Spa Trip in Poděbrady
Written by Nick
The Czech Republic offers a wide range of spa towns, most famously Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, but also Poděbrady. Poděbrady is a small but beautiful, peaceful, and quaint town located only about one hour from Prague and easily accessible by train. I recently visited and wanted to share some thoughts about my experience there.
The Town
Poděbrady is a calm and charming town known for its spa culture, quiet streets, scenic walks, and cozy cafés. Visitors have plenty of food options, including traditional Czech pubs, Italian restaurants and pizzerias, kebab spots (of course), and welcoming cafés.
When I visited, my girlfriend and I started our trip with a pizza dinner at Severino, which was absolutely delicious. The next day, we had lunch at a traditional Czech pub called Náš Hostinec, which also serves tank beer. Finally, we enjoyed coffee at Vilémovo, a lovely café offering a wide range of fresh breads, dairy products, honey, and jams.
The Spa
The hotel we stayed at was a charming and comfortable place located just off the town center and near the main park. It felt perfect for couples, although I would recommend it to anyone planning a relaxing spa trip. The hotel offers free breakfast and can also prepare hot dishes upon request.
Most importantly, the hotel provides full spa access. We paid for 90 minutes of private access to the spa area, which included a traditional sauna (with an infrared sauna also available), a cold plunge pool, showers, and relaxing lounge areas with both warm and cool lighting. Lemon tea and lemon water were also provided, which was great for staying hydrated during the sauna sessions.
This was actually my first time ever using a sauna or visiting a spa. The sauna was much hotter than I expected – around 90°C – so it definitely took some getting used to. My more experienced girlfriend could stay inside for about ten minutes at a time, but on my first try I could only manage about five!
The cold plunge was another experience to get used to. The shock and adrenaline your body feels when entering the cold water is incredible. However, once I got used to it, I loved the feeling after rotating between the sauna and the cold plunge. It was extremely relaxing.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, Poděbrady is a great option. It’s an ideal place to relax and recharge, whether you need a break from city life, university exams, or simply want a peaceful weekend away.