Spas and Massage in Prague

Spas have been found in Prague for many years, and they are considered to be a vital way to improve health and wellbeing by many people in the city. In fact, many employers often contribute towards the costs of their staff visiting them, as they believe them to be so beneficial.

Because there are a number of spas in Prague, the prices are also kept quite low, which is good for those on a budget.

Zen City Spa

This is the first spa in Prague to incorporate traditional Asian therapies into its offerings. This includes treatments such as Thai massages, which complement the beautiful aroma of exotic oils. Its address is Maximilian Hotel, Haštalská 14 and their website is www.planetzen.cz.

Beer Spa Bernard 

People worldwide have often used beer to relax, but it has even managed to find its way into the bathtubs used in spa treatments in Prague. Don’t worry, though; it’s not simply a bath full of Pilsner; instead, it’s water enriched with some of the key ingredients of beer, such as yeast and hops. You take a dip in these for about 20 minutes – they are heated to about 35°C/89°F, so they are akin to a beer Jacuzzi! You can find the Beer Spa Bernard at Týn 10 (courtyard Ungelt), Old Town. Their website is www.pivnilaznebernard.cz

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

This spa was voted the best by the readers of Luxury Spa Finder. For complete privacy, guests can retreat in their robes through an underground passageway linked directly to the main building and their rooms. You’ll need half a day here for the luxury Bohemian Ritual, but it’s well worth taking the time out of your schedule for it. This starts with a water bath infused with oils, before then taking a warm steam shower. Then relax with a massage before grabbing a healthy bite to eat at lunchtime. Finally, you’ll be treated to an aromatherapy facial. You’ll leave feeling like a new person!  Open: Mon-Sun 10.00am-8.30pm. The Mandarin Hotel is in Nebovidská 1, Lesser Town, and the website is www.mandarinoriental.com.

Lily Wellness and Spa Hotel Hoffmeister

This is one of the best spas in Prague, and it is located in a small boutique hotel. There are loads of different treatments to pick from here, but the best is regarded by many to be the stone bath. This is a steam bath heated by volcanic stones found in a cave underneath the hotel. Their address is Pod bruskou 7 and their website is www.hoffmeister.cz.

Thai World

Many different Thai massage parlours can now be found throughout Prague, but one of the best known and largest is Thai World. It’s located just off Wenceslas Square, so it’s incredibly easy to get to (although there is another outlet at Karlova 22). The practitioners here are extremely skilled in traditional Thai therapy – some have even been trained at the illustrious Thai Traditional Medicinal School in Bangkok – and, what’s more, they offer their services at very reasonable prices. For example, a traditional Thai foot massage will only cost you about 420 CZK. The address is Na Můstku 1, Old Town and their website is located at www.thai-world.cz.

Health Club & Spa, InterContinental

Offering fifteen different types of massage – from Swedish massage to chiropractic massage – this spa is one of the most complete in Prague. When you’ve finished with your treatments, you can even relax in the Finnish sauna or the deckchairs in the hotel’s garden. There’s even a great gym on-site, plus a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. It’s located on Pařížská 30. The website is www.icfitness.cz.

Cybex Spa, Hilton

The Hilton is the perfect place to relax or work up a sweat working out – it’s really up to you! If you stay at the hotel, the spa is free, although those not staying can purchase a day pass. Most people hit the gym first, before then winding down with one of the treatments, such as a Dead Sea salt peel, a foot massage with wild mint gel or a face massage with honey and cucumber or an Oriental mud wrap. You can also take aerobics and yoga classes here and take a dip in the swimming pool.  Cybex also has a hairstylist and cosmetician in-house, so you can end your visit looking as fabulous as you feel. Open: 7am-22pm.  The address is Pobřežní 1, Karlin and the website is www.cybex-fitness.cz.

The Augustine Spa

This is found inside a luxury hotel, and the luxury continues with the spa, as it is one of the best in the city. The treatments are based on natural remedies and have been passed down over the years by the Augustinian order of monks, meaning that it is a holistic experience. You can revitalise your skin with the Anika Organic Luxury products, but the best-known treatment here is the Body Nourishing and Relaxing Treatment, which lasts for 90 minutes. This starts with a dip in the Turkish bath before ending with a full-body massage. The address is Letenská 33/12/33, Lesser Town, and you can visit their website at www.theaugustine.com.

