Good afternoon!
First of all, I’d like to sincerely thank the staff of the Na Valga hotel complex for their attentive service, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Special thanks to Irina, the lead spa specialist, for her professional massages and other relaxing treatments for both body and soul — truly appreciated! :)
The hotel is located on the outskirts of town, near a small village, about 10 minutes from the city center. You can get there easily by minibus or taxi. Taxis arrive quickly and are affordable — typically between 160 and 200 rubles to the center.
In summer, there aren’t many tourists, which makes it perfect for enjoying peace and quiet. You can take leisurely walks along the beautiful and expansive riverside promenade, breathe in the scent of wildflowers and linden trees, and listen to the soothing chime of church bells. The air here is noticeably fresh and clean! :)
We were offered a number of interesting excursions. I especially enjoyed the city sightseeing tour (thanks to our guide, Alyona). We also recommend visiting the Severnaya Chern factory, where we were shown the entire process of crafting silver jewelry and decorative items, along with the fascinating history of the enterprise. During a hands-on workshop, we got to engrave a coin ourselves and received a commemorative certificate and a handmade souvenir. It was a hit with both kids and adults. There’s also a shop on-site where you can purchase beautiful jewelry and other silver items featuring traditional blackening techniques.
Another highlight of the trip was our visit to the residence of Father Frost. Summer is off-season, so there weren’t many visitors — we were able to explore everything at a relaxed pace. We joined a quest on a fairytale trail, walked through a glacier adorned with elegant ice sculptures, and toured the chambers of the residence’s magical owner. And of course, we got to meet Father Frost himself :)
If you’re looking to escape the city, unwind, and treat yourself to some well-deserved care, we highly recommend a spa getaway in Veliky Ustyug!