Velingrad is a town in Bulgaria and one of the most popular Bulgarian balneological resorts. It lies at the western corner of Chepino Valley in the Rhodope Mountain in Southern Bulgaria. 

Velingrad is situated at 750-800 m above sea level. Summer is warm and winter is mild. The average annual temperature is 10 degrees C, while the average July temperature is only 19 degrees C. Surrounded by age-old pine woods, the town favours abundant sunshine. The annual sunshine duration is about 2,000 hours. This exceptionally rare and valuable combination has a beneficial influence on the process of ionization and is of definite therapeutic importance. There are over 80 mineral springs with myriad curative properties in and around the town.

The mineral waters, both from springs and wells, are suitable for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. 9000 litres of water per minute gush forth from the five thermal and mineral deposits at Velingrad and nearby Rakitovo and Kostandovo. Apart from this, Velingrad boasts another natural phenomenon as well - Kleptuza, the biggest karst spring in Bulgaria, with an average discharge of 1200 litres of ice-cold water per second.

"Velingrad is maybe the most popular spa centre in Bulgaria with over 80 mineral springs", says deputy mayor Mrs. Valentina Rsvetanova. "Spa tourism has recently turned into a profitable business - we have some very good 4 and 5-star hotels. More are being built currently - investment interest has indeed soared. Mineral waters, pine-scented, crystal - clear mountain air, numerous sunny days and next to no windy days - these are some of the town’s best assets. The town disposes with 3500 bedrooms, with an average yearly occupancy rate of 50-60%. Season summer 2008 took off to a great start. As a rule, hospitality facilities have been fully booked on weekends; this season we are fully booked all through the week", says deputy mayor Valentina Tsvetanova.

Sprawling swimming centres and spa outlets are busiest in the hot summer days. Hotels vie in offering most exotic ranges of spa treatment - slimming, beautifying, rejuvenating, toning-up, etc. “Rich” Hotel, rated by the Bulgarian Hoteliers and Restaurateurs Association as one of the best spa hotels in Bulgaria, offers liquid chocolate therapy, rice slimming applications, Cleopatra’s milk bath as well as a selection of traditional Bulgarian health and beauty recipes, such as single or double aromatic herbal bath.

"Fruit and champagne are part of the experience. We also offer aromatherapy, most often in the form of relaxing massages with a variety of essential oils both of local and foreign origin", said Katerina Douzova, a beautician working for Rich Hotel.