Weekend escape: Come for the spa, stay for the architectural splendor

As the second-largest spa town in the country, Mariánské Lázně has been healing the bodies and minds of visitors for over two centuries. Famous figures like Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Fryderyk Chopin, and King Edward VII used to come here to enjoy the healing properties of the local mineral springs – and that tradition continues today in the form of health spas where you can find some of the best wellness and therapeutic treatments in the country. 

While many visitors arrive here for a week or two of rest and relaxation, Mariánské Lázně has plenty to offer short-term visitors as well. With a unique architectural splendor, rich cultural life, and plenty of relaxation and sports activities available, this UNESCO World Heritage town has become a great weekend getaway for people who want to recharge. 

Come over for the spas, but also take advantage of the hiking trails, the golf courses, and the great cycling. Even if you’re crunched for time, a long weekend away at Mariánské Lázně will help you de-stress so you can get back to Prague rejuvenated. 

The Ensana Hotels in Mariánské Lázně offer a chance to combine the best of the two worlds – great spa traditions with world-class hospitality. At Nové Lázně, their fully renovated five-star health spa and hotel, visitors can enjoy a truly royal spa experience. Luxurious Roman baths with architectural elements and columns dating back to 1896, Czech and International culinary selections, and 97 elegant and luxurious rooms or suites that will have you feeling like royalty. 

The Nové Lázně hotel was originally built in 1828 in an exquisite Neo-Renaissance style and was a favorite of King Edward VII when he visited the town. Its great location – as well as its perfectly manicured park filled with greenery and fresh air – is the perfect place to recover from long weeks in the office sitting in front of a computer. 

Visiting for that rejuvenating weekend or a mid-week escape? Nové Lázně has two special short-term packages. Their three-night Immunity Booster package is specially designed for guests who are feeling down, tired, and overwhelmed by Covid-19, and includes special treatments to restart the body’s self-regenerating processes, such as local mineral baths, oxygen therapy, and free entrance to the Roman baths. Their other short-term package, Healthy in Mariánské Lázně, is a two-night offer that introduces you to Ensana’s signature treatments so you can step back into everyday life with renewed energy. 

Ensana’s other spas in Mariánské Lázně include Centrální Lázně, Hvězda, and Pacifik. Each of these four-star properties combines historic flair with modern comforts, well-known medical expertise, and extensive health and spa services. 

Hvězda is home to the city's largest hotel swimming pool, while Centrální Lázně is the oldest spa complex in town and one of the few with a medical department. Pacifik offers a great central location and a more relaxed atmosphere with a unique maritime interior design theme. All hotels offer healthy menus and special nutritional plans catered to your needs upon request – whether that means low-calorie meals, vegetarian, low-sodium or gluten-free.

While all four spa hotels specialize in packages, visitors can simply come and stay – then decide on treatments while there. Medical treatments offered at the spas focus on musculoskeletal system disorders, kidney and urinary tract diseases, metabolic disorders, digestive problems, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions. Visitors just booking a room will receive accommodation in an elegant room, a welcome drink, a buffet breakfast, and free entrance to the Roman baths with pools, saunas, and steam rooms. 

Need a jumpstart after a long winter and two years of lockdowns? Springtime is the perfect season to visit Mariánské Lázně and stay at one of the Ensana Hotel properties. You can wander among the colonnades and fountains, enjoying the colors and smells of spring while sipping healing mineral waters and letting stress melt off you. Then head back to your hotel to enjoy the glamor of a by-gone era and a relaxing treatment of your choice to end the day.