Diary of a Spa Stay: My Personal Health Retreat in Mariánské Lázně

As someone always on the go, the idea of a wellness retreat initially sounded daunting. In the Czech spa tradition, people typically stay for weeks to take advantage of the healing atmosphere and surrounding nature of Mariánské Lázně. As a middle-aged father of two, I wasn’t sure how to find time.

So when I had the chance to spend four nights at a Personal Health Retreat at Nové Lázně in the historic Czech town of Mariánské Lázně, I jumped at the opportunity. The experience is designed to reset your mind, body, and spirit and – as the spa doctors would explain to me – debunk the idea that spa stays are for seniors or the chronically ill.

The retreat’s diagnostic treatment package is a comprehensive program designed to assess and enhance one’s health while identifying risk factors for chronic diseases. It also underscores the importance of prevention and healthy lifestyles to people like me with a high workload by giving you the tools to implement a lifestyle change long after your retreat.

The convenience of having all diagnostics done in one place within four days was a significant advantage, and I hopped the train from Prague to unplug and focus on my health.

Arrival and First Impression

From the moment I arrived at this landmark five-star resort, I could feel the stress and tension of everyday life start to melt away. Nové Lázně is a fully renovated five-star health spa and hotel with luxurious Roman baths with architectural elements and columns dating back to 1896, delicious food, and 97 elegant rooms or suites that will make anyone who stays feel like royalty.

When I first arrived at my Personal Health Retreat, I was immediately struck not only by the red carpet that greeted me but also by the city’s serene beauty, its lush greenery and colonnade, and the calming atmosphere. This Neo-Renaissance structure is Marienbad’s largest and most beautiful building, facing the perfectly manicured park that runs through the town center.

This set the perfect tone for what promised to be a rejuvenating experience.

Initial Consultations and Assessments

When you arrive for the treatment package, the process begins with a personalized consultation, during which a doctor and team of professionals review your health history and current conditions. The first step is meeting with the on-site nurse for basic health screenings and comprehensive lab testing.

Next, you’ll consult the retreat doctor for a detailed medical exam, including specialized diagnostics. The nutritional therapist will then analyze your results, measure your metabolism and body composition, and create a personalized diet plan (if needed). The physiotherapist conducts a movement analysis to prescribe tailored exercise and therapy treatments.

During my assessment, the doctor (I was under the care of Dr. Mudr Hovorková) explained that Nové Lázně uniquely combines modern medical diagnostics with natural healing treatments. This comprehensive evaluation sets the program for the entire stay. At the end, you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing your results, with the option for a follow-up online consultation.

My doctor also explained that Mariánské Lázně is unique, not just in the Czech Republic, but in all of Europe, because it is the only town that has four natural healing sources. The designation “spa” can only be used by a town or village with a natural healing source. And Mariánské Lázně has four of these healing natural resources: 1) mineral springs, 2) Mary’s gas, 3) peloids or therapeutic mud, and 4) the local climate.

My program would include two daily treatments and free time to swim in the Roman Baths, enjoy the relaxation pool or sauna, or experience amenities like a relaxing shiatsu chair and a salt cave for detoxification. I would also have enough time to explore my beautiful natural surroundings (In 2023, Mariánské Lázně was officially recognized as a climatic spa thanks to its pristine air quality and natural environment).

With breakfast and dinner covered, I could also focus on good nutritional choices during my stay. The buffet included a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, seedy whole grains, fresh yogurt and juices for smoothies. Gourmet meals of lean meats and fish a la carte were paired with healthy grains like bulgur or couscous.

Tailored Treatments

My treatments were aimed at lowering blood pressure and stress. Using a special device called Max Puls was particularly memorable—it was a painless, five-minute procedure that provided detailed insights into my cardiovascular health. Based on this assessment, I was then given these treatments:

Dry gas bath

Lying on a treatment bed, the therapist wrapped a plastic bag around my body. Natural CO2-rich gas from the nearby Mary’s Spring is pumped into the enclosure, surrounding me in a warm, therapeutic embrace. Unlike a traditional water-based mineral bath, this dry gas procedure is extremely gentle on the cardiovascular system.

As the gas is absorbed through your skin, it dilates your blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and eases the workload on your heart. The soothing warmth also relaxes your muscles, leaving you feeling deeply rejuvenated. This treatment is particularly beneficial for those with heart conditions.

Gas injections

I also underwent gas injections, in which CO2-rich gas is carefully injected under the skin through a specialized filter. This painless procedure allows the gas to be slowly absorbed, producing an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

The injections are often targeted at large joints and along the spine, making this treatment popular for clients seeking relief from pain and inflammation. The gas stimulates blood circulation, hormone production, and cell regeneration, providing holistic benefits beyond pain management.

Carbon dioxide bath

Experience the unique sensation of a carbon dioxide bath, where mineral water, heated to 32-34 degrees Celsius, envelops you in millions of bubbles. This therapeutic bath promotes cardiovascular health, reduces blood pressure, and stimulates the kidneys while providing a deeply relaxing experience. The doctor described it as bathing in Champagne – she wasn’t wrong!

Mud treatment

Peloids or mud treatments, applied as wraps or local packs, provide deep tissue warming and a nourishing mineral exchange between the skin and the mud. This treatment is particularly beneficial for joint and spine issues. Feeling your back and body surrounded by warm mud is also incredibly relaxing.

Kneipp walking

Kneipp Walking is a hydrotherapy treatment that involves alternating immersions in hot and cold water. The hot water promotes relaxation, while the cold water tones and invigorates the body. This contrast in temperatures and pressures exerts remarkable therapeutic effects, stimulating blood circulation and the immune system. Walking through the different temperature zones, I felt my blood vessels dilating and constricting, leaving me refreshed, energized, and more in tune with my body’s inner workings.

Drinking cure

The town is home to around 140 mineral springs, with 40 located right in the center. The most famous are seven mineral springs used for the traditional “drinking cure”—the regular consumption of a specific amount of the therapeutic spring water over a prescribed period. While I didn’t do the cure, I did sample mineral water just out of curiosity—and because it was part of the fun! The most famous is Rudolph’s Spring, known for its high magnesium and calcium content.

Depending on your wellness analysis, your treatment may involve pool-based therapies, outdoor activities, breathing exercises, and the use of cutting-edge physical therapy modalities. These modern treatments include magnetotherapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy (cold treatment), laser therapy, and various other advanced therapeutic devices.

Final thoughts

The medical team provided a comprehensive report detailing my health status and recommendations for maintaining and improving it. This included dietary advice, exercise routines, and stress management techniques.

The nutritional consultation, for instance, was eye-opening. Using an InBody body measurement, I learned about my body’s composition, including fat and muscle distribution. The nutritionist provided valuable insights into my basal caloric intake and recommended dietary changes to improve my health.

The Personal Health Retreat in Mariánské Lázně benefits people of all ages. Still, it is particularly well-suited for those interested in preventive healthcare and maintaining a high quality of life as they age, like me. The retreat emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health. By focusing on prevention rather than just treatment, the program encourages participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. This proactive approach resonated with me, and I left the retreat with a renewed commitment to my overall well-being.

My four-day experience at this remarkable wellness retreat was truly transformative. The seamless integration of medical expertise, personalized care, and the town’s abundant natural healing resources created a holistic health experience I will always cherish. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.