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Małopolska, in south east Poland, is a magnet for millions of tourists every year, attracted by the region’s stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage andlocal spa.
But what makes it so special and what facilities should be top of your itinerary?
For a start, this picturesque region is home to the Tatra Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Carpathian chain. And it’s in the mountains that Poland’s unique cultural corner, the Podhale, is located.
The area delights visitors with its folk culture and folklore. Tourists can taste oscypek, a traditional smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk, admire the wooden architecture characteristic of the Podhale region and take a hike to the mountains.
For those just starting out on mountain trails, a great option is the route to Morskie Oko, the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains. It starts from the car park in Palenica Białczańska and takes about two and a half hours one way.
Visit the region’s capital, Kraków. The city is full of historic buildings like the Wawel Royal Castle and the Old Town with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. It is also home to a multitude of museums and cultural institutions.
Salt-saturated air and mineral waters
Wieliczka is a town about 10 miles from Kraków and is home to an active rock salt mine. There, tourists can enjoy salt lakes, historic underground chapels and unique salt sculptures.
Unique spa offer in Małopolska – the best facilities
Małopolska can offer tourists a wide range of spas. The facilities are located in towns with a rich spa tradition and offer their clients wellness treatments that make use of the region’s assets.
Below you will find an offer of selected spa facilities in Małopolska…
Beer spa in Kraków
The Beernarium is located in a historic 14th Century building – the Kmita Palace. Spa treatments are provided in the atmospheric interiors of the Palace’s basement.
Baths can be combined with a tasting of traditional craft beer or wine. The cost is 200 PLN (approx. £40) for one person and 290 PLN (approx. £55) for two people. The venue also offers packages including a sauna session, a wine, beer or milk bath and alcohol tasting. The cost is 290 PLN (approx. £55) for one person and 410 PLN (approx. £80) for two people.
What’s more, the facility offers massages combined with sauna sessions. The individual spa sessions are enriched with care using natural, beer-based cosmetics. The cost is on average 200 PLN (approx. £40).
Turówka Hotel & SPA**** – spa near the salt mine
Turówka Hotel & SPA****, in Wieliczka, is surrounded by an extensive park, and less than a kilometre from the hotel is the Wieliczka salt mine. Guests can use the salt cave, swimming pool, jacuzzi and dry and wet sauna as part of the price. The hotel also has a wide range of relaxing massages and body and facial treatments.
An overnight stay in a double room with breakfast costs 369 PLN (approx. £70). Or buy a weekend spa package, which includes overnight accommodation, breakfast and a voucher worth 300 PLN (approx. £60) to use in the spa area. Prices for beauty treatments and massages range from 100–300 PLN (approx. £20–60).
Nosalowy Dwór Resort & SPA****
In the heart of the Polish Tatra Mountains, an ideal place for relaxation has been created. Take advantage of the extensive Nabe spa offer. The range of treatments at Nosalowy Dwór is extensive. A basic 25-minute massage costs 190 PLN (approx. £36), while a 50-minute body ritual costs 360 PLN (£70). Or create your own individual set of treatments and use the VIP room. The cost of a double room for two nights is 1,500 PLN (£285).
Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski –spa area and thermal pools with a view of the Tatra Mountains
Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski is set in the village of Białka Tatrzańska in the Podhale region. The complex, with its expansive spa & wellness area, ski slopes and thermal water pools, is just 12 miles from the so-called winter capital of Poland – Zakopane. It is an ideal place to learn about the folk culture of the Podhale region, taste regional dishes and enjoy a wellness offer.
The hotel’s spa offers treatments for both men and women – and guests can enjoy several saunas, whirlpools and the Bania Thermal Baths.
Of particular note are the thermal pools. The mineral water they contain comes from deep within the earth, making it rich in trace elements. The complex is divided into outdoor and indoor pools, a quiet zone for adults and a spa area, where thermal water is also used. For a package for two people including two spa treatments, hotel accommodation, breakfast and unlimited access to the wellness area and thermal pools, you would pay around 2,500 PLN (approx. £475).