Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A DETOUR: 'BEER WELLNESS LAND'
In the village of
Planá
, 20 minutes by bus (25Kč) from Mariánské Lázně, the
varská 107; treatments from 660Kc)
is the perfect spot to simultaneously explore both
of western Bohemia's claims to fame: world-class spas and beer.
'Beer spa' treatments at Chodovar's self-proclaimed 'Beer Welless Land' in-
clude a couple of glasses of the village's liquid gold. There are other tantalizing
menu options, including massages, hot stones and even a 'beer bath for two'.
Couples can book in for special Valentine's Day packages.
The beer spa experience goes something like this: after disrobing, you sink
yourself into a hoppy bath of warm beer. Confetti-sized fragments of hops and
yeast stud the water, and the overriding aroma features the grassy, zesty tones
of world-renowned hops from nearby Žatec. The bath is heated to a comfy 34°C
(93°F), and you're even allowed to sup on a glass of the Chodovar Brewery's
fine golden lager for the duration.
After a relaxing soak of around 30 minutes, an attendant brings you your robe
and leads you into some granite tunnels (used for 'lagering' beer as far back as
the 12th century) for yet more rest and relaxation. According to the brewery's
marketing spiel, the procedures will have 'curative effects on the complexion and
hair, relieve muscle tension, warm-up joints and support the immune system of
the organism'.
In the attached gift shop there's beer soap, shampoo and cosmetics. After all
that hoppy goodness, visitors can even the score with tasty meat-heavy dishes
and more brews in the subterranean restaurant and beer hall. Another above-
ground restaurant features official beer sommeliers who can instruct in 10 differ-
ent types of beer.
