27MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2017 LIFE&STYLECITYAM.COM

abstract artist and architect Richard Meier,each of the tiles that make up the mu-seum's floors and facades sit neatly on gridlines that align with the subtle topographyof the city below. There’s no corner or ceil-ing, inside or out, where these immaculateslabs don’t meet at perfect angles. It’s apiece of architecture so breathtaking it dis-tracts from the art held within, and it’s awelcome injection of piping hot culture foranyone feeling washed-out and brain-numbed by the Hollywood scene.

Had Angelyne ever been to the Getty? Iwondered. Had she also admired its chess-board-like construction, and how the wallsare angled to reverberate the white noise ofthe fountains all around the museum gar-dens? I could never know. Angelyne is amystery, a complex character who deservesmore than to be reduced to a two-dimen-sional billboard. Like the city she’s madeher home, she almost certainly has hiddendepths beneath her gaudy pink exterior,just waiting to be discovered. But like thiscity, she knows how to live up to her super-star reputation.

:@cityamlife: @city_am

THE WEEKEND: Widely regarded as one ofEurope’s prettiest capitals – and one of theonly European cities that remained largelyundamaged during the Second World War –Prague is like an ornate display cabinet ofarchitectural styles throughout the ages.From the 14th century Gothic wonder thatis Charles Bridge to the graffiti-strewn JohnLennon Wall, a symbol of freedom and freespeech dating back to the 1980s, it’s adestination always teeming with visitors insearch of its cultural sights, charming cafésand great beer.

WHERE? For a serene hideaway in theheart of the city, and to get away from thecrowds, head to Mandarin Oriental Prague,based in the Little Quarter. Carved out of a14th century monastery, it uses its religiousheritage as inspiration for a restrained,pared-back décor. Vaulted ceilings, stonearches and a candle-lit holistic spa housedin a former Renaissance chapel, are theantithesis of the cobbled streets, verdigriscupolas and Baroque statues outside.

THE STAY: Spread across five buildings,which date back to the Gothic, Baroque andRenaissance eras, the hotel’s 99 roomsquietly showcase the heritage that whisperwithin its walls. Guests can even take earlyevening historical walks around some of itstreasures. The hotel’s interior designerKhuan Chew, from London-based KCAInteriors, has ramped up the luxe factorwith silk curtains, down pillows and marblebathrooms.

Angelina Villa-Clarkefinds a quiet sanctuaryin the buzzy, bohemiancity of Prague

THE FOOD: Departing from the heavyCzech food (think dumplings and schnitzel)largely on offer elsewhere in the city, thehotel’s Spices Restaurant serves an eclecticmix of sophisticated Asian food basedaround three styles of cooking – Malaysian,Thai and Indian. It’s become a hotspot for

TOP TIPThe tallest (and

strangest) sight inthe city, Prague’s

TV tower features aseries of sculpturesof faceless babies

crawling up itsexterior, the work

of Czech artistDavid Cerny.

MANDARINORIENTAL, PRAGUECZECH REPUBLIC

those wanting to taste something different,so attracts a chichi crowd. For somethingextra special, private dining and winetasting is offered in a cave-like cellarunderneath the building.

ASK ABOUT: Tucked away on the spa menuis the Linden Embrace – a highlight of a stayhere. Incorporating a traditional Bohemiantea ceremony, a body exfoliation with seasalt and yarrow oil, and a body massagewith warm herbal poultices, it uses productscreated at the Chateau Mcely, a forestretreat in Bohemia, 23km from Prague.

AND AFTER THAT? Book a walking touraround the city with Kirker Holidays. Thecompany only employs local experts so youwill get a real insight into the city. For apitstop, head to the cubist café Grand CaféOrient, which dates back to 1912, for cherrycake and Viennese coffee.

NEED TO KNOW: Mandarin Oriental,Prague offers three nights for the price oftwo from £749 per person booked throughKirker Holidays. Visit kirkerholidays.comorcall 020 7593 2283. Offer is valid for staysuntil 31 March 2017 and includes returnflights from the UK, private car transfers,bed and breakfast accommodation basedon two adults sharing, a private walkingtour with an expert local guide, Kirker GuideNotes to restaurants and sightseeing andthe services of the Kirker Concierge. Formore information about the hotel visitmandarinoriental.com/