Your Spa Guide: Must-Visit Relaxation Destinations from Prague
For those who love the idea of relaxing, taking it easy, and pampering yourself on vacation, consider taking time to treat yourself to a spa day. Travelling can be a great experience: walking, exploring, spontaneous discoveries, carefully planned tours...all of these things are exciting and new. But sometimes travellers don't get enough downtime for themselves and risk going home more exhausted than when they left. And isn't the point of travelling supposed to encourage relaxation and escape from the stress of work and normal life? If you're visiting Prague, consider taking advantage of the abundance of affordable spas scattered around the Czech Republic's capital between sightseeing and tours.
If you prefer to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul outside of the city, Czech Republic happens to be famous in Europe for its spa villages. They're easily accessible by bus (Florenc Bus Terminal), car, and train (Hlavni Nadrazi) from Prague, so a day trip or weekend escape is very possible. Whole towns dedicated to spas exist with a range of relaxing services offered to its visitors! Always wanted a beer bath? Why not! Dreamed of trying oxygen therapy? Sure! Massages, jacuzzis, salt water pools, aromatherapy, mineral mud baths, and so much more is yours to discover in the beautiful Czech Republic. Here is your spa guide to the must-visit relaxation destinations from Prague.
Marianske Lazne is a small village located in the mountainous Karlovy Vary region. Some still call it by its German name, Marienbad, because of its historical, mainly German occupants. Over the past two hundred years, this town has welcomed notable figures like Tsar Nicholas II, Chopin, Wagner and King Edward VII of Great Britain, as visitors. Part of the Marianske Lazne therapeutic experience is to relax in salt caves built into several of its hotels, which supposedly help strengthen one's immune system. The small town offers a wonderful spa retreat with over one hundred natural springs to drink from with vast, beautiful forests surrounding the town, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
For more information on Marianske Lazne, click here.
Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad, is a beautiful little town that hosted guests like Leo Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky, and Bach. Located at the foot of a hill, this spa village was founded by Charles IV in the 14th century and has become increasingly popular since the 19th century. Along with its beautiful architecture and rich history, the town itself is the setting of many Hollywood Blockbusters and luxury hotels. Perhaps the most famous film shot here was Casino Royale. The Old Town is particularly lovely and its gem, the Grand Pupp Hotel, offers fine dining and gambling in their casino. Definitely worth a look! If you're more of a sightseer, take a stroll to the Colonnade through the promenade and along the river before heading to your massage or therapeutic salt bath. Its springs are said to have cleansing and healing properties, so feel free to sip from any of the 15 you encounter. The water is clean, warm, and contains all kinds of beneficial minerals, great for the best relaxation possible. If you're looking for a more luxurious spa experience with huge complexes and comfortable accommodations, Carlsbad is for you!
For more information on Karlovy Vary, click here.
Another world-renowned spa village in the Czech Republic, Frantiskovy Lazne is the first to introduce the mud spa to the world! This town is the smallest spa village in the country and just a few hours outside of Prague. It offers the typical spring waters and limited but fine choice of spas. The biggest attraction, and possibly the best part of Frantiskovy Lazne, is the ancient spa that has been renovated and rebranded as Aquaforum, a large waterpark including an 80m long water slide! It also offers two whirlpools, three indoor pools, three outdoor pools, air massages, saunas, plenty of lounging areas, and beach volleyball. It's completely affordable and welcomes visitors of all ages.
For more information on Frantiskovy Lazne, click here.
This beautiful spa town is located in the South part of Moravia, one of three Czech provinces. It's the largest town in the area located in the middle of a valley, which means lots of fresh air and hiking opportunities! The local spring is considered to be one of the best in Europe not only for its richness in minerals but also for its content in gases. Its properties are supposed to help treat pancreatic, metabolic, and diabetic conditions to name a few. While in Luhacovice to enjoy a enjoy a spa treatment, don't pass up the opportunity to check out the nearby Buchlov Castle (built in the 13th Century), Kromeriz Gardens (the Archbishop's Palace), and the many annual festivals held in town.
For more information on Luhacovice, click here.
