Czechia's 'second' spa town has hidden gems and healing springs

May 13th marked the beginning of the spa season in Mariánské Lázně. The ceremonial opening included the age-old custom of blessing the springs, followed by West Bohemia Symphony Orchestra concerts, fairs, mass at the 19th century Virgin Mary Assumption Church, and entertainment for the whole family.  

A UNESCO World Heritage town, Mariánské Lázně has a long history as a spa town. It was already welcoming names like Goethe, Chopin, and King Edward VII to its healing springs two centuries ago. Although slightly smaller than its famous neighbor Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně has equally impressive Spa Colonnades, a rich architectural splendor, and idyllic forests great for hiking surrounding the entire town.

A great way to explore the Czech spa tradition on a budget is to take advantage of all-inclusive wellness packages. And the Hotel Butterfly has some great package offers to help you rejuvenate and recharge before summer arrives. 

Part of the Ensana chain, the four-star superior Butterfly Health Spa Hotel was shut down for two years because of Covid and is now reopening with an exclusive offer of 30% off for all-inclusive packages when booked by May 29 (for travel between June 1-June 30, 2022 and Aug. 29-Oct. 2, 2022).

The stays include accommodation with an all-inclusive meal plan that covers lunch and dinner, snacks and soft drinks between meals, and local beer and wine available at the Lobby Bar between 5pm-10pm. As part of the package, guests also get free access to the indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna area, and gym corner. 

For those traveling with kids, the package also includes access to the hotel’s Kid’s Club, which offers fun activities, crafts, outdoor activities in the park, a daily animation program, and a weekly parents and kids’ competition in the pool area. 

If you’re traveling with your family, there’s another reason to visit Mariánské Lázně in summer – the local Miniature Park Boheminium, the fourth largest of its kind in Europe, features over 80 Czech monuments and landmarks built at a 1:25 scale. No kids? The park, which is home to mini versions of  Karlštejn Castle, Ještěd Tower, and the Český Krumlov Château, it’s just as fun for adults to visit. 

The Butterfly Health Spa Hotel’s offer isn’t your typical all-inclusive stay packed with spa treatments. Instead, the Butterfly’s special wellness program allows you to take advantage of Mariánské Lázně’s unique location as a healing source of mineral water by enjoying the springs as well as the hotel's amenities. The hotel has exclusive access to the sulfate-rich Ferdinand Spring and can provide unique natural sulfate baths as well as drinking cures available in the hotel’s lobby. For those who need more pampering, the MEDISPA-certified center offers a wide range of traditional and modern health treatments, including medical massages, balneotherapy, healing mud treatments, and cryotherapy.

Inspired by Art Nouveau style with touches of modern comfort and classic design elements, the hotel itself is perfectly placed in the town center, making it easy to explore on foot, visit cafes, and enjoy the unique atmosphere Mariánské Lázně has to offer. 

The classic, elegant rooms and suites at the hotel all offer great views into the surrounding lush landscape and come equipped with a balcony, free Wi-Fi connection, and air-conditioning. Upgrading to a junior suite provides almost double the space and adds the comfort of nice bathtubs, plush robes, and luxurious complimentary toiletries. 

When it’s time to eat, you’ll enjoy the hotel’s “gourmet cuisine that supports your health.” There’s no need to sacrifice taste here – you’ll get rich foods that will make both your palate and your body happy. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal products that retain all their nutrients through a gentle cooking process.

Additional package stays are available if you want a longer stay. Right now, wellness packages with a minimum of 2, 3, 5 or 7 nights are also available for 30 percent off as part of the hotel’s grand reopening when booked by May 29 (for travel between June 1-June 30, 2022 and Aug. 29-Oct. 2, 2022).

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a taste of Ensana’s signature treatments, boost your immunity, work on pain relief, or simply want to improve mobility and foster mental health, there’s a special wellness stay to meet your needs at the Butterfly Health Spa Hotel.

This article was written in cooperation with the Ensana. Read more about our partner content policies here.