SLOVAKIA is rich in the thermal and mineral waters needed to create good spas. The spas specialise in treating certain diseases and disorders but have also pursued the newer market for wellness and relaxation treatments and thus extended their clientele beyond traditional spa visitors. Slovak spas cater to people suffering from mobility problems, neurological disorders skin diseases and women’s diseases.
Below is a selection from among 20 spa resorts in Slovakia. The whole list of spa facilities can be found at the web site of the Association of Slovak Spas, www.ask.sk (only in Slovak).
-Bardejovské kúpele – This spa treats diseases of the circulatory system, digestive problems, metabolic disorders, non-tubercular respiratory diseases, convalescence after cancer treatment, women’s diseases and occupational conditions.
www.kupele-bj.sk
-Kúpele Dudince – Even though Dudince is the youngest spa resort in Slovakia, there is archaeological evidence that Roman soldiers once bathed in its travertine surface openings. The warm local mineral waters, containing hydrogen carbonate, chlorides, sodium, calcium, sulphur and carbon, are used to treat motor system diseases and neurological disorders.
www.kupeledudince.sk, www.diamant.sk
-Kúpele Lúčky – This is the only spa in Slovakia that specialises in women's diseases. The success of the treatment is believed to lie in the specific chemical composition of the natural springs.
www.kupele-lucky.sk
-Kováčová – The Kováčová spa began when thermal waters were found here by accident in 1898, during prospecting for coal. It is known for treatment of neurological disorders and motor system disorders, mainly post-accident conditions.
www.marinakovacova.sk
-Health Spa Piešťany – The most popular spa in Slovakia as well as the most popular Slovak spa in terms of foreign visitors. It owes its fame to thermal sulphur mud and thermal sulphide waters, and focuses on treatment of motor system disorders and neurological disorders, as well as occupational conditions.
www.spapiestany.sk
-Kúpele Sklené Teplice – This spa exploits hot springs rich in minerals that are mainly beneficial to the locomotive organs. A rarity is a thermal cave bath, “Parenica”, which is unique in Europe.
www.kupele-skleneteplice.sk
-Kúpele Smrdáky – The Smrdáky spa is noted for its unique hydrogen sulphide mineral water and sulphurous mud used to treat skin disorders. The high level of hydrogen sulphide in the healing water is exceptional not only in Slovakia, but also in Europe.
www.kupelesmrdaky.sk
-Kúpele Trenčianske Teplice – This spa, located in the valley of the little Teplička River under the slopes of the Strážovské vrchy mountains uses local sulphurous waters for treatment of motor system conditions, neurological disorders, skin diseases, and some occupational conditions. Each summer it hosts the Art Film Festival.
www.slktn.sk
Source: Spa websites, The Slovak Spectator archive
