Czech Republic's spa towns offer the perfect pampering

KARLOVY VARY

It was while out hunting deer in the mid-14th century that Emperor Charles IV discovered the Teplá River had “magical curative powers”.

After getting injured, he found the waters quickly healed his wounds and today, thousands flock to Karlovy Vary to experience the waters for themselves.

This regal town reaches up from the banks of the Teplá. In its historic centre you’ll find the finest colonnades, perhaps the grandest of which is Mill Colonnade, a 433ft-long neo-renaissance columned gallery housing five hot springs (varys).

They are set in pretty gardens that were built to protect visitors from the elements while they drank the waters.

While away time between treatments wandering through parks and along the river or up in the surrounding hillsides. Worth a stop is the Elephant Cafe which has been serving coffee since the 1700s. Or try a favourite local snack, the “spa wafer” – dinner-plate sized treats with a flavoured centre.

There are 15 springs dotted across the town and it’s worth trying a couple. They have the same salt and mineral content, but vary in temperature.

The hottest is 70C and should be drunk out of an ingenious spring water cup with a handle that doubles as a straw, cooling the water to a drinkable temperature.

Springs 13 and 14 are dedicated to the Becherovka herbal drink, created by Jan Becher.

The Becher Museum is dedicated to the digestive aid whose recipe, containing 20 herbs, is known by only two people. However, I can divulge that cinnamon, cloves and orange peel are in the mix.

Most visitors come to the spa towns for an intensive three-week course.

Treatments include mineral baths, diet and exercise as well as drinking the waters. If your time is limited, try the three-four day Harmony wellness package at the Spa Resort Sanssouci.

Beyond the spas, Karlovy Vary is renowned for its glass production and it’s worth a visit to Moser glassworks which has been producing crystal since 1893. Their signature goldrimmed and engraved goblets and wine glasses even grace our Queen’s dining table.

You can also follow in James Bond’s footsteps with a visit to nearby Loket which featured in Casino Royale. Its gothic castle is a must for the views and a glimpse into the dungeons and torture chamber. After that, a drink might be in order.

Head to the St Florian’s Brewery for a Ruby beer, which Richard Gere said was the best he’d ever tasted.

The brewery’s restaurant is famous for roasted pork cooked in an underground oven. There’s also a collection of 2,250 spring water cups.

MARIANSKE LAZNE

If Karlovy Vary is the big brother of the spa towns then Marianske Lazne is its pretty little sister.

Known as the Garden Spa, the charming yellow and white hotels and spas surrounding the park have attracted such visitors as inventor Thomas Edison. It’s also the only place where you’ll find a singing fountain with jets of water dancing to pieces of classical music.

While the springs in Karlovy Vary are based on heat, those in Marianske Lazne focus on their salt, mineral and carbon dioxide content.

If you try only one treatment, make it the carbon dioxide bath treatment at the Maria Spa. You sit on a chair in a sunken bath of the gas, which has been separated from the waters, to increase circulation. If this isn’t to your taste try one of the many wellness massages available.

In the Nove Lazne Hotel, you can visit the royal cabin built for King Edward VII who visited the town annually.

Take a dip in the original copper tub before heading to the Roman Baths. 

THE KNOWLEDGE

Spa Hotel Imperial (dialling from the UK: 00420 353 203 111/ spa-hotel-imperial.cz) offers two nights from £117 (two sharing) room only.

Danubius Health Spa Resort Hvezda (+420 354 631 111/ danubiushotels.com) offers two nights from £186 (two sharing) half board. easyJet (easyjet.com) offers return flights from London Gatwick to Prague from £181. Czech Tourism: czechtourism.cz