Mandarin Oriental - a new attraction for visitors to Prague

Since the formation of the Czech Republic in 1993 and its subsequent membership of the European Union, the city of Prague has been a hot spot for tourists and investors.

A new activity to add to a visitor's itinerary is a visit to the Mandarin Oriental, Prague, especially for those with an interest in architecture. The 99-room hotel, which opens on September 12, is in the historic town centre and occupies a former 14th century monastery. Original characteristics of the building, including arched and vaulted ceilings, tall windows and original parquet flooring have been preserved in its reconstruction.

The hotel's spa is housed in what was once a Renaissance chapel with the former nave of the church now serving as the spa lobby. Remnants from a gothic church were discovered during renovations and these are now preserved and visible through a glass floor in the spa.

The spa menu lists regular therapies such as massage and body scrubs, but one of the features is its water treatments. Facilities include a vitality pool, which incorporates underwater hydrotherapy jets designed to relax tired, aching joints, and a traditional Rasul, which is a cleansing ritual using mud and steam. The spa will be open to hotel guests only.

Also in Prague, the Hotel Le Palais is offering an Antonin Dvorak package for music lovers, which is valid until December 27. The composer spent most of his life in the city and the package includes visits to Nelahozeves, the composer's birthplace, as well as to the Dvorak museum and residence, which houses a large exhibition on the composer's life and work.