Spa and Wellness Hospitality Management

Spa and Wellness Hospitality Management

Study programme Type of study Title Language
MBA Combined MBA Czech

The programme offers three study formats

The programme is implemented in a combined form and runs in 4 semesters. In the first three semesters the teaching is planned for 12 teaching days, which are divided into blocks and supplemented by online teaching. The fourth semester is reserved for the preparation of the final thesis and its defence.

The face-to-face classes take place during six long weekends per year (3 per semester, always Friday-Sunday, usually from 8.30 am to 6 pm), which are supplemented by online classes (via google classroom and google meet) in the early evening on Wednesdays according to the announced dates four times per semester.

Study trajectories

There may be partial changes in the assignment of courses to semesters according to the time availability of the teachers

1st semester

1.1 Past, present and key elements of future trends in the spa sector

2.1 Effective business and client communication

3.1 Integrated marketing communication and advertising - relevant elements and tools

3.2 Wellness, well-being and healthy lifestyle

4.1 Management accounting and finance - basic concepts and tools

5.1 Introduction to spa operation

7.1 Key elements, structures and processes for managing and leading organisations 

7.2 Hospitality management and operational management

2nd semester

1.2 Approaches and processes of modern spa management tools

2.2 Customer service and effective use of interpersonal communication

3.3 Spa products and services in practice

4.2 Management finance

5.2 Analysis of consumer behaviour

6.1 Human resource management and teamwork

8.1 The basics of strategic marketing and branding

8.2 Integration of services and retail

9.1. Diploma Seminar

3rd semester

1.3 Regional economic geography of tourism

5.3 Sustainability strategy in the spa and wellness business

5.4 Creation of programme offer and partnership cooperation in spa and wellness

6.2 Control systems as an integrated organisational process

7.3 Motivational leadership in teams

7.4 Business models and their economic aspects

8.3 Project management

9.2 Diploma Seminar II

9.3 Methods of applied statistics

4th semester

9.4 Final thesis

The offer of one-year studies in the programme is intended only for graduates of the PALESTRA VŠTVS and ATVS PALESTRA - VŠVS. The basis of the offer was a comparison of study plans and the possibility of recognition of some exams passed in previous studies at PALESTRA.

The programme is implemented in a combined form and takes place in 2 semesters. Teaching is planned for 12 teaching days, which are divided into blocks and supplemented by online teaching.  

The face-to-face classes will take place over six long weekends (3 per semester, always Friday - Sunday, usually from 8.30 am to 6 pm), supplemented by online classes (via google classroom and google meet) in the early evening on Wednesdays according to the scheduled dates four times per semester.

Due to the shortened study period, participants in this study format may take the final examinations in the autumn term at the earliest.

Most of the teaching takes place together with students of other study formats.

Study trajectories

There may be partial changes in the assignment of courses to semesters according to the time availability of the teachers

1st semester

1.1 Past, present and key elements of future trends in the spa sector

2.1 Effective business and client communication

3.1 Integrated marketing communication and advertising - relevant elements and tools

3.2 Wellness, well-being and healthy lifestyle

5.1 Introduction to spa operation

7.1 Key elements, structures and processes for managing and leading organisations 

7.2 Hospitality management and operational management

9.1. Diploma Seminar

5.3 Sustainability strategy in the spa and wellness business

2nd semester

1.2 Approaches and processes of modern spa management tools

2.2 Customer service and effective use of interpersonal communication

3.3 Spa products and services in practice

4.2 Management finance

5.2 Analysis of consumer behaviour

6.1 Human resource management and teamwork

8.1 The basics of strategic marketing and branding

8.2 Integration of services and retail

5.4 Creation of programme offer and partnership cooperation in spa and wellness

9.4 Final thesis

This form is intended for students of two bachelor programmes (Sport and Fitness Specialist and Nutrition Counselling and Sports Diagnostics) and the follow-up master programme Wellness Specialist in full-time and combined form.

Students in the first year of bachelor's programmes and those interested in studying in a follow-up master's programme can apply. The study takes place in the 2nd and 3rd year of Bachelor's programmes and in the 1st and 2nd year of the follow-up Master's programme.

