The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 258

Spa Cures & Treatments
Most visitors to Karlovy Vary come for a spa treatment, a therapy that lasts
1 to 3 weeks. After consulting with a spa physician, you're given a specific
regimen of activities that may include mineral baths, massages, waxings,
mudpacks, electrotherapy, and pure oxygen inhalation. After spending the
morning at a spa or sanatorium, you're usually directed to walk the paths of
the town's surrounding forest.
The common denominator of all the cures is an ample daily dose of hot
mineral water, which bubbles up from 12 springs. This water definitely has
a distinct odor and taste. You'll see people chugging it down, but it doesn't
necessarily taste very good. Some thermal springs actually taste and smell
like rotten eggs. You may want to take a small sip at first. Do keep in mind
that the waters are used to treat internal disorders, so the minerals may
cleanse the body thoroughly—in other words, they can cause diarrhea.
You'll also notice that almost everyone in town seems to be carrying “the
cup.” This funny-looking cup is basically a mug with a built-in straw running
through the handle. Young and old alike parade around with their mugs,
filling and refilling them at each thermal water tap. You can buy these mugs
everywhere for as little as 60Kc ($2.50/£1) or as much as 230Kc ($9.55/£5);
they make a quirky souvenir. But be warned: None of the mugs can make
the warmer hot springs taste any better.
The minimum spa treatment lasts 1 week and must be arranged in
advance. A spa treatment package traditionally includes room, full board,
and complete therapy regimen; the cost varies from about $40 (£22) to $100
(£56) per person per day, depending on season and facilities. Rates are high-
est from May to September and lowest from November to February.
Vrídelní 92, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. & 353-335-111. Fax [phone]. www.astoria-spa.cz. 100 units. Note that there
are no rates in local currency; hotel charges at a converted rate upon checkout. $36-$56/£20-£31 double. AE, MC,
V. Amenities: Restaurant. In room:TV, fridge.
WHERE TO DINE
Expensive
Embassy Restaurant CZECH/CONTINENTAL On the ground floor of the
Embassy Hotel, this is one of the oldest restaurants in town. It offers an intimate din-
ing room with historic interior. Here you'll find many traditional Czech dishes with
slight twists that make them interesting. The grilled loin of pork covered with a light,
creamy, green-pepper sauce makes a nice change from the regular roast pork served by
most Czech restaurants.
Nová Louka 21. & 353-221-161. Reservations recommended. Soups 55Kc-85Kc ($2.30-$3.55/£1-£2); main
courses 175Kc-985Kc ($7.30-$41/£4-£20). AE, V. Daily 11am-11pm.
Moderate
XXX long ITALIAN/INTERNATIONAL The interior of this new addition to
the list of local restaurants offers an interesting combination of modern decoration
and old furniture. On the large menu is a wide assortment of Italian and international