Czech Spas & Chateaus: Relaxing Places to Visit Near Prague

On a European vacation, taking a few days from visiting busy cities and relaxing in the country can make all the difference for a successful, restful vacation. Getting a chance to see more than just a small portion of a country is truly the best way to experience a location. When exploring the Czech Republic, the first thought is immediately to Prague. Prague in my opinion is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most stunning in Europe. With that reputation, it is also one of the most visited.

Over 80% of the people who come to the Czech Republic only go to Prague. Afterward, they move to other cities throughout Europe. So, why is this a problem? A few reasons. One, it does the visitor a total disservice. Just like we wouldn’t suggest going to just one city in our own home country, the same applies. The Czech Republic may not seem big, but it sure is diverse. Visiting both rural and urban places gives you a better feel for it overall. Recently I wrote an article about the problem with travel trends like this. Overtourism exists when we all make a habit of going to just one city. By continuing to see the same venues, staying in the same spots, we aren’t giving other locations a chance to shine and an opportunity to benefit from our tourism dollars.

There is a wonderful country to explore past the capital that I recommend you visit once you’ve been to Praha. For me, there are two styles of city escapes I enjoy most – adventures in nature and relaxation.

Svata Katerina

Located only a few hours drive south of Prague, Svata Katerina is a resort and wellness spa that has Ayurvedic & yoga retreats for a perfect healthy getaway.

The local springs have drawn visitors in for hundreds of years and the property itself has been used for retreats from the city for restorative health since the 1400’s. The property is one of the more relaxing places to visit near Prague.

Ok, so now you’re probably thinking, what’s Ayurveda & what should I expect on an Ayurvedic retreat?

So, What Exactly is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a form of traditional medicine with roots based in Hinduism, beginning in India. The idea behind Ayurveda is a holistic approach, treating the body as a complete system. Curious to learn more, there are dozens of sites online that talk about the history and philosophy of this medical practice.

Much like other wellness retreats, there is a specific treatment plan and schedule you’ll follow. Ayurveda can be a complicated and intricate process, so it is helpful to have patient staff & knowledgable professionals that will assist you through your journey towards better health.

It can be overwhelming to learn a whole new set of habits, my advice is to take one or two things from your time at a retreat and implement them in your everyday life. You’ll often find that trying to make major life changes are harder to maintain long-term when there are too many changes at once. I have had better success taking away things from resorts like this if I do them one small step at a time. For instance, after leaving Svata Katerina, I’ve begun to be more mindful of my sleep patterns. Be an early riser. Sleeping on the left side verse the right. Waking up before sunrise and meditating.

Activities at Svata Katerina

Yoga classes are held in the main building, but there are plenty of open spaces on the property to have your own yoga practice. The grounds are the perfect place to spend time outside, with nature. There are walking trails through the surrounding forests. Take a stroll up to the stone circle and practice meditation. Take a horseback ride, take a dip in the pond or just relax.

What Makes this Spa so Special?

I’m sure that you could find other spas and places to visit near Prague, so what makes Svata Katerina worth it?

You have the chance to make your stay as scheduled as you’d like. The weekend I was visiting, we followed a special Ayurvedic diet and received massages & treatments twice daily that followed the Ayurvedic regiment. Let me share with you, being fed three nutritious healthy meals a day then having two massages each day is the perfect way to spend a weekend.

Svata Katerina has an “green” component that makes your stay sustainable. Wanting to protect the natural space around the resort, there are no outside vehicles on the property. They have an electric shuttle that will take you to and from the parking lot outside the grounds or to the nearest public transportation point. I took a bus to and from Prague. It was easy to navigate public transportation there if you don’t have a car which is a bonus. The facility operates on environmentally friendly principles and you’re able to have a hearty vegetarian or vegan diet.

Have your weekend of relaxation by booking a room at Svata Katerina.

Chateau Mcely

Treat yourself like a king or queen in a château style property just an hour drive from Prague. The château is a luxury boutique hotel with only 24 rooms, making for a peaceful city retreat. The house is located in the village of Mcely, the Central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. The grounds are gorgeous! While I’m sure in the winter it looks like a wonderland, the summer was ideal for me to get out of the city and enjoy some quiet time by the pool.

Not only is this five-star, it is a luxury hotel that is environmentally friendly. When looking for places to visit near Prague, I wanted to make sure that I could find a property that cared about the environment and this property has won multiple awards for being eco-conscious. The pool is all natural, which means it’s free from chemicals and the building itself has made conservation a priority.

Eat like a King & Queen

One of the highlights of the property is Piano Noble, a top notch restaurant, which incorporates home grown ingredients. It’s fantastic and would arguably be the best meal I had in the Czech Republic. You can go walk around the English style gardens and see the various seasonal fruits and vegetables that are carefully grown on site. There is also a small smokehouse on the property, so the smoked meats and fishes have been prepared here as well.

The castle is the perfect place to have a royally relaxing weekend. It’s the kind of estate where you could just spend a few days here, eating delicious food, hanging by the pool, reading a book in the sun or head to the spa. Since Mcely is in Bohemia, it is central to several UNSECO destinations and wonderful small Czech towns to explore.

Pamper yourself by booking a room at Chateau Mcely. 

Prague is one of the best cities in Europe and so the hoards of visitors can usually be forgiven, but it can be overwhelming during the height of tourist season. Having a plan to escape the trodden tourist trail is paramount when putting together a stress-free vacation. Choosing to explore a place near Prague can give you freedom to see more of the Czech Republic and leave with a more interesting itinerary and fulfilling trip.

A few quick disclaimers: While I was a guest of both Chateau Mcely and Svata Katerina, my advice and opinions are all my own. Also, some links within this post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you I will earn a commission for click-throughs and purchases.

A special thanks to Czech Tourism for coordinating my stays in and around Prague. If you’re looking for things to do in Prague, be sure to check out my suggestions on responsible ways to visit the city.