College days were tumultous and when you share life changing experiences with people that you love and care for, a bond is created that just won’t shatter. Such is our friendship with Sue and Tony.

Our travel plans had been locked in for months. We were going to arrive in Vienna, head south to explore Croatia and Greece and then return to Vienna via Munich. Eleven weeks. Done! We had had a number of conversations with Tony and he seemed determined to buy a van and travel around Europe for up to six months. He was uncertain of what Suzanne wanted to do but knew he was programmed for adventure. About a month before we flew out Tony rang and said he had bought a van and wanted to know where we would be at the end of July. Suzanne was coming too.

The decision was made and we were to meet up in the spa town of Villach where John had found an incredible place to stay for a few days- Karnthe Therme ( http://kaerntentherme.com/kt-de/). Our flight would arrive in Vienna at 05:00 and we would take a train to the therme. Seriously, it was that easy. The early morning arrival meant that there were few tourist information services available so we had to work out the rail system ourselves but we asked around and figured it out. We had a couple of changes but using the Austrian rail portal (OBB) we had no trouble at all reaching Villach Warmbad station and taking the short walk to the hotel.

Our studio was glorious and the therme just sensational. It was the perfect choice to unwind from the stress of two long distance flights.The weather was a bit sour- skudding and grey and always suggesting it could get even colder but the short walk into the therme was the only experiece we would have of the great outdoors.  We donned our swimmers and waltzed into the spa. The eight lane, thirty-three metre, indoor pool is on the second level and this is where I started my day. A few laps of the pool and then into the sauna and treatment area. It was devine.

After looking around at the local area we decided that despite having a small kitchen, without a car it was going to be a problem getting food. We decided we needed to add the half-board option to our accommodation. Brilliant decision! Dinner was supurb and breakfast the following morning exceptional and we discovered that luch, labeled a ‘snack’, was just as amazing. Absolutely worth it.

Tony contacted us and we arranged to meet at the therme and spend the day together. For a small charge they we able to park their vehicle and later discovered that they were able to stay in the van overnight.  We had a lovely day together and as a special indulgence Suzanne and I pampered ourselves with a treatment. Everything was going particulaly well so we decided to enquire about inviting guests to dinner. Yes we could do that and it just so happened that that night was a Gala dinner.

What began as a treat for ourselves became a remarkable memorable experience that we got to share with treasured friends which just goes to show that a shared joy is a double joy.