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Take your cues from European spa-goers: instead of a facial, get a carbon bath; instead of a yoga class, take "breathing gymnastics." And consider seeing a local spa doctor (your hotel concierge can guide you) for a routine suited to your needs. Personalized prescriptions mostly range between one and three weeks’ duration. It all starts with the water: expect to drink it, bathe in it, inhale it, frolic in it. Spas may claim treatment specialties but treat many disorders. Here, briefs on some famous medicinal springs and some of their best-known treatments.
The Water Fourteen sulfur springs range from 86 to 97 degrees. The Cure Rheumatism. The Claims A 20- to 30-minute sulfur bath reverses sulfur deficiency in joints. Famous Visitors Czar Peter the Great, Beethoven, Napoleon I. Where to Stay Grand Hotel Sauerhof (43-2252/412-510; www.sauerhof.at; doubles from $282, including breakfast). Spa Center Badener Kurzentrum (15 Marchetstr.; 43-2252/48580; www.kurhaus-baden.at).
The Water Three to 28 percent salt content, and some sulfur. The Cure Respiratory tract, cardiovascular, and dermatological problems. The Claims A five-day respiratory tract therapy program—six saltwater inhalations, three saltwater baths, three sessions of breathing gymnastics, and three 25-minute massages—improves breathing. Famous Visitors Emperor Franz Josef, Mozart. Where to Stay Kaisertherme-Thermenhotel (43-6132/2-040; www.thermenhotel-badischl.at; doubles from $210, including breakfast). Spa Center Kaisertherme (see Where to Stay).
The Water Twenty-six springs (average 52 degrees) with high carbon dioxide content. The Cure Pain relief. The Claims Mud with high sulfur and iron content, heated to higher temperatures than are tolerable in a water bath, has anti-inflammatory effects. Famous Visitor Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Where to Stay Spa Hotel Imperial (420-354/206-600; www.frantiskovylazne.cz; doubles from $126). Spa Center Spa Hotel Imperial (see Where to Stay).
The Water Sixteen springs (102 to 163 degrees average) with sodium-bicarbonate-sulfate and carbon dioxide. The Cure Metabolic and gastrointestinal ailments. The Claims A specific ailment will determine whether you bathe or drink from colder or warmer waters. Famous Visitors Gregory Peck, Whoopi Goldberg. Where to Stay The Grandhotel Pupp (420-353/109-111; www.pupp.cz; doubles from $362, including breakfast). Spa Center Castle Spa (1 Zámecký Vrch; 420-353/225-820; www.edengroup.cz).
The Water About 40 cold (45 to 50 degrees) mineral springs (sulfate, sodium, magnesium, and calcium). The Cure Respiratory, metabolic, locomotive disorders. The Claims Most courses of treatment prescribe drinking 1.6 to 2.1 quarts of mineral water a day. Different springs address different ailments: the Rudolph Spring (five-to-four magnesium to calcium ratio) is recommended for osteoporosis. Famous Visitors Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Frédéric Chopin, Johann Strauss. Where to Stay Hotel Esplanade Spa & Golf Resort (420-354/676-111; www.esplanade-marienbad.cz; doubles from $418, including breakfast). Spa Center Spa Hotel Nové Lázne (53 Reitenbergerova; 420-354/644-111; www.marienbad.cz).
The Water Four 75- to 82-degree springs, designated "strong," "medium-strong," "medium," or "light," depending on salt content. The Cure Stress, high cholesterol. The Claims Drinking two to three glasses of mineral water before breakfast, plus walking and singing around the town, will soothe any ailment. Famous Visitors Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Prince Rainier. Where to Stay Grand Hotel & La Pace (39-0572/9240; www.grandhotellapace.it; doubles from $335). Spa Center There are nine spas in Montecatini. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.
The Water Six hot and cold carbonated springs (71 to 109 degrees). The Cure Rheumatism and digestive disorders. The Claims The Hôpital Spring (high in carbon dioxide) treats intestinal problems; the Célestins Spring, with the lowest mineral content of all the springs, helps digestion. Famous Visitors Louis XIV, Marquise de Sévigné, Napoleon III. Where to Stay Sofitel Thalassa Vichy Les Célestins (33-470/308-200; www.sofitel.com; doubles from $298). Spa Center Centre Thermal des Dômes (1 Ave. Thermale; 33-8/00-30-00-63; www.destinationvichy.com).
—Jennifer Welbel
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