The Bohemian cure

The "spectacular" spa towns of Bohemia in the Czech Republic were once the smartest resorts in Europe, a "home from home for celebrities, writers and royals", says William Cook in Conde Nast Traveller. They faded fast after the Communists took power in 1945 - but now they're making a comeback. Karlovy Vary is the largest; Marianse Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne are within easy reach. Their "grand" original architecture is mostly intact, looking slightly "surreal" among the surrounding forests and hills; and their "internationalism" (German and Russian visitors are the most common) endures. You'll leave "feeling fantastic" - but that will no doubt be due as much to "fresh air and woodland walks" as to drinking the "warm, fizzy" water from their hundreds of springs.
The Grandhotel Pupp, 00 420 353 109631, in Karlovy Vary has doubles from €260. ·