Czech Out These Spas! Part IV: Marianske Lazne
Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) is located some 45 minutes further west from Karlovy Vary, about three hours from Prague.
I loved the picturesque park-like town dotted with fountains, colonnades and elaborate spa houses –– no wonder Goethe and Chopin often hung out there in the old days. The most stunning interiors are those of Hotel Nova Lane (New Spa), part of which was built to serve exclusively Edward VII, the King of England, who visited the spa town no fewer than nine times.
Be sure and try the sumptuous “Royal Bath,” beautifully decorated with mosaics and tiles. Website specials include a Wellness Week with 3-4 treatments a day starting at $700.
Another gorgeous spa hotel is the HvÄ›zda–SkalnÃk. This March, it will unveil its new aqua centre with a swimming pool, whirlpool, salt cave and a fitness centre.
*** One Caveat: For almost all the spa stays: the food is nothing to write home about. It often reminded me of school cafeteria lunches, but I have heard that they have gotten much better –– and you can always ask for no sauces or become a vegetarian for a week.