World Class Fitness Centre

Whether you need to beef up for beach season or just shed a few extra kilos, World Class is fully equipped with all the standard weight training and cardio equipment you’ll need. They also have a wide variety of group fitness classes, or if you really need to go at your own pace, they have personal trainers on staff. Extra perks include a solarium, massage treatments and a cosmetics studio.

Open: 8am-21pm.  Address: Wenceslas Square 22, www.worldclass.cz

Miracle Spa

With their wellness and hair and face treatments menu, a miracle could likely be performed. If nothing else, you’ll feel amazing when it is all over. Miracle Spa offers body wraps and peels, a variety of anti-ageing facial treatments, and, of course, the all-important relaxing baths, massage and thalassotherapy. Ahh, it’s a miracle!

Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-8.30pm; Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Sun. Address: , Janáčkovo nábř. 7, Prague 5 – Anděl.  www.miracleclinic.cz

Mystic Temple

The emphasis is on balance and harmony. Individual rooms provide extra privacy, and English speakers make life easier for any instructions. In addition to Thai massage, they offer classic massage, cosmetic treatments, a hair salon, manicures and pedicures. Try the hot stones. A one-hour Thai massage is 950 CZK.

Open: 10am-10pm. Winter hours 9am-9pm. Address: Washingtonova 17, Prague 1 (entrance Politických vězňů 25).  www.mystic-temple.cz

Tantra Spa

This is a unique experience for those looking to relax and perhaps expand their sexual energy. A tantra massage combines a classic massage with elements of the tantra. The masseur’s attentive and respectful touch invites you to relax, helps to increase the body’s sensitivity, and enhances life energy and joy. Bookings are by appointment only.

Open: 9am-10pm. Address: Velehradská 10, Prague 3. www.tantramasaze.cz

Tawan Thai massages

Tawan has various treatments, including a classic Thai massage, an aroma oil massage and a detox massage, plus body treatments like peelings and wraps. Their most popular therapies use hot herbal packs. Some of their specials are interesting, too, like the one-and-a-half-hour foot-and-hand massage or the Coconut Dream featuring an aroma massage using coconut oil. They offer gift certificates so you can give the gift of calm. Tawan is located in the Hotel President, and they have three other locations: one inside the Holiday Inn Prague Congress Centre, another in Prague 1 at Salvátorská 10 and the third at Golf Yacht Prague in Prague8, U Libeňského Mostu 1. Prices range from 450-2190 CZK.

Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu and Fri 7.30am-10pm; Sat and Sun 9am-9pm. Address: Náměstí Curieových 100. www.tawan.cz

Thai Fit

One of the oldest in Prague. The aroma of the adjacent Siam Orchid restaurant adds to the ambience of this great place and inspires you with what to do post-massage. Eat! Anyway, the masseuse here was strong and achieved an incredible amount of vertebrae popping: exactly what the neck needed. It is calm, quiet and recommended. They also tantalize the senses with herbal, oil, chocolate and lava stone massages, and once you’re limbered up, you can join one of their yoga courses or just lounge a bit longer in the sauna. The price is 600 CZK for a one-hour traditional Thai massage.

Open: 9am-9pm. Address: , Na Poříčí 21; www.thaifit.cz

Thai Orchidea

Tired back or legs? Revive them at Thai Orchidea. The pros here will focus on your sore points, or for an all-out bodywork over choose their traditional Thai massage or special oil Thai massage. You will leave stress free and ready to take on the city. A traditional Thai massage for one hour starts from 600 CZK.

Open: 10-am-9pm. Address: , Jindřišská 5, Prague 1. www.thai-orchidea.cz

Zen Studio

Calm and tranquillity is the name of the game here. Zen Studio offers Thai massage, aromatic oil massage and herbal massage, and a jacuzzi and sauna. Their certified therapists will reduce tension while relaxing your body. Take a moment for Zen now.

Open: Mon-Fri noon until 10pm; Sat and Sun 10am-10pm. Address: Široká 11, Old Town. www.zenstudio.cz

Sabai

Located in Maximilian Hotel and also in Slovansky Dům. Prices from 600 CZK for one hour massage. www.sabai.cz

Tip: Further afield, the acclaimed spa at Chateau Mcely offers soothing surrounds and spa products made from the herb gardens actually on the grounds.