So, why not make the most out of your vacation and throw in a few days of pools, massages, and relaxation? Please be advised these towns take your well-being very seriously. Prepare to leave with the three R's: rested, rejuvenated and relaxed! Have you ever been to one of these spa villages in the Czech Republic? Share your experience in the comments below.
Aleksandra Koplik
If you prefer to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul outside of the city, Czech Republic happens to be famous in Europe for its spa villages. They're easily accessible by bus (Florenc Bus Terminal), car, and train (Hlavni Nadrazi) from Prague, so a day trip or weekend escape is very possible. Whole towns dedicated to spas exist with a range of relaxing services offered to its visitors! Always wanted a beer bath? Why not! Dreamed of trying oxygen therapy? Sure! Massages, jacuzzis, salt water pools, aromatherapy, mineral mud baths, and so much more is yours to discover in the beautiful Czech Republic. Here is your spa guide to the must-visit relaxation destinations from Prague.
Marianske Lazne (Marienbad)
via Axel, Flickr
Marianske Lazne is a small village located in the mountainous Karlovy Vary region. Some still call it by its German name, Marienbad, because of its historical, mainly German occupants. Over the past two hundred years, this town has welcomed notable figures like Tsar Nicholas II, Chopin, Wagner and King Edward VII of Great Britain, as visitors. Part of the Marianske Lazne therapeutic experience is to relax in salt caves built into several of its hotels, which supposedly help strengthen one's immune system. The small town offers a wonderful spa retreat with over one hundred natural springs to drink from with vast, beautiful forests surrounding the town, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
For more information on Marianske Lazne, click here.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
© Aleksandra Koplik
Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad, is a beautiful little town that hosted guests like Leo Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky, and Bach. Located at the foot of a hill, this spa village was founded by Charles IV in the 14th century and has become increasingly popular since the 19th century. Along with its beautiful architecture and rich history, the town itself is the setting of many Hollywood Blockbusters and luxury hotels. Perhaps the most famous film shot here was Casino Royale. The Old Town is particularly lovely and its gem, the Grand Pupp Hotel, offers fine dining and gambling in their casino. Definitely worth a look! If you're more of a sightseer, take a stroll to the Colonnade through the promenade and along the river before heading to your massage or therapeutic salt bath. Its springs are said to have cleansing and healing properties, so feel free to sip from any of the 15 you encounter. The water is clean, warm, and contains all kinds of beneficial minerals, great for the best relaxation possible. If you're looking for a more luxurious spa experience with huge complexes and comfortable accommodations, Carlsbad is for you!
For more information on Karlovy Vary, click here.
Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzensbad)
Paul Sableman, Flickr
Another world-renowned spa village in the Czech Republic, Frantiskovy Lazne is the first to introduce the mud spa to the world! This town is the smallest spa village in the country and just a few hours outside of Prague. It offers the typical spring waters and limited but fine choice of spas. The biggest attraction, and possibly the best part of Frantiskovy Lazne, is the ancient spa that has been renovated and rebranded as Aquaforum, a large waterpark including an 80m long water slide! It also offers two whirlpools, three indoor pools, three outdoor pools, air massages, saunas, plenty of lounging areas, and beach volleyball. It's completely affordable and welcomes visitors of all ages.
For more information on Frantiskovy Lazne, click here.
Luhacovice
Bjalek Michal, via Wikimedia Commons
This beautiful spa town is located in the South part of Moravia, one of three Czech provinces. It's the largest town in the area located in the middle of a valley, which means lots of fresh air and hiking opportunities! The local spring is considered to be one of the best in Europe not only for its richness in minerals but also for its content in gases. Its properties are supposed to help treat pancreatic, metabolic, and diabetic conditions to name a few. While in Luhacovice to enjoy a enjoy a spa treatment, don't pass up the opportunity to check out the nearby Buchlov Castle (built in the 13th Century), Kromeriz Gardens (the Archbishop's Palace), and the many annual festivals held in town.
For more information on Luhacovice, click here.
So, why not make the most out of your vacation and throw in a few days of pools, massages, and relaxation? Please be advised these towns take your well-being very seriously. Prepare to leave with the three R's: rested, rejuvenated and relaxed! Have you ever been to one of these spa villages in the Czech Republic? Share your experience in the comments below.
Aleksandra Koplik
