BUDAPEST and the DANUBE
EGYPT and the NILE
One of the most luxurious – and smallest – of river cruisers is the Oberoi Zahra, which sails from Luxor to Aswan, or vice versa, stopping at sites that are more than 2,000 years old, including temples and towns, castles and tombs. This is a mystical as well as a magical journey and the Valleys of the kings, queens and nobles provide unforgettable experiences. In between times, you can take advantage of the delectable Spa on board,
tucked away just beneath the sundeck where its four spacious treatment cabins provide shade from the glare of the mid-day sun. The spa offers a number of therapies and rituals, lasting from 90 minutes to more than two hours, with a blissful melange of wraps, scrubs, massages and facials. There is also a choice of massages – try the Oberoi Signature, which is a fusion of different strokes and strengths – and scrubs, from sandalwood to Arabian coffee. There is also a small but fully-equipped gym, plus a hair and beauty salon so you can savour the pampering on board as much as the pyramids ashore. More info: visit
www.oberoihotels.com
PRAGUE and the ELBE
Take a break from your river-cruise boat to explore one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Prague is awash with history, with its huge castle overlooking the city, its amazing clock tower and its myriad of churches, grand houses, tiny cobbled alleyways and the sound of music seemingly coming from every open window.
Cross the historic Charles Bridge (over another, smaller river, the Vitava),
which is decorated with life-sized statues to the über-luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel. The building is a former 14th century monastery in the shadow of the city’s castle, which has been treated to every modern luxury and amenity without taking away its history and magic. Hence the ceilings are vaulted, the floors (be they stone or parquet) are originals, there are cloistered corridors turned into tea salons and a library – and the Spa can be found within a Renaissance era chapel. To maintain the mystery, there is an underground corridor between the hotel and spa so guests can go to and fro in their
In the middle of that great river just 10 minutes from downtown Budapest is an enchanting island, Margaret Island, and at the heart of that is the Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget. Here, surrounded by parkland, trees and water, is the ultimate in serenity and relaxation with every health and spa facility you could wish for. Of course, there is water – lashings of it, in pools and thermal baths filled with the natural mineral-rich healing waters of Budapest. Not only is there every type of massage, from Thai to shiatsu and lymphatic to sports, but also mineral-rich mud baths, Dead Sea salt baths and even relaxing wine bubble-baths. Along the way, guests can also try acupuncture, salt cave experiences, laser and magnetic therapies. This is also the place where you can have a full medical check up with a doctor or dentist. It is advisable to let the spa know, when you book, if you would like any specialist treatment for condition such as rheumatism, bronchial disorders, skin afflictions or dental problems so the proper consultations can be sorted for you. In between times, you can simply enjoy the sights of Budapest and the joys of being surrounded by water. More info: visit
www.spabreakoffers.com
robes without meeting other hotel visitors! As well as six spa suites (two of which are for couples), there is a rasul, steam room and vitality pool as well as a Thai massage room, Fitness centre and a relaxation area, with a comprehensive choice of wraps, massages and scrubs, plus two and three- hour rituals and special programmes. The signature treatment includes a linden tree scrub, as the tree known as the national tree has always been renowned for its strength and beauty, so essential oils and the blossom are used from it. However, do take time away from the hotel and spa to explore the sights and sounds of the city before returning back to your river. More info: visit
www.mandarinoriental.com/prague
Autumn 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING
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