Spring in Luhačovice. As the Spa's General Manager Jiří Dědek sees it

Author of the article: Kateřina Nosková | Last update: April 1, 2025

Mr. CEO, while this place directly evokes peace and quiet, you don't exactly suffer from it. Or, what's in the running, what's new, and brand new at that?

All right, current. We have currently completed the construction of a new parking structure for our clients of the Palace, Morava and Alexandria hotels. It has 76 parking spaces. I think it's a good achievement from the city's point of view as well, exactly the same number is being made available for others.

Price and form of payment?

Exclusively from our money, we didn't take any subsidies, less than 47 million crowns. Everything is done, approved, normal operation has begun.

Constructors at work, even a short distance from the colonnade... I can certainly see well.

They are working on both the spa clinic, where a new facade and roof are being done. Then it's another piece right next door. It's an addition over the spa's candy store and gallery. That second part will be going on until the end of May, the first part a little bit longer, the finish will be in July.

This is the first half of the year, what about the second half, as you well know, time flies, what are you working on next?

Three weeks ago the decision was made that from this October we will start the reconstruction and completion of the Morava Spa House. Among other things, we will build a new balneo-operation according to modern trends. Among other things, there will be a swimming pool extension. The positive thing will be that the accommodated clients will have all services and treatments in one place.

When could it be finished, it will be a significant construction, demanding?

It will be demanding, for sure, but the reward will be worth it. The way we see it today is that Moravia will be in the new one in about two years.

We're finishing the first quarter, it's always a start-up, how full is your place at the beginning of spring?

Our operation is virtually year-round, we're at 1,000 beds of our capacity of 13,300 beds right now.

These are realistic, relatively short-term goals. Just out of curiosity, what time frame are you looking at for the future of the spa

We are creating a new vision right now, I can't be specific yet, it's not even clear. But we're right at the point where we want to sit down and discuss what we might do in five to ten years.

Your Sun Spa, a draw, a hit and a treat for visitors, has only been open for ten months, and people's interest is overwhelming. And you must be delighted with the current award, what is it?

Fair thing, in Poděbrady we received a significant award from the Association of Spa Places for our contribution to the spa industry in the Czech Republic. We were delighted, not that we weren't. And we cordially invite you to the facility.

Mr. CEO, we are talking about the spa industry as a specific branch of tourism. In your professional opinion, how is ours in a broader context?

I don't claim to be the most knowledgeable, but I will make one point. The spa industry is not a global phenomenon, but it is not a pan-European phenomenon either. Mostly Central European, to name a few countries like France, Germany, Italy and a few others. Mind you, when you say spa in the UK, the average person has no idea what is going on. Healing water, mud, springs, it means practically nothing to them. So the Czech spa industry has its own sound, given by its history, and it is perceived as distinctly therapeutic, which is what we are all about. So it's built on medical knowledge.

Well, and one tidbit. Let's say you are not who you are. And you're tasked with taking yourself and your wife to the spa. Where would that be?

We have a lot of choice here, lots of spas. You're probably expecting this answer and it comes from the heart. We'd go to Luhačovice, of course (smile).

You're perceived as a manager of a high degree of diligence. What a relaxation, after 50 it has to be, doesn't it?

Of course, but even before that, the demanding job requires a continuous recharging of the batteries. In my case, it comes in several ways. So I'm still fishing, and to add to my athleticism, when Summer asks what I've been up to, I'll tell him at the tournament that I've been practicing - not playing - hard on the tennis court. Hopefully he'll see the progress.