Spa and Beauty Today

View Original

Czech Republic Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Prague

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague remains one of Europe’s most in-demand destinations not only for history buffs and architecture aficionados, but increasingly for seekers of wellness and self-care. Here in the center of the historical capital of Bohemia, charming cobblestone streets transport visitors back in time while its thriving arts scene adds a modern edge, revealing surprises around every corner.

One of the best ways to explore is on foot, so as you rack up your step count exploring Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, and the medieval Charles Bridge, you’ll want a revitalizing and luxurious spa session to look forward to.

Hungary Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Budapest

Spas in the Czech Republic came into their own during the rise of a Europe-wide health movement from the 18th to 20th centuries, as the elite flocked to resorts and “sanatoriums” in Prague and across the country built in the Neo-Renaissance or Art Nouveau style.

Today, Prague has blossomed as a wellness destination thanks to its cosmopolitan approach. The spas on our list tap traditional Czech botanical therapies along with Eastern modalities and cutting-edge skincare formulations from acclaimed local European brands such as Pure Altitude, [comfort zone], Omorovicza, and Mcely Bouquet.

Switzerland Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Geneva

You may find that these spa settings—ranging from a refined 14th-century monastery to a relaxing urban rooftop getaway—are just as restorative as their unique treatments. Read on to discover the best spas in Prague in our Czech Republic spa guide.

If you’re planning your next trip to Prague and the Czech Republic, don’t forget to check out the best flight deals.

AVA Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Veleslavínova 2A/1098, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (+420) 221-427-830

AVA Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague sets its pampering sessions in a neoclassical building overlooking Prague Castle. Legendary French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, whose credits include the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, adorns the space with ceiling arches, tiling and stenciling in shades of ecru and dove gray.

With its vitality pool accented by a waterfall and massage jets, and surrounded by lounge chairs and a fireplace, you’d be forgiven if you cocooned here all day. But summon the energy to leave your lounge chair and check out one of the spa’s five treatment rooms, where they base their luxurious treatments on Czech spa traditions.

Recommended treatments include the Golden Body Treatment by Omorovicza, incorporating exfoliation with a golden sugar scrub and massage with fragrant oil enriched with gold particles; a visit to the private steam room infused with invigorating eucalyptus essential oil; and a deep cleansing facial with mineral-rich moor mud. A well-appointed fitness center features male and female dry saunas.

You may want to clear your calendar for an all-day splurge called the River of Love Ritual, incorporating small-batch herbal extracts from the Czech-made Mcely Bouquet line and including a steam bath, exfoliation, nourishing massage, body wrap, and a facial treatment.

Carlos IV Wellness & Spa at NH Collection Prague Carlo IV Hotel

Senovážné náměstí 13/991, Prague, Czech Republic; (+420) 228-880-714

Situated in the center of Prague, the National Heritage Site-designated NH Collection Prague Carlo IV Hotel reveals its origins as one of the city’s most prominent banks in the 1890s through its sturdy, yet graceful Neo-Renaissance architecture.

Look for details like a bank vault-turned intimate bar, a palm tree-lined lobby with a soaring ceiling, and large glass bank-teller windows along the tables in the dining room of the hotel’s 1890 Restaurant, all given a facelift in an extensive 2022 renovation.

The Carlo IV’s extensive wellness offerings include a 20-meter heated swimming pool, the largest indoor pool among Prague’s five-star hotels; two jacuzzis, a steam room and sauna, and a fitness studio—all set amid an atmosphere of quiet elegance.

We headed downstairs to Carlo IV Spa, a candle-lit subterranean sanctuary where our Thermal Mud treatment awaited. An expert aesthetician started the experience with a welcome ritual using the Tranquillity blend from [comfort zone]—amaranth oil and essential oils of cedarwood, sweet orange, rose, sandalwood, geranium, and vetiver. A gentle head massage was followed by exfoliation with a gentle body peel using antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid.

Using firm strokes, she applied a gel-based thermal mud blending botanicals from the Italian alpine resort town of Bormio with mandarin and peppermint essential oils and laminaria algae, a north Atlantic kelp rich in mineral salts and trace elements said to aid lipolytic action and restore the skin’s vitality.

After rinsing off the mud in a rainforest shower that left our skin impossibly soft and our tensions melted away, we returned to the softly cushioned table for the Luminant Facial, a three-step ritual focusing on alleviating sun spots and uneven skin tone using vegan [comfort zone] products. A tingly chemical peel brightened our skin while a zingiber extract-enhanced serum and rich moisturizer soothed and protected our face and décolletage.