The programme is implemented in a combined form and runs in 4 semesters. In the first three semesters the teaching is planned for 4 teaching days, which are supplemented by online teaching. The fourth semester is reserved for the preparation of the final thesis and its defence. The teaching is conducted in Czech language.

The face-to-face classes take place during eight Fridays per year (4 per semester, always on the Friday before classes in combined studies, usually from 8.30 am to 6 pm), which is supplemented by online classes (via google classroom and google meet) in the evening on Wednesdays according to the announced dates four times per semester.

The list of courses in the programme is prepared with regard to concurrent teaching in the Bachelor's and Master's programmes. The cost of the MBA Sport Management programme in this format is reduced by 60 %.

Study trajectories

There may be partial changes in the assignment of courses to semesters according to the time availability of the teachers

1st semester

1.2 Past, present and key elements of future trends in the spa sector

3.1 Integrated marketing communication and advertising - relevant elements and tools

5.1 Introduction to spa operation

7.1 Key elements, structures and processes for managing and leading organisations 

7.2 Hospitality management and operational management

2nd semester

1.2 Approaches and processes of modern spa management tools

2.2 Customer service and effective use of interpersonal communication

3.3 Spa products and services in practice

6.1 Human resource management and teamwork

8.1 The basics of strategic marketing and branding

9.1. Diploma Seminar

3rd semester

5.3 Sustainability strategy in the spa and wellness business

5.4 Creation of programme offer and partnership cooperation in spa and wellness

7.3 Motivational leadership in teams

7.4 Business models and their economic aspects

8.3 Project management

4th semester

9.3 Final thesis

Organisation of teaching

The exact dates of classes are always announced for the whole academic year in advance and can be found on the page https://palestra.cz/organizace-akademickeho-roku/

Communication with students is mainly through a classroom created in Google Classroom, where both information about studies and presentations from lectures are placed.

Classes in the building of the PALESTRA VŠTVS

Classes are held in Prague, in the modern building of the PALESTRA School of Technical Education (Prague 9 - Kbely), which offers top facilities for study. There are fully equipped classrooms, specialised gyms and fitness facilities as well as modern audiovisual equipment. Students can thus use practical demonstrations, model situations and connect theoretical knowledge with practice directly during the course. Excellent transport accessibility allows convenient commuting from Prague and other regions.

One camp in the Karlovy Vary Region

Once a year, a three-day camp is held in the Karlovy Vary region - a region with a long tradition of spa and wellness. Students have the opportunity to learn about the functioning of spa and wellness operations in their natural environment, participate in excursions, professional workshops and make contacts with professionals in the field. This direct contact with the spa practice allows to better understand the specifics of the sector and to be inspired for their own professional or entrepreneurial plans.

Online learning

The face-to-face classes are supplemented by online classes (via Google Classroom and Google Meet) in the evening (5-8 pm) on Wednesdays according to the announced dates four times per semester.

  1. Introduction to spa management
  2. Customer service - modern tools for effective communication
  3. Integrated marketing communication and spa products, treatments and services
  4. Management finance and accounting tools
  5. Basics of spa operation
  6. Human resources and spa staff management
  7. Economics and management of spa operations and management
  8. Marketing and branding for spa and wellness businesses
  9. Final thesis

The final examination consists only of the defence of the final thesis, there is no theoretical examination. The topic of the final thesis is chosen by each student at the end of the first semester and is continuously worked on. It should be management-oriented, practical and related to current employment or planned direction.

Students who have completed all required courses and earned the required number of credits may take the final examinations. The dates of the final examinations are set out in the academic year schedule. The final examination must be completed no later than two years after the conclusion of the final year of study. The defended Final Thesis is published. Successful graduates will be issued a certificate of completion by the PALESTRA College of Education.

