through perspiration reduces the load on both the kidneys and liver.
What is fantastic about this health club is the placement of the sauna, Turkish steam bath, jacuzzi and showers all around the beautifully appointed relaxation room. Many people come to read a book or the newspaper, detox after a hard night out on the town, or just simply hangout in tranquil peace and quiet while having access to all these great facilities.
The fitness room is small, with a range of machines rather than free weights but for the not-so-die-hard weight lifters it is more than adequate for a complete workout regime. A few basic cardio machines accompany the weight machines; two bicycles, two treadmills and one stepper. One of the downsides, but something, which is not uncommon in most fitness centres I have reviewed, is the lack of willing floor staff to offer advice without prompting. An attendant is available, however, his primary role is for safety and personal training.
 The massage rooms are first class with some of the most comfortable tables I have had the pleasure of lying on. The rooms are installed with dim lighting and each plays peaceful relaxing music of your choice. And, what I consider to be very important: both are isolated and quiet.  The massage rooms are staffed by three experienced therapists; two females and one male, who provide therapeutic Swedish and Aromatherapy massage.
Overall Comment: The secret may be out, but keep it for yourself.

This is the fourth 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.

Crystal Palace Hotel
Fitness and Relaxation room 
- 10 leva off peak inclusive of all facilities
- 13 leva peak times (3.30-9.30pm)

Relaxation room 
- 7 leva off peak
- 10 leva peak
Discounts are available for several sessions per month or monthly and annual memberships.

Massage

- Relaxing, Therapeutic and Energising Massage    25 leva
- Half body Massage 15 leva

- Aromatherapy Massage   30 leva

- Antitoxic procedure with pure bee honey  35 leva

Vertical Solarium with Tan Shower
- (five minutes) 8 leva