Infinit Step Praha

Malletova 2350/​6, Prague 9 – Vysočany, Czech Republic; (+420) 733-141-630

Beloved by locals, this spa in Prague’s industrial 9th district makes a party out of its sauna ceremonies—in themes ranging from relaxation and meditation to dynamic, music-filled celebrations. “It’s more of a social event than relaxation, but clients love them as it’s a fun way to sweat like crazy,” says spokesperson Iva Smejkalová.

A recent addition to Infinit Step’s repertoire is their signature herbal rituals. “They are a deeply relaxing way to connect with nature again and go back to our roots,” Smejkalová explains. As the lights dim and a live drumbeat sets the rhythm, scents from herbal infusions and incense fill the heated air to build strength and encourage positive energy.

You’ll also find a “Water World” sporting an indoor pool, a whirlpool with hydromassage jets, a relaxation pool, steam bath, and eight unique saunas including a 200°F-degree Finnish sauna fragrant with verdant fir essence.

Original Beer Spa

Žitná 658 / 9, Praha 1, Czech Republic; (+420) 792-325-309

There are beer spas, and then there’s the original where it all started. All three of the Original Beer Spa’s locations in Prague tap this 2,000-year-old tradition and their in-house line of skincare treatments are crafted with brewer’s yeast and hop extracts rich in moisturizing, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

“Hops calm the mind and relieve stress, while brewer's yeast, rich in vitamin B and proteins, nourishes and revitalizes the skin,” says Jaromír Pažout, the spa’s co-owner and founder.

Bathe in a handmade oak tub filled with a mix of locally brewed Krušovice beer—light or dark, your choice—while sipping on unlimited mugs of cool beer. After your dip, relax like the Czechs have done for centuries on a bed of wheat straw said to help your skin absorb the vitamins from the bath.

The M Spa at The Emblem Hotel Prague

Platnéřská 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (+420) 226-202-500 

This rooftop spa is described by Prague wellness aficionados as a hidden gem. Here’s a chance to try out the Kneipp Path, a ritual you won’t likely find in the States—designed to invigorate your whole body from your feet up, the practice entails stepping slowly through four small pools of alternating hot and icy water in shallow recessions filled with loose rocks. Is it a bit painful? Yes, but bracing, too.

Located on the top floor of the modern Emblem Hotel, The M Spa’s jacuzzi provides a stunning view over Prague and Prague Castle, inviting you to sip sparkling wine as you enjoy the cityscape below.

Personalized treatments incorporating Pure Altitude products, crafted with plants and minerals from the French Alps, include a luxurious facial with maca root and a gold eye and face mask; the signature three-hour Candle Massage; and a Digital De-stress focusing on shoulders, upper back, neck, head, and hands (sign us up!) A fitness room, sauna, and steam room round out their offerings.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague

Nebovidská 459/1, Malá Strana, 118 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (+420) 233-088-655

The only spa in the world housed in a former Renaissance chapel, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague offers a “unique wellness experience in a historic 14th-century monastery,” notes Simona Brejchova, Director of Spa & Wellness. “Combining holistic traditions with luxurious treatments, it’s a must-visit for those seeking serenity and relaxation in the city.” The hotel’s state-of-the-art gym features yoga training, personal training, a sauna, and Technogym fitness equipment.

We’re tempted by the Three-Night Retreat, which leads participants on a symbolic spa journey along the Silk Road, complete with fresh-pressed wild buckthorn elixirs; a two-hour Chi Ritual featuring meridian massage tailored to your specific Chinese element; a deeply relaxing full-body treatment featuring a fragrant blend of healing herbs and gemstones; and a 111SKIN Regenerative De-Puffing Energy Face Mask.

[Photos courtesy of spas, resorts, and Czech Tourism]

Some of the links on our site may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

Lisa Tsering’s career spans journalism, copywriting, movie reviews, and much more. Her work appears in the Hollywood Reporter, in Salon, on iTunes and Apple Music, and in the San Francisco Chronicle, i-escape.com, the San Jose Mercury News, and the Times of India. 

Over a 20-plus year career as an international journalist, she interviewed countless Bollywood stars and global VIPs (such as Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and Oscar winners) and won numerous awards.Follow her on Instagram at @lisatsering and see her work at lisatsering.me.