In the heart of the Polish Karkonosze, in picturesque Szklarska Poreba, there is the luxurious Hotel Czarny Kamień RESORT & SPA - a place where spa tradition meets modern wellness trends. The property, located at 11 Wojska Polskiego Street, offers an unforgettable spa experience surrounded by mountain landscapes, which themselves have a therapeutic effect on the senses.

Szklarska Poreba's spa history dates back to the 19th century, when the healing properties of the local microclimate were discovered. The town, previously known mainly for its glass production (hence its name), began to attract visitors seeking relief from respiratory diseases. The Black Stone Hotel draws on this tradition, while introducing modern wellness solutions.

The SPA & Wellness area at the Czarny Kamien Hotel is a true gem of the facility. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool complex with whirlpools, which offers a panoramic view of the mountains. Particularly charming is the outdoor pool, open all year round - bathing in the warm water during the winter months, when the surrounding peaks are covered with snow, provides an unforgettable experience. The sauna area includes a Finnish sauna, steam room and infrared sauna, which help detoxify the body and strengthen immunity.

Treatments using local ingredients are a unique part of the offer. Noteworthy is the 'Karkonoski Treasure' ritual, during which wraps are applied using herbs collected from the surrounding meadows, prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation by the region's inhabitants. Another interesting treatment is the 'Szklarska Regeneration' - a massage using basalt stones from nearby rock formations, which are excellent at keeping you warm and helping to relax tense muscles.

Interestingly, the hotel draws inspiration from local legends. One of them tells of the Spirit of the Mountains - Karkonosze (also known as Liczyrzepa), who was said to guard treasures hidden in the mountains. In reference to this character, the hotel offers the 'Treasures of Karkonosz' package, which combines spa treatments with excursions to places associated with this legendary figure.

The Black Stone Hotel is also distinguished by its approach to wellness gastronomy. The hotel's restaurant serves dishes prepared from local, organic products, including herbs and mushrooms harvested in the Karkonosze forests. The menu takes into account the needs of people on specialized diets, offering gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Guests especially appreciate the breakfasts overlooking the mountains, during which they can enjoy regional specialties such as cheeses from local farms or honey from Karkonosze apiaries.

Crossing the Polish-Czech border and heading deep into the Giant Mountains, one reaches picturesque Harrachov, where the Pytloun Wellness Hotel is located - a facility combining Czech spa traditions with modern wellness trends. Located in the Ryžoviště district, the hotel offers a unique spa experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Harrachov, like many Czech towns, boasts a rich spa history. The town developed in the 19th century around a glassworks founded by the count family of Harrach (hence the town's name), but the healing properties of the local climate were soon discovered as well. It is interesting to note that in the area around Harrachov there are springs of mineral waters containing radon, which, according to local accounts, have healing properties, especially for rheumatic ailments.

Pytloun Wellness Hotel continues this tradition, offering modern treatments inspired by local healing methods. The hotel's wellness area is a true oasis of calm, where guests can enjoy a variety of saunas, including a traditional Czech herbal sauna. The latter refers to the centuries-old tradition of herbalism, which has a particularly rich heritage in the Czech Republic. The sessions use mixtures of herbs harvested in the Giant Mountains, which intensifies the sauna's effects and introduces an element of aromatherapy.

A unique element of the hotel's offer is the 'Krkonoše Beer Bath' - a treatment inspired by the Czech brewing tradition. Bathing in hops and malt extract has a relaxing effect, nourishes the skin and promotes circulation. According to local accounts, the tradition of beer baths in the Czech Republic dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was noted that brewery workers had exceptionally healthy and smooth skin on their hands. The treatment ends with a tasting of local beer from a small brewery in Harrachov, which continues a brewing tradition that dates back to 1712.

The hotel also offers treatments using local minerals. Of particular interest is a massage with stones from the Mumlava River, which flows through Harrachov. These stones, shaped over the years by the mountain current, have the ideal form for massage and, according to local therapists, retain the energy of the mountain river within them.

