Breathe easy and boost immunity: Mariánské Lázně's fresh air has healing powers

Long considered one of the pearls of the world-famous Czech spa circuit, Mariánské Lázně recently added a new distinction to its long list of therapeutic superpowers – climatic spa destination. 

The certificate, awarded by the Czech Ministry of Health, confirms that the UNESCO World Heritage town’s dynamic bioclimate and air quality help to alleviate acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad, the area's renowned five-star resort, incorporates Mariánské Lázně’s many resources – mineral carbonated water from centuries-old springs, natural carbon dioxide, peloids (peat, bogs, and muds) and now air quality – into its diverse therapies.

There is no better time than fall than to take a time-out and concentrate on your wellbeing. And there is no better place to rejuvenate your immune system than at the Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad, which promises relaxation, pampering and a fabulous culinary experience.     

One of the resort’s most popular fall treatment programs centers around respiratory therapy. The therapists at the Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad combine expert knowledge of human anatomy and breathing techniques to help relieve respiratory problems, muscle weakness, pain and fatigue. The therapies are also suitable for post-Covid rehabilitation. 

The respiratory program offers 24 specially tailored treatments, including individual physiotherapy, aromatherapy, moor mud packs, and time in a “forest spa,” which  increases the number of naturally regenerating cells and strengthens the immune system. 

Fresh forest air, enriched with essential scents, combined with mindfulness exercises, helps to measurably lower blood pressure and heart rate and also contributes to relaxation. It has also been shown to be effective for heart and circulatory diseases, as well as for mental illness, especially chronic problems with depression or anxiety.

“It is important to understand that the ‘forest bath’ is not about physical exercise and cannot be done without proper guidance. Forest bathing, in its original Japanese name Shinrin Yoku, is not a walk in the woods,” said Reinhard Wall, the director of the resort. 

“It is a sequence of exercises designed for a small group but performed individually. The trainer must be certified and the part of the forest where it takes place must meet specific requirements. However, each participant can repeat the exercises afterwards somewhere else, individually,” Wall added. 

Your improved relaxation during this program is not only noticeable but also measurable through analysis of heart rate variability. The resort has an on-site medical center situated in a stunning Art Nouveau house, where improvements to your health can be carefully monitored.  

“These packages are aimed at an educated population that is actively engaged in healthy living,” said Wall, the resort’s director. “They serve not only for therapeutic purposes, but also for prevention, as well as for active health maintenance and early correction of negative habits,” 

Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad has a modern gym and a yoga area in the garden. Full board includes a rich breakfast, as well as multi-course lunches and dinners, which combine plated and buffet meals and are prepared according to healthy cuisine principles. The price is from EUR 279 per night per person.