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History
Arrival
20
08 26
Departure
21
08 26
HISTORIC VILLA
Willa Wanda, located in the very heart of Szczawnica, near the famous mineral springs and picturesque walking trails, is one of the most recognizable and historically significant buildings of the spa town. It is an icon of pre-war elegance and luxury, whose history reflects the turbulent fate of Poland in the 20th century. Since its establishment in the interwar period, the villa quickly gained a prestigious reputation, hosting elites and contributing to building Szczawnica's renown as a resort.
Villa currently
Today, after years of neglect, the property has returned in a new form - as a five-star hotel with a new name - Wanda Luxury Boutique Hotel, offering 19 elegant rooms with private bathrooms, styled in the atmosphere of the interwar period.
The Birth of Luxury - The Interwar Period and the Pioneering Role
Willa Wanda was built between 1925 and 1930. The building’s design was purchased from Count Adam Stadnicki, the owner and manager of the spa resort, highlighting its strong connection with the development of Szczawnica under the Stadnicki family rule. The villa's construction was part of a broader infrastructure development plan for the resort, not merely a private initiative.
The first owner of the Villa was Maria Zachwieja (born June 30, 1898, in Szczawnica), a hotelier by profession. The name “Wanda” originated from the name of her daughter. The facility functioned from the beginning as a first-class hotel, which at that time meant the highest standard of services. Villa Wanda was the first electrified building in Szczawnica, offering an unprecedented level of comfort.
The combination of modern amenities with the purchase of the design from Count Stadnicki demonstrated Maria Zachwieja’s far-reaching vision. Her goal was to create a modern, luxurious, and competitive hotel in relation to the best European spa resorts. The villa quickly gained a reputation thanks to excellent service and exquisite cuisine, led by a chef from France. Thanks to its high standards, the villa hosted many outstanding artists and representatives of the cultural world. Its prestige and modernity attracted elites, strengthening Szczawnica’s reputation as an exclusive resort.
Villa Wanda was built of brick in the Alpine style, which was popular in Central European tourist destinations at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. This style, also known as Swiss or Tyrolean, is characterized by sloping roofs, wooden balconies, carved details, and a harmonious integration into the mountain landscape. Contemporary renovation of the facility enriched it with elements of the Art déco style, which introduce an atmosphere of modernist elegance from the interwar period into the interiors.
War experiences - from a resistance point to a hospital
During World War II, Willa Wanda played an extremely important role in underground activities. From December 1939, it was a gathering and transfer point for the Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) and the Home Army (AK).
The Zachwieja family was actively involved in the resistance movement. Maria's sons, Wojciech and Jan, served as couriers, smuggling refugees across the border into Hungary. Maria herself, along with her daughter Wanda, were liaisons. On November 26, 1941, the Gestapo arrested the entire family. The Zachwieja brothers died in the Mauthausen concentration camp, and Maria Zachwieja, after a brutal investigation at the “Palace” in Zakopane, was sent to Auschwitz, where despite the dire conditions, she managed to survive. Her daughter Wanda, after several months of torture, returned home to Szczawnica.
During the war, the villa was converted into a hospital, which was a striking example of how dramatic wartime events changed the purpose of civilian buildings. A symbol of luxury and elegance became a place of struggle for life and a testament to remarkable adaptability in the face of history.
Post-war transformation and recovery of identity
Like many private estates in Poland at the time, after the end of the war, Willa Wanda was nationalized. For Maria Zachwieja, who returned from the camp, this was a particularly painful blow. Her home and life’s work had fallen into the hands of the state.
Until 1947, the building housed the State Holiday Fund, followed by a health center that operated until the early 1990s. In 1998, the villa was returned to the heirs of the Zachwieja family.
NEW CHAPTER
Today, Willa Wanda has regained its former glory. The property underwent a comprehensive renovation under the strict supervision of heritage conservation authorities. The work included the reconstruction of architectural details, the renovation of the façades, window and door joinery, and staircases, as well as the restoration of the interior design.
The owners and investors are Renata Gorecka and Grzegorz Gacek, founders of HSP Management Sp. z o.o., a hotel group that has already revitalized historic properties in Szczawnica on several occasions—including Willa Tęcza and Hotel Batory ***. Their goal is to create places offering the highest standard of service and relaxation.
Heritage and Perspectives
Willa Wanda is more than a building; it is a living testament to Poland's history – from the flourishing times of the interwar period, through the tragedy of war, to the contemporary revival. Its history is inseparably linked with the fate of the Zachwieja family, whose courage and sacrifice form an integral part of Szczawnica's story. This unique place attracts lovers of history, culture, and refined style, confirming the enduring value of the Szczawnica health resort.