Great escape: Unwind in a serene resort not far from Prague

Glorious nature trails far from the hustle and bustle of city life. An intimate outdoor pool with sweeping vistas. A first-class restaurant offering locally sourced ingredients and an exceptional international wine list. A sleek, wood-beamed spa facility with saunas, relaxing whirlpool baths and yoga mats.   

Savor your morning coffee on a private balcony. In your bathrobe. Book a massage. Take a bike ride. Hike a couple of nearby peaks. Eat some divine homemade cheese. Release your stress. Find your zen.

Where, you are wondering, is this mystical place – Shangri-La? No, but close.

Just over an hour away from Prague is the epicenter of this charming slice of peace and quiet. The Oblík Resort, a majestic estate at the base of a luminous hillside, offering cozy, fully equipped deluxe holiday rooms and suites, provides you with all the tools you’ll need to recharge your batteries. 

Nestled in the heart of the Central Bohemian Highlands, the resort sits on a stunning 17th-century estate in the middle of the National Nature Reserve, making it ideal for taking long walks and discovering nature’s beauty.

In addition to being surrounded by rare species of plants, beetles, and butterflies, guests will be able to feed the resort’s farm animals or make fresh homemade cheese – the cow gouda and pecorino from the farm’s own sheep herd will change your life! You can also walk around the estate Nordic-style. 

The property, which is equipped with 15 rooms that range from double rooms to spacious deluxe suites, combines modern and historic designs to create an unforgettable setting for a weekend or week-long retreat. 

This is the best spot to go off the grid for a while, whether you’re a solo traveler or on the hunt for a unique, one-of-a-kind experience with close friends or a special someone. That might mean snuggling down in one of the resort’s deluxe suites, furnished and decorated with natural material, or, for those more daring, renting a sleeping bag and mat and settling in under the starry night sky.     

Maybe you’re looking to throw a memorable birthday bash. The resort’s newly opened restaurant, accustomed to hosting large-scale gatherings, will not disappoint. The menu is a farm-to-table concept – a mix of premium Czech and international cuisine with vegetables, poultry, game, and freshwater fish sourced from local farms.

The Oblík Resort is also a popular wedding destination. It took the top spot in the Wedding Places of the Year 2022 category by Amazing Places. Turn your special day into a real-life fairytale by letting the on-site wedding coordinator handle everything, from the decorations and decadent meal menu to your hair and makeup. 

Your ceremony can be held in the open air on the terrace or inside the exquisitely remodeled barn on the resort’s farm. Up to 250 guests can be accommodated, either in the resort’s deluxe suites or in a luxurious tent town.

For those feeling adventurous, there are numerous regional excursions to choose from, making the resort an attractive choice for both families and company team buildings. 

The experienced Oblík Resort staff can put together a tailor-made program just for you. Kids (and adults) will delight in helping the farm shepherd with his daily routines, from herding the sheep to different pastures to feeding the animals at meal times. The resort’s farm is home to sheep, ponies, goats, and horses.  

Scaling the adjacent Oblík Hill, where the foundation stone of Prague’s National Theatre was taken, is a worthy endeavor. The resort will pack a personalized picnic basket for you to feast on at the summit, which, according to the resort website, is an important energy point.     

Perhaps you’d like to explore farther afield. There are many exceptional places just a short distance from the resort. Highlights include the 14th-century Libochovice Chateau, one of the most significant early baroque castles in the Czech Republic, which has impressive collections of tapestries, glass, and porcelain. 

The unfinished Church of the Virgin Mary in Panenský Týnec has a loyal fanbase. The gothic church is thought to rest on a cross-shaped zone of positive energy, while the ancient stones are rumored to carry mystical healing powers that have many devotees (and skeptics) flocking to the site annually. The landmark also has a small museum and cafe.  

Litoměřice, a protected heritage site, should be on your checklist, too. Situated on the banks of the Elbe River, the photogenic town is an ancient wine-making hub, whose mostly intact gothic fortifications and daintily preserved historic center are fun to poke around.

There is a lot to see here. The Oblík Resort has pulled together some tips for trips around the area, including to the Házmburk castle ruins in the nearby village of Klapý and Blešno Rock, which will reward you with stunning views from its peak. There you’ll be able to examine the well-preserved ruins of the castle that once stood overlooking the village. 

Krásný Dvůr Chateau is another regional gem. Its lovely park and garden were said to be styled after Versailles. Many of the baroque chateau’s rooms and galleries are open to the public and include valuable paintings from a number of celebrated Czech and European artists.