The expert guarantor of the programme is Doc. Dr. Ing. Sujit Chaudhuri, CSc (more information at https://palestra.cz/vyucujici/doc-dr-ing-sujit-chaudhuri-phd/)


The teaching is also involved in

  • PhDr. Daniel Bína, PhD.
  • David Cihlář, Ph.D.
  • Dagmar Frendlovská, Ph.D.
  • Jan Herget
  • Ing. Petr Janeček, Ph.D.
  • Olga Jarabicová, Ph.D.
  • Ing. Marek Jemala, Ph.D.
  • Richard Neuwirth, Ph.D.
  • Petra Řehořková, MBA, LL.M.
  • Milan Šmíd
  • doc. PaedDr. Klaudia Zusková, Ph.D.

VŠTVS PALESTRA is a member of the Czech Association of MBA Schools (CAMBAS). The study programme "Sport Management" is accredited by this association and VŠTVS PALESTRA expects this second study programme to be accredited as well.

The main mission of the Association is, in accordance with its statutes, "to ensure, maintain and further develop the high level of MBA studies in the Czech Republic", including the accreditation of MBA studies in the Czech Republic. The establishment of the Association was accepted by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEST) and was recognized by the European Foundation of Management Development (EFMD www.efmd.org), based in Brussels, as the official accreditation body in the Czech Republic. The "Sport Management" programme has been accredited by the Czech Association of MBA Schools since 2018. www.cambas.cz 

Dates of lessons

in the academic year 2025 / 2026 can be found in the study schedule HERE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME

The program is designed as an interdisciplinary program designed to teach management skills with a focus on wellness. The program is designed for those who aspire to obtain this unique, high quality and practice-oriented management education.

The basic teaching philosophy is a balanced combination of necessary theoretical elements and methodology with concrete application in practice. The lecturing team consists of experienced academics and top external experts from practice. The theoretical basis is followed by practical skills training in small groups, where there is room for discussion with the lecturers. In the practical part, the emphasis is on solving real situations based on current conditions and the challenges of expected trends and innovations.

Teaching is in Czech language. Classes are held in the building of VŠTVS PALESTRA in Prague 9 - Kbely. At least one camp per study takes place in the Karlovy Vary Region.

A pilot test of the programme took place in 2024-2025 and the comments received during the pilot have already been incorporated into the current programme.

VISION OF THE PROGRAMME

To become a recognized, high quality and selective program providing graduates with a level of education in spa, wellness and health management that is internationally competitive. The program combines modern management know-how with a deep understanding of the specifics of wellness and spa operations.

Whether you aspire to own or manage a spa, wellness centre or hotel spa, or are already an experienced professional, you can improve your knowledge and enhance your career opportunities with hands-on training led by leading industry experts. In this comprehensive program, you'll learn all aspects of successful operations as well as business strategies to ensure continued growth and profitability in the dynamic spa and wellness industry.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

The MBA "Spa and Wellness Hospitality Management" program is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in spa and wellness management as capable and practically oriented managers. Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for operations management, service design and strategic business development in this dynamic industry.

The programme is mainly intended for

    • individuals who want to enter the field of spa and wellness management,
    • current owners, directors and operations managers of spas and wellness centres,
    • employees who need to expand their managerial competences,
    • entrepreneurs and business professionals entering the spa and wellness industry,
    • doctors, nurses and other health professionals looking for a new career path,
    • manufacturers and developers of products for the spa and wellness industry,
    • wellness, health, medical and fitness professionals who want to deepen their knowledge,
    • representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry who are planning to develop projects related to the spa and wellness sector,
    • those who want to start a business in this area and need to gain know-how for a successful start.

Start of study: 17 October 2025

Admissions are now open HERE

The programme offers three study formats

STUDY-RELATED FEES

Tuition fees

Application fee for study

 

INVOICING TO ICO

If you require an invoice to be issued to your employer or to another ID number, please contact eko@palestra.cz before making payment for the application form or tuition fees, after which the change cannot be accepted.

 

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Admission is without entrance examination, the condition of admission is a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or secondary education supplemented by at least 3 years of experience in the field or in a managerial position.

 

CONTACT

Questions about the study: mgr. Mgr. Tomáš Mirovský, Ph.D., MBA, DiS. mirovsky@palestra.cz

Questions about the admission procedure: Eva Kaiserová, DiS. kaiserova@palestra.cz

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