Lukovska Banja – Combination of health and relaxation on the slopes of Kopaonik

The proof that the spa`s benefits are recognized by an ever-increasing number of people is the fact that since the construction of the first hotel – hotel Kopaonik in 2000 when the spa was officially opened, two more hotels have been added – hotel Jelak in 2009 and the top-rated hotel Bela Jela in 2021.

(Bela Jela)

Each of the hotels has a medical center which offers examinations and spa therapies and a wellness center with the accompanying wellness features. Thermal water combined with the skills and expertise of the medical staff and medical programmes provides a special therapeutic effect which is why Lukovska Banja has been among the most popular destinations for vacation and therapy for years now.

Visits are available for both domestic and foreign guests, the special highlight being the guests from North Macedonia.

“The Upper Spa”, as the local and guests call it, is a place with a natural climatorium, with numerous hot and cold thermal water springs found in a relatively small area that provide natural inhalation, due to the medicinal sulfurous water. All of these facts mentioned make Lukovska Banja a place beneficial for patients with respiratory problems.

The Upper Spa also has two baths, Sljivak Bath and King Milutin`s Bath with water temperatures up to 44°C. Apart from that, there are whirlpools – small swimming pools, called “vidarice” or “virovi” by the locals, where natural springs of thermomineral water appear spontaneously. The temperature of water in whirlpools is at 33° C in the coldest part, up to 44°C in the hottest part. It is mainly used for localized baths of peripheral joints.

The therapeutic properties of thermal water in Lukovska Banja are known from old times. According to the legend, King Milutin had a summer house in this area and often enjoyed the warm baths here with his wife Simonida.

There are three churches in the spa and the surrounding area. The Church of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul is at the very entrance of the spa and St. George`s Church is located at the highest point of Lukovska Banja offering a view of the whole valley. In the village of Stava there is the St. Mina`s Church and the Monument of Forgiveness which are a trove of many legends.

Each hotel has indoor and outdoor pools with thermomineral water and temperatures at 33 °C – 35 °C . The water temperature is constant regardless whether you are bathing inside or outside, or if you prefer doing so in the summer or winter. This appealing trait is Lukovska Banja`s main attraction – a year-round bathing season. The majority of guests highlight bathing in winter, when the spa is covered in snow and you bathe under the open sky and falling snow flakes.

Mountain areas are known for good food and Lukovska Banja is certainly meeting the expectations. Apart from the delicious hotel menu, during the summer months, the ethno tavern "Lukovske kolibe" by the river side opens its doors to customers. In the natural shade and authentic setting you can try out some of the best meals from our grandmas – specialties baked in a clay pot following the old, preserved recipes. Lamb, veal and the famous "rednica" pie are still steaming hot when they`re served and that`s why it`s best to cool off with the local Prolom lager or dark beer. Lastly, the tavern offers bite-sized old-fashioned sweets.

Health problems don`t have the be the only reason to visit Lukovska Banja. This is place from where you can see the tiniest star in the sky and where the air is always fresh. A place where nobody runs after the city transport, nobody is late or in a hurry, a place for smiles, health and cheerful people. Those who have been coming here regularly for a decade or two know that well. Now, when preventive healthcare isn`t a luxury and a choice anymore but a basic need, Lukovska Banja is logical choice that combines health and relaxation.