Over 2000 years ago the curative properties of the Hungarian thermal waters were discovered and the first baths were built in present day Budapest. Many of the Hungary's most beautiful thermal baths were built in the 1500s by the occupying Ottoman Turks. They brought to Hungary the traditional Ottoman hammam and built hundreds of baths on the sites of healing springs. 1/7 × In the 1800s the Omorovicza family, commissioned one of the most famous architects in Hungarian history, Miklos Ybl, to build the beautiful Racz spa in the capital, Budapest, on the site of a medieval healing spring. Fast forward to the early days of this century, Stephen, a descendant of the noble Omorovicza family, was in Budapest running his family firm when he first met US diplomat Margaret, Chief of Staff at the US Embassy, working for Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker. After he took her to Budapest’s ancient spas, their love and skin blossomed, and marriage soon followed. Inspired by the profound effects of the waters on their skin, Margaret and Stephen were keen to bring Hungary’s enviable beauty heritage to the rest of the world and together embarked on an exciting new skincare business. Omorovicza's founder Stephen de Heinrich talks about the brand story and future: Today, Omorovicza is a global beauty brand located in the world’s most exclusive stores and spas, with legions of loyal fans. Stephen can often be found in the laboratory working on new product formulations, while Margaret has switched effortlessly from her role as a former diplomat to Omorovicza’s global beauty ambassador. In 2006, Omorovicza Cosmetics was officially launched with a store opening in Budapest and have been producing award-winning skincare ever since. Today the Omorovicza skincare range contains almost fifty products comprising four collections. Steep yourself in the history of Hungary whilst enjoying one of the signature facial treatments in the very place where Omorovicza was born. Omorovicza Boutique & Spa Venue Andrássy út 2 Budapest 1061 Spa Opening hours Mon-Fri / 8:00-20:00 Sat / 10:00-18:00 Reservation only Store Opening hours Mon-Fri / 9:00am-8:00pm Sat / 10:00am-6:00pm Booking: +36 1 302 4604 budapest-spa@omorovicza.com Photo and text: Omorovicza