Eat, explore, unwind: Discover the women-only resort that's just a train ride from Prague

In today’s high-stress, fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to carve out time to give our bodies and minds the tender loving care they so desperately crave. Especially for women, whose health needs, many in the medical field are now acknowledging, are vastly different than men’s and should be treated accordingly from the early symptomatic stages, and not just during diagnosis. 

This gender-specific focus is at the heart of la pura’s philosophy as the only health and wellness resort exclusively for women in Europe. Located about an hour outside of Vienna, not far from Austria’s lovely Wachau Valley, la pura opened about a decade ago with the goal of improving women’s physical and mental health by employing a customized detox regimen that caters to a woman’s needs in every way. 

Too often, many women are prioritizing others’ needs to the detriment of their own -- and la pura wants to change this approach.

"Women juggle a lot of things and this often is the problem. Women cancel their trips, because their kids aren't feeling well. Women focus on their career, and put themselves on the backburner,” says Isabel Laczkovich, la pura’s general manager. “We are a sanctuary for women, where you can come and take care of yourself.” 

“It's a different atmosphere here. There are no ladies trying to impress another guy. No one is going to look at you weirdly in the sauna or make you feel uncomfortable,” Laczkovich adds. “Women truly need to be around like-minded women! Women have taken on numerous roles in the last 10 years, not only working hard in the office, but also becoming moms, partners and best friends. This juggling that women do is different from men, who might not feel like they have to take on as much responsibility.”  

Summer is the perfect time to book a unique wellness trip. In addition to Austria’s scenic beauty and healing air quality, the idyllic Waldviertel region, where la pura is based, offers many seasonal cultural events – including opera and theater – as well as historic sights to take in.

Take a train or flight from Prague to Vienna, and la pura will have a car waiting to whisk you off to its four-star campus in the picturesque market town of Gars am Kamp.    

At la pura, you can choose from a number of different therapy packages that will leave you feeling like a different person – refreshed, glowing and with the tools needed to return to day-to-day life. There is truly something for everyone: daily fitness courses, training for pelvic muscles, yoga, aqua sports, nordic walking and forest bathing.

The resort’s customized detox, health and beauty programs, however, are its biggest draws: Relieve stress and burnout. Sign up for pain management sessions, or enjoy some pampering and or a beauty package that will have you feeling and looking fabulous in just a few days.

Detox is more important than ever. Not just for the body, but also for the mind. The stress that women experience both in the office and in their private life can certainly take a toll on the inside or outside.    

Each treatment at la pura is highly individualized. At the start of every program, physicians who are specially trained in women’s health issues take account of the guest’s personal situation before moving forward with a plan.    

The basic offer includes a one-, two, or three-night stay with custom therapies. For those looking for a longer rest, the resort offers programs that cover a week to a month. These stays really focus on your direct needs, from intestinal health and your immune system to pain relief and rejuvenating your entire body. Moms-to-be can also get in on a little dedicated “me-time,” while women looking for support as they face menopause can sign up for an extensive program and therapy package. 

In addition to its renowned detox programs, la pura’s cuisine is also the talk of the town. The resort’s healthy organic kitchen with its “detox menus” aims to help purify guests’ intestines, activate their metabolism and shed some extra weight. The chefs offer healthy, balanced, vitalizing meals that are low in calories and carbohydrates as well as acid-alkaline-balanced, using seasonal and rare local vegetables and grains.      

“If you are not really comfortable with going to a spa with couples, if it's your first time traveling by yourself – no worries,” says Laczkovich. “We have women who think like you. We're a great place to meet your next best friend. Lots of women end up making friends and coming back because they meet like-minded women.” 

The offer is valid for bookings until March 1, 2024. Stays can take place until March 31, 2024.