Staycation special: a Malá Strana escape designed for Prague locals

Right below Prague Castle and just steps away from the Wallenstein Gardens and Charles Bridge, the Augustine Hotel is rich in period details, character, and beauty. Set in seven interconnected historical buildings – including the Augustinian Monastery and St. Thomas Brewery – dating as far back as 1284, the Augustine Hotel offers a luxurious hidden oasis in the heart of Prague.

Its 101 rooms and suites, designed by combining several monks’ cells and adding a luxurious mix of historical details including Czech-cubist features are now open and awaiting locals who plan to play it safe with a staycation in Prague this summer.

The Augustine also hopes to entice locals to its restaurant and bar with a new season of open-air dining events that range from Sunday brunch to Thursday BBQ as well as a private dining experience we all deserve after a long lockdown.

The locals-only Enchanting Prague staycation package includes a stay for two in one of Augustine's superior rooms with stunning views of the inner gardens and Prague Castle, beer tasting paired with a tour of the church and the Augustinian monastery, and 30 percent discounts at the Augustine restaurant -- which offers gourmet international cuisine with plenty of local flavors -- for 4,990 CZK per night.

Those who don't plan on checking in can still enjoy Augustine's secret-garden vibe via a number of seasonal culinary experiences away from the city bustle, surrounded by pristine gardens, the perfect setting for feeling like you're on vacation while staying home.

Every Thursday at 6 pm, Augustine hosts its popular outdoor BBQ. Cooked over an open fire in the hotel’s Sundial Garden with the background of live music artists from the Czech Philharmonic, this culinary experience is a must for summer lovers.

Food (from beef sliders to traditional Czech ribs to grilled portobellos or halloumi and seasonal desserts, such as homemade lollipops and sorbets) is prepared by chef Martin Boháček using only the best fresh and local ingredients for an all-you-can-eat feast that also includes two hours of unlimited local wines for 1,090 CZK per person.

On Sundays from noon to 4 pm, the garden also becomes the backdrop for the popular Bubble & Chill brunch, which includes a live DJ, a kids' corner, and unlimited consumption of a wide range of buffet-style delicacies and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional packages for bottomless champagne or Prosecco can be added to the brunch.

For the ultimate in luxury, Augustine Hotel also offers a private dining experience for special occasions, where you can enjoy a six-course dinner in the romantic privacy of the Presidential Suite. Share an evening with a loved one by the fireplace with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé champagne and an exclusive live-music performance.

For visitors, the hotel’s Refectory Bar with its outdoor terrace is another must-see. The Baroque ceiling fresco is impressive enough to warrant a visit, but once there you can also taste St. Thomas's beer, originally brewed right at the Augustinian monastery in the mid- 14th century. The hotel also offers a steam room and sauna, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

With tricky travel regulations still in place, there's no better time to enjoy one of the city’s hidden gems in the heart of one of its most historic districts.