Spa Czech

With their graceful colonnades and majestic parks, the elegant west Bohemian spa towns of the Czech Republic are a testament to how much the country treasures its rich supply of natural mineral sources. For centuries, people have travelled to the Spa Triangle of Marianske Lazne, Karlovy Vary and Frantiskovy Lazne to take the waters, including history’s rich and famously creative, from Edward VII to Chopin, Kafka and Goethe.

Czech spas are world-renowned for alleviating ailments, from respiratory and dermatological complaints to digestive and circulatory disorders. Though holistic treatments such as Thai massage, reflexology and shiatsu are now being offered by some, a spa experience here is likely to be based on medical treatment rather than relaxation and pampering, which pushes the average age of visitors into the 50+ bracket, most of whom are Germans seeking better value spa treatments than those in their own country. Expect brightly-lit interiors and no-nonsense, expertly performed treatments by therapists whose second language is likely to be German.

Marianske Lazne boasts neoclassical architecture in fondant-icing white and yellow. Its graceful colonnade is the place to sip the local mineral waters, all with different healing properties and a variety of unpleasant aftertastes. For the widest variety of traditional spa treatments, head for The Hotel Nove Lazne (from €70 per person per night +420 354 644 111, www.danubiushotels.com). Although the grand exterior belies more modest accommodation inside, it has a stunning Roman-style spa complex offering sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and various water therapies to perk up the circulation. In its original tiled spa cabins, you can also experience hydrotherapy, inhalations, peat and mud wraps alongside non water-based treatments such as physiotherapy and even colonics. Book a mineral bath in one of the spectacular Royal cabins and gape at the opulent interior

At Frantiskovy Lazne visit the Aquaforum, a large modern pool and wellness complex with pristine white architecture. There are three sleekly designed luxury apartments at the top and a glass-covered passageway connecting it to the Hotel Pawlik-Isis (from €57 per person per night, +420 354 206 000, www.franzensbad.cz/aquaforum). Two separate buildings offer four- and three-star accommodation with fresh, cheerful and simply decorated bedrooms

Karlovy Vary is busier and more cosmopolitan. Here you’ll find the five-star Carlsbad Plaza Spa and Wellness Hotel (from €162 per person per night, +420 353 225 502, www.carlsbadplaza.cz) with subtly lit, Regency-style decor. Its authentic spa includes Thai massage and yoga. For an atmospheric day spa experience, book a package at the Castle Baths (english.edenhotels.cz). Swim, relax and try some traditional hydrotherapy.

All these spa towns are less than two hours from Prague. If you’re after some indulgent pampering in the capital, head for the Mandarin Oriental hotel (from €249 per room per night, +420 233 088 888, www.mandarinoriental.com/prague) where a Renaissance chapel houses tranquil and elegant treatment suites and offers therapies from around the world.

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