It’s 11:45 a.m. on a Wednesday, and I’m willingly lying on a bed of straw. This is the final step in a three-part, hour-long circuit at The Beer Spa in Orlando, Florida — a cozy wellness spot tucked into an unassuming strip mall that draws inspiration from traditional beer spas in the Czech Republic. My skin already feels softer than it has in weeks, and I’m torn between crediting the warm, grain-filled soak or the steady stream of local brews on tap for the deep relaxation.
Owner Barbara Corzo says the idea for The Beer Spa began during a trip to Europe with friends, where she experienced a classic beer spa in Prague. “I was immediately impressed and loved the experience so much, we quickly announced to our group this was coming to Orlando with me,” she recalls. Her enthusiasm survived delays: the pandemic postponed the opening for three years, but in June 2021 the spa finally welcomed curious Floridians.
On arrival, the lobby sets the tone with brew-themed merchandise and beer taps for those who want a pre-treatment pour. After check-in a receptionist walks you to one of two private treatment rooms where a personalized sign hangs on the door. Inside, staff explain the sequence: a 30-minute soak in a wooden Jacuzzi tub filled with warm water, barley, hops and yeast (not brewed beer). These natural ingredients are promoted for antioxidant benefits, muscle relaxation, and skin-improving properties such as smoothing and targeting conditions like psoriasis and cellulite. After soaking, guests typically spend 10–15 minutes in an infrared sauna and finish by relaxing on a straw bed.
© The Beer Spa
In the private bathroom I checked out the beverage options. The Beer Spa keeps taps stocked with three local brews from Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company: Bungalow Belgian Witbier, Park Hopp’r Golden Pilsner and Joyland American IPA. For guests who prefer wine, upgraded packages include organic Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon. I poured a pint of Witbier, settled into the tub and munched on beer bread, pretzel rods and cheese provided for the session.
The treatment room blends rustic and modern elements to create a comfortable, Old-World-meets-New-World atmosphere. Exposed brick, warm tones and industrial accents sit alongside contemporary furnishings. Soft music plays from a flat-screen TV, and guests can connect via Bluetooth to stream a preferred playlist if they want a personalized soundtrack.
I could have lingered in that tub for the entire hour and nearly did, extending my soak slightly because saunas aren’t my comfort zone — and sure enough, when I tried the infrared session the heat overwhelmed me in minutes. The return to the straw bed, topped with cool white sheets, was unexpectedly comforting. Traditional Czech spas often have guests lie directly on the straw, which sounded itchy to me; the sheet made the experience much more pleasant.
© The Beer Spa
The Beer Spa’s format has proven very popular. Each treatment room fits up to four adults, making it ideal for couples, friends or small family groups. Guests booking together should check preferences on attire — bathing suits are optional, depending on your comfort level. Available add-ons include extra time in the room, celebratory décor for events like birthdays or anniversaries, unlimited wine, bottled wine and carafes of sangria. While similar concepts have started appearing elsewhere, The Beer Spa distinguishes itself by offering beer taps within private rooms as well as in the lobby.
When my session ended I felt relaxed, energized and pleasantly lightheaded in the best way. My skin stayed supple for days afterward. You don’t need to be a beer expert to enjoy the experience; the spa is designed for anyone curious about a novel wellness ritual. If you do appreciate a good brew, the beer component enhances the hour, but it’s not essential to reap the benefits. As Corzo says, “We want this to be an experience enjoyed not only by beer lovers but anyone with a desire to try something new.”