Discover the Zlín Region: Revitalize at Luhačovice Spa and Embrace Nature’s Active Retreat
Luhačovice Spa: An Architectural Treasure with a Contemporary Colonnade
Lázně Luhačovice is celebrated for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, intricately tied to the legendary Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič’s vision. As you wander through the streets of this charming town, you’ll encounter vibrant buildings embellished with organic designs, delightful dormer windows, and ornate gables. Make sure to explore the town’s most significant structure, the Jurkovič House, which has been transformed into a delightful hotel nestled right in the heart of the spa park.
The focal point of the spa experience is the Luhačovice Colonnade, which draws inspiration from functionalist design. This stunning colonnade enchants visitors with its design, transparent glass fronts, comfortable seating, and quaint shops. It begins its journey near the Jurkovič House and gracefully winds its way to the central spa hall, where you’ll find Luhačovice’s most renowned spring, Vincentka.
Our Tip: Don’t miss out on the delightful spa wafers, known for their unique flavor and delightful aroma. They are best enjoyed warm!
The World of Healing Springs
The natural healing springs are the crown jewels of Luhačovice. Rich in high levels of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and carbon dioxide, these springs are hailed as some of the most potent in Europe. They have demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits for conditions affecting the respiratory system, digestive health, and musculoskeletal issues.
The famed Vincentka mineral water was once a staple at the imperial courts and enjoyed in the bustling cafés of Vienna. This remarkable water is utilized for drinking cures, gargling, and inhalations, making it particularly effective for respiratory ailments, vocal cord troubles, and digestive concerns. You can conveniently find Vincentka in bottles, as nasal sprays, and it is incorporated into various products like toothpaste and lozenges.
Our Tip: If you visit Luhačovice in early May, you can enjoy the two-day festival called the Opening of the Springs, which features a packed cultural program that symbolically kicks off the spa season.
The Spa Experience: Rejuvenation for the Mind and Body
Lázně Luhačovice is enveloped in lush greenery and a stunning spa park, which beautifully enhances the town’s charm and whimsical ambiance. This lovely destination offers a vast selection of hotels and guesthouses that feature wellness programs, encompassing massages, cosmetic wraps, hydrotherapy, and wax treatments. The spa also offers therapeutic stays in state-of-the-art balneotherapy facilities, providing personalized treatments crafted by skilled local medical professionals. By the time you depart from Luhačovice, you will feel thoroughly rejuvenated, invigorated, and brimming with energy.
Did You Know: Luhačovice Spa is the only establishment in Czechia honored with a prestigious certificate for its carbonated bath balneotherapy, recognized at the ESPA Innovation Awards 2016. This accolade highlights the most remarkable innovations in medical spa treatments across Europe, as awarded by the European Spas Association.
Active Relaxation: Hiking and Cycling in the Zlín Region
Once you have enjoyed the spa treatments and relaxing by the pools, embark on one of the scenic routes that will lead you through rolling hills, dense forests, and historic landmarks rich with stories of yore. A particularly appealing option is the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, which connects major pilgrimage sites and presents the cultural heritage of the region, including Velehrad and St. Hostýn. Nature enthusiasts will savor hiking amidst the diverse landscapes of the White Carpathians, the Beskydy Mountains, and the Hostýn Hills, where breathtaking vistas await. For cyclists, options abound, including the trail along the Bečva River, the picturesque Bevlava route paralleling the Moravian-Slovak border, and the unique path following the Baťa Canal.
Our Tip: Spice up your cycling adventure along the Baťa Canal with a boat ride and enjoy a taste of traditional Moravian wine.
Recommended Excursions in the Vicinity
Our Tip: Don’t miss out on a visit to the iconic Baťa Skyscraper, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view from the observation deck and relax in the café. A unique aspect of this building is the lift that also served as the office of the company director, featuring a cozy 6×6 meter space complete with a washbasin and air conditioning.
Embark on a journey to explore other attractions nearby! Just a short drive from Luhačovice leads you to Vizovice, famed for its slivovitz and rich Wallachian heritage. Here, visitors can delve into the production of this beloved fruit spirit at the Rudolf Jelínek Distillery, or admire the original interiors of Vizovice Chateau nestled within its sprawling English-style park.
Another worthwhile excursion is to the vibrant city of Zlín, recognized for its shoemaking legacy and celebrated as a hub of functionalist architecture tied to the Baťa industrial movement. If you have children with you, be sure to visit Zlín Zoo, one of the most picturesque in all of Czechia, which even allows you to hand-feed stingrays! Complementing this experience is the enchanting Lešná Chateau, known for its lavishly decorated rooms.
Make sure to explore one of the most beautiful towns in the nation: Kroměříž, where the Archbishop’s Chateau and its breathtaking gardens are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A visit to the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Rožnov is also highly recommended. This is one of Europe’s oldest open-air museums, showcasing nearly a hundred buildings that illustrate traditional life in the Wallachian region.