An interesting aspect of the hotel is its architecture, which harmoniously combines traditional Krkonoše style with modern elements. Wooden finishes are reminiscent of local architecture, and large glass windows allow guests to enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. Particularly impressive is the view from the indoor pool, from where one can enjoy the panorama of the Giant Mountains.

Pytloun Wellness Hotel is also famous for offering seasonal treatments, adapted to the seasons. In autumn and winter it offers warming treatments using cinnamon and cloves, while in summer it offers refreshing rituals using mountain herbs and fruits. This seasonality alludes to ancient spa traditions, when treatments were adapted to the natural rhythm of nature.

An additional attraction is the hotel's proximity to the famous ski jump, making it an ideal destination for those combining active recreation with spa relaxation. After a day on the ski slopes or mountain trails, guests can recuperate in the wellness area with sports massages specially designed for active tourists.

Our wellness journey on the Czech-Polish border ends in the picturesque village of Pec pod Sněžkou, where you will find the Grand Hotel Hradec - a facility with a unique history and atmosphere. Located at the foot of the highest peak in the Czech Republic - Sněžka (1603 meters above sea level), the hotel offers not only luxurious spa treatments, but also unforgettable views and access to unique natural attractions.

The history of the Grand Hotel Hradec is fascinating and dates back to the early 20th century. The property was built in 1904 as an elegant mountain resort for the aristocracy of Prague and Vienna. It is interesting to note that during the interwar period the hotel was a meeting place for Czech and German intellectuals who came here for so-called 'climate cures.' During the communist era, the building served as a resort for state employees, only to undergo extensive renovation after 1989 and return to its original function as a luxury spa hotel.

The Grand Hotel Hradec's wellness area combines historic character with modern amenities. Particularly impressive is the swimming pool with a panoramic view of Sněžka, which was designed to allow guests to admire the highest peak in the Czech Republic while taking a relaxing dip. The hotel also features a unique herbal sauna, which uses blends of herbs harvested in the Krkonoše National Park, including rare alpine plant species found only in this region.

Treatments inspired by local folklore and traditions are a unique part of the offer. 'Krakonoš Ritual' (the Czech name for Spirit of the Mountains) is a comprehensive treatment that includes a body scrub using salt with herbs, a massage with hot basalt stones and wraps made from peat mined in the Pec area. According to local legends, Krakonoš is said to have known the secret properties of herbs growing on the slopes of Sněžka and used them to heal mountain people.

The hotel also offers unique seasonal treatments. Popular in winter is the 'Snowy Regeneration' - a treatment combining a milk bath with a vanilla and cinnamon-scented candle massage to warm the body and prepare it for low temperatures. In the summer, guests can enjoy 'Karkonoska Freshness' - a treatment using extracts from mountain flowers and herbs to cool and refresh the skin after sun exposure.

Interestingly, the Grand Hotel Hradec has its own mineral water source, which was discovered during the renovation of the property in the 1990s. This water, rich in minerals and trace elements, is used in spa treatments and served to guests in the hotel's restaurant. According to analyses, it has a similar composition to waters from the nearby Janské Lázně spa, known for its treatment of neurological diseases.

The hotel also stands out for its approach to culinary wellness. The hotel restaurant serves dishes prepared according to slow food principles, using products from local suppliers. Of particular interest is a menu inspired by traditional Sudetenland cuisine, combining Czech, German and Polish influences. Guests can enjoy such specialties as 'kulajda' (mushroom soup with dill and eggs) or 'kyselo' (sourdough soup with mushrooms), which, according to local accounts, have health properties.

Comparing the three described wellness facilities, it is worth noting their unique features. The Czarny Kamien Hotel in Szklarska Poreba stands out for its modern infrastructure and treatments inspired by Polish traditions, the Pytloun Wellness Hotel in Harrachov offers an authentic Czech wellness experience with an emphasis on brewing traditions, and the Grand Hotel Hradec in Pec pod Sněžkou charms with its historic character and proximity to the highest peak in the Czech Republic. However, all three establishments are united by their excellent location in the picturesque Krkonoše Mountains, the use of local traditions and the natural riches of the region, and a high standard of service.