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TIPS FOR VARIOUS SPA TOUR IN THE WORLD
Take your cues from European spa-goers: instead of a facial, get a carbon bath; instead of a yoga class, take "breathing gymnastics." And consider seeing a local spa doctor (your hotel concierge can guide you) for a routine suited to your needs. Personalised prescriptions mostly range between one and three weeks’ duration. It all starts with the water expect to drink it, bathe in it, inhale it, frolic in it. Spas may claim treatment specialties but treat many disorders. Here, briefs on some famous medicinal springs and some of their best-known treatments.

AUSTRIA Baden Bei Wien
The Water Fourteen sulphur springs range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius. The Cure Rheumatism. The Claims A 20 to 30-minute sulphurbath reverses sulphur deficiency in joints. Famous Visitors Czar Peter the Great, Beethoven, Napoleon I. Where to Stay Grand Hotel Sauerh of including breakfast). Spa Centre Badener Kurzentrum

Bad Ischl
The Water Three to 28 per cent salt content, and some sulphur. The Cure Respiratory tract, cardiovascular, and dermatological problems. The Claims a five-day respiratory tract therapy programme six saltwater inhalations, three saltwater baths, three sessions of breathing gymnastics, and three 25-minute massages improves breathing. Famous Visitors Emperor Franziosef, Mozart.

Where to Stay
Kaisertherme-Thermen hotel doubles from USD 210, including breakfast). Spa Centre Kaisertherme

CZECH REPUBLIC Franzensbad (Frantilkovy Lazne)
The WaterTwenty-six springs (average 11 degrees Celsius) with high carbon dioxide content. The Cure Pain relief. The Claims Mud with high sulphur and iron content, heated to higher temperatures than are tolerable in a water bath, has anti-inflammatory effects. Famous Visitor Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Where to Stay Spa Hotel Imperial doubles from Spa Centre Spa Hotel Imperial (see Whereto Stay).

Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary)
The Water Sixteen springs (39 to 72 degrees Celsius average) with sodium-bicarbonate sulphate and carbon dioxide.

The Cure Metabolic and gastrointestinal ailments. The Claims A specific ailment will determine whether you bathe or drink from colder or warmer waters. Famous Visitors Gregory Peck, Whoopi Goldberg. Where to Stay The Grand hotel Pupp doubles from, including breakfast). Spa Centre Castle Spa

MARIENBAD
The Water About 40 cold (seven to 10 degrees Celsius) mineral springs (sulphate, sodium, magnesium, and calcium). The Cure Respiratory, metabolic, locomotive disorders. The Claims Most courses of treatment prescribe drinking 1.5 to two litres of mineral water a day. Different springs address different ailments: the Rudolph Spring (five to four magnesium to calcium ratio) is recommended forosteoporosis. Famous Visitors MarkTwain, Thomas Edison, Frederic Chopin,Johann Strauss. Where to Stay Hotel Esplanade Spa & Golf Resort doubles from including breakfast. Spa Centre Spa Hotel

ITALY Montecatini-terme
The Water Four 24 to 28 degree Celsius springs, designated strong, medium strong, medium, or light, depending on salt content. The Cure Stress, high cholesterol. The Claims Drinking two to three glasses of mineral water before breakfast, plus walking and singing around the town, will soothe any ailment. Famous Visitors ClarkGable, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Prince Rainier. Whereto Stay Grand Hotel & La Pace Spa Centre There are nine spas in Montecatini. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.

FRANCE VICHY
The Water Six hot and cold carbonated springs (22 to 43 degrees Celsius). The Cure Rheumatism and digestive disorders. The Claims The Hopital Spring (high in carbon dioxide) treats intestinal problems; the Celestins Spring, with the lowest mineral content of all the springs, helps digestion. Famous Visitors Louis XIV, Marquise de Sevigne, Napoleon III.

Where to Stay: Sofitel Thalassa Vichy Les Celestine Spa Centre Centre Thermal des Domes