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A TRADITION stretching back several centuries, more than 30 spas across the country, hundreds of springs possessing sought after properties and rich mud deposits - all of this makes the Czech Republic one of the world's spa superpowers, according to thousands of holidaymakers searching for vacations with a healthy touch.
There are a concentration of mineral-rich springs in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle made up of three famous spa towns, Carlsbad, Marienbad and Franti_kovy L‡zn_.
This set of unique places would not be complete without the spas at J‡chymov and Jesen’k.
In 1906, the scientific discoveries of Marie Curie were continued in J‡chymov, and it was here that the curative properties of radon-rich water were first used.
Jesen’k has Vincenz Priessnitz to thank for its fame, as it was he who founded the first hydrotherapy institute there in 1822.
But why are the Czech spas so special? Well, the spas claim it is mostly down to the combination of high-quality medical care and advanced rehabilitation and treatment methods using natural resources, namely mineral water, mud (peat), naturally occurring gases and the beneficial effects of the climate.
According to an old custom, throwing a coin into the springs gives thanks for a return to health.
A number of Celtic and Roman coins found in the thermal springs in Teplice is evidence that the history of the Czech spas goes back at least 2,000 years. At the end of the 19th Century, Czech spa towns achieved such fame that they were described as the salons of Europe.
Today the spas offer guests modern facilities and services. Some come to take a rest from work and stress, others to cure health problems or to convalesce.
Reasons for coming to the spas vary, and this is reflected in the programmes on offer.
Today the range is no longer limited to just classic spa breaks or programmes for the elderly or children, and includes popular wellness programmes. These are tailor-made to truly fit the needs of the client who can try programmes with such titles as executive, de-stress, weight loss, detox and 'wellness and beauty'.
It's often said that just a stroll through a spa town has a relaxing effect. Slow your pace to admire the unique architectural styles of the spa houses, the well-pruned parks, blossoming gardens and colonnades inviting you to promenade, and you will feel that there's suddenly no need to hurry.
The pleasant surroundings of the spa have made them popular places for various types of social events including balls, concerts and theatre performances take place there, business deals are struck and new contacts forged. Grand social gatherings are certainly not a thing of the past.
Every year at the beginning of May, the main spa season is commenced with much pomp and circumstance, and the springs are symbolically reopened.
