Jermuk - Armenia's Hidden Gem

Hello friends. During our trip to Armenia we visited the city of Jermuk. Our friends had told us about its stunning natural beauty and healing thermal springs, so we decided to stop by based on their recommendations. We traveled from Yerevan by bus.

We got off the bus near our hotel, which was a five-star establishment called Grand Resort Jermuk. From the moment we arrived nature embraced us. Wherever we looked, there were lush green landscapes and majestic mountains surrounding us. We also heard that the hotel offers health tourism services, including mud baths, mineral water treatments and various other wellness therapies.

We checked in and received the key to our second-floor room. The room price was 250 Euros per night, but it included three meals a day, medical procedures and access to SPA facilities (billiards, hot spring pools, swimming pool, etc.). The room featured a mini-bar, electric kettle, tea & coffee, water, safe and a paid mini-bar. There was an abundance of beverages, candies and chocolates. As part of the welcome amenities, there were nuts, dried fruits and a light-colored wine. There was also a personalized welcome card. This hotel used to operate under the Hyatt brand but now runs independently.

From the balcony, the view was breathtaking: lake, river and mountains. The air was fresh and crisp. While it was slightly warmer in Yerevan, breathing here was pure pleasure. The green mountains around were incredibly striking.

After settling into our room, we headed for lunch. One of the best panoramic restaurants in the city is located right here at the resort. The menu was buffet-style, offering freshly squeezed juice, water, ice, tea and coffee. We grabbed plates and started picking our food: salads, sausages, cheese varieties, steak, vegetable soup, pasta, potatoes, pilaf, carbonara... Pastries, different types of bread and fruits like plums, apricots, peaches and pears. The variety was impressive. The carbonara was very delicious. We even added some watermelon as a side. A perfect combination.

After resting for a while, we went down to the SPA area. There are 32 different medical treatments offered, though the specific procedures you receive are determined after a doctor’s consultation. Unfortunately when we arrived, the doctor’s shift had ended, so we just used the general SPA facilities.It included a steam bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna and cold plunge pools. The jacuzzi was huge. The entire SPA area was well-organized with separate changing rooms, showers and lockers. The thermal pool was three times bigger than the jacuzzi, with a depth of around 1.45 meters. Next to the SPA there was a fitness center open 24/7, equipped with treadmills, bikes, weights and other sports equipment.

After our SPA session we visited a nearby natural site called the Gallery of Water, located just about 100 meters away from the hotel. Here we tasted both warm and cold mineral springs. The water samples ranged from 53 to 25 degrees. The taste was mineral-rich and slightly effervescent. According to locals drinking the water can be beneficial for digestion.

Later we took a taxi to one of the famous waterfalls outside the city. The natural scenery along the way was absolutely stunning. We walked along the river until reaching the waterfall. It was a cascading type, standing approximately 68 meters high, making it the second tallest waterfall in Armenia and it was mesmerizing. It was a perfect spot for photography.

Although reaching the top of the falls is possible due to its height, it isn’t safe. However there were specially built stairs midway up that allowed us to climb higher and enjoy an incredible panoramic view. On our way back, we walked along a scenic path lined with lampposts, benches and surrounded by the river and nature. We didn’t need to call a taxi since the path was safe and well-maintained.

We were deeply impressed by Jermuk’s natural beauty and its health-focused offerings. It's an ideal destination for those who love wellness and health tourism.