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PRAGUE is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe owing to its rich history spanning more than a millennium.
Besides ancient monuments and Gothic architecture, tourists in the city are also treated to a range of luxury experiences, our favourite of which is Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague is a five-star property in Lesser Town district that takes on the city’s character and history.
The monastery library is straight out of a fairy tale
The property sits on land between the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, both of which are heritage gems and regarded as architectural masterpieces in the city. The castle – what’s said to be the largest coherent castle complex in the world – is home to precious crown jewels and tombs of some of Czech’s most famous kings.
The hotel’s structure is a far cry from the façades of many luxury chain hotels; instead, it’s created from a set of seven buildings dating back to 1284, many of which are veiled in historical significance, including the entrancing 13th century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery.
The hotel is blessed with direct access to the monastery via a private Garden of Eden and its arcades. If staying at the hotel, you can also choose to partake in private monk-guided tours of the monastery, the church, and the library, a one-of-a-kind experience to learn about the intricacies of monastic life.
The beautiful Tower Suite is housed in a former astrological tower
The property is home to 101 rooms and suites designed by Olga Polizzi, and are some of the largest luxury rooms in Prague. We like that the Classic Rooms come in various shapes and sizes due to the historic nature of the building, and reflect monks’ cells by way of wooden flooring and St Augustine colour palettes.
For added decadence, the Deluxe Suite offers devastatingly beautiful views of Prague Castle, and has a separate bedroom and living area. Meanwhile, the magical Tower Suite – housed in the former astrological tower of the monastery – is made up of three floors connected by a spiral staircase and boasts a panoramic view of Prague.
After a long day of sightseeing, the gorgeously decked out Augustine Restaurant is just the place. Housed in a glass-covered courtyard, the hotel’s in-house restaurant offers a modern European menu including local Czech specialties influenced by flavors and recipes from historical Augustinian journals designed by Masterchef judge and celebrity Chef, Marek Fichtner.
The magnificent bathroom in the Tower Suite
For a post-dinner drink, head to Refectory Bar, the monastery’s barrel-vaulted, double-height hall space with carefully restored 19th century baroque ceiling fresco. Meanwhile, St Thomas Brewery is an atmospheric basement cellar with original 17th century stalactites, and is available for private event hire.
Interestingly, the brewery – which started operating in 1358 – was one of the largest and most expensively equipped building in the Gothic Prague. The brewery was also a privileged supplier of the royal Prague Castle.
It’s not a stay here without a relaxing session at Augustine Spa where elements of nature are utilized in ancient recipes from the Augustinian order of monks. Whether it’s the St Thomas Beer Body Ritual, the Traditional Turkish Hammam Ritual, or the Couples Chakra Connect Massage you opt for, rest assured you’ll come out rejuvenated.
The tranquil Sundial Garden is ideal for weddings
As a bonus, the hotel also boasts a tranquil Sundial garden and Arcades, an exquisitely manicured space that can be booked for intimate weddings, engagement functions, and cocktail parties. Paired with dramatic archways and the splash of the yellowed evening rays, your special event will surely make for some truly exceptional photos.
Cloaked in history spanning a thousand years, Hotel Augustine is a model heritage hotel that isn’t only advantageous of its site, but one that also does its part in preserving the city’s most important stories.
The post Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague: Unraveling a thousand years of history appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com