Liptov can now boast a unique attraction that is sure to make the rest of Slovakia envious. Inspired by Turkey’s Pamukkale, the water park in Bešeňová has transformed an old building into a technically original masterpiece.
It all started with the need to renovate the original two-storey accommodation building, which no longer met the requirements of the 21st century. The idea of offering each guest the chance to enjoy private bathing in thermal water on their own balcony with a view came from Igor Rattaj, the Chairman of the Board at Tatry mountain resorts, a.s. “We wanted to create something exceptional, to give our guests a unique experience, and we’ve succeeded. The result is an original Liptov version of Pamukkale – an accommodation complex where every suite on the 2nd and 3rd floors will have a private thermal pool on the terrace,” revealed Igor Rattaj.
Pamukkale is a world-famous natural phenomenon in Turkey, where mineral springs flow from pools in white travertine terraces carved into the rock. Inspired by this natural wonder, the architects from the Gam studio developed the final design for Bešeňová. Architecturally and especially technically, this is a perfectly thought-out project. Its construction took 13 months. “It was a real challenge, as we made it while the water park was fully open, but we made it happen. In addition to reconstructing the building itself, we had to install hundreds of metres of supply and drainage pipes to each of the thermal baths. Interestingly, these pipes are built into the facade so that they remain accessible if needed. Just like the central Pamukkale pool, the private baths are also flow-through, meaning the water is constantly being refreshed. Naturally, the most modern water purification and disinfection systems are in place. The flowing water also gives the pools a natural iron tint, typical of the Bešeňová thermal water. Additionally, we plan to reuse the residual heat from the discharged water with the help of heat pumps to benefit the wider complex in the future,” explained Róbert Šmitala, the Director of TMR’s water parks.
In the new accommodation complex, geothermal water won’t be used for swimming only. Water from the borehole, which emerges at 60°C, will first pass through heat exchangers to transfer its heat for warming pools, domestic hot water and interiors. Only after that it will be adjusted to the desired temperature of 34-40°C, treated and pumped into the pools and thermal baths. The building is also equipped with a photovoltaic power plant installed on the roof, and all lighting in the facility uses low-energy appliances. The structure has been awarded a primary energy certificate with an A0+ rating. In practice, this means maximum use of renewable energy sources and minimal environmental impact.
In total, 29 exceptional suites and studio suites will be added to the Bešeňová water park complex, becoming part of the GALÉRIA THERMAL HOTEL****. Travertine, typical for both Bešeňová and the Turkish Pamukkale, will be a key feature of the new suites and studio suites as in the rest of the hotel. The total investment is valued at over EUR 10 million.