Sanctuary for Body and Soul Has Emerged Under the Prague Volcano
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Sanctuary for Body and Soul Has
Emerged Under the Prague Volcano
Sixteen years ago, when Marna Kašprišin decided to join forces with architect, designer,
and owner of the Volcano Complex, Thomas Kavka, she had no idea that a wellness haven
would rise on a green meadow—one that would withstand crises and become an oasis
of peace and inspiraon for many. For her responsible approach to business, she was awarded
the Responsible Business Award 2024, and she connues to lead the complex with energy, heart,
and the rm belief that services aren’t about technology—they’re about people.
“We work in a service industry, and we’re here for the people. We’re ready to full even their
boldest wishes. My work brings me joy because every day is dierent, and that’s why I sll love
it aer sixteen years—I want to keep moving it forward,” says a woman for whom the moo “can’t
is not a word” is not just a slogan, but a daily philosophy in both life and business.
How did you come to lead the complex?
I was 25 years old when architect Thomas Kavka,
the owner of the Volcano Complex, approached me.
He showed me a visionary and grand-scale project
he was building in Prague 5, in Jinonice—literally
on a field at the foot of an extinct Prague volcano, far
from the city’s hustle and bustle, yet just a few steps
from the metro or a short drive from Smíchov. At the
time, I was working as the commercial director for
three hotels in Prague, and running my own business
wasn’t yet part of my plan.
The beginnings weren’t easy. I truly believe that
the success of our company today stems from those
challenging early days. It was 2008, and the world was
hit by a major economic crisis. Hotels in the centre
of Prague were offering accommodation for as little
as nine euros per person, including half board—a clear
sign of how dire the situation was across the hospitality
industry. Despite this, Thomas decided to run
the complex himself, even though he had no previous
experience in hospitality or gastronomy. He quite
literally talked me into joining him, and so we took
the plunge together. That’s when the story of the
Volcano Complex began.
What sets your business apart from the competition,
and what do you consider your greatest success?
Our business stands on two key pillars. The first is a high-
quality product and service that we aim to provide
at the highest possible standard—while still keeping
it affordable. Since we operate in the service industry,
the second, equally important pillar is a skilled, stable,
and satisfied team. Only with such a foundation can
we offer our clients a truly exceptional experience—
whether they visit our restaurant, enjoy a Thai massage,
relax in the wellness centre, stay at the hotel, host
a corporate event or wedding with us. I know how
crucial a great team is, because it’s the people who
create the kind of experience that brings guests back.
What does Volcano Complex offer today and what
are your future plans?
Volcano Complex includes the boutique Volcano Spa
Hotel, the Volcano Grill House restaurant, conference
facilities, the extensive fitness and wellness centre
Volcano Health Club, Thai massages, a hair salon,
beauty services, and a plastic surgery clinic. We offer
our guests over 100 services, all united by our slogan
Feel The Difference under one roof. You can find more
information and the full range of services on our official
website: www.volcanocomplex.cz.
We continuously modernise the complex, introducing
new technologies and services that respond to our
guests’ evolving needs. Some of these changes are
immediately visible—we’ve expanded the wellness area,
we’re planning new saunas and a natural swimming
pond, and we have a solar power plant and beehives
on the hotel roof, allowing us to produce our own
honey. But it’s also the small things and fine details that
ultimately shape the overall guest experience.
Many innovations aren’t visible at first glance. We’re
modernising our internal systems and processes,
automating routine tasks, and optimising our team
structure so that we can focus more energy on what
truly matters. We work in a service industry, and we
know very well that it’s not technology that creates
unforgettable experiences, but people—a brilliant chef,
a kind waiter, or a helpful receptionist.
Thank you for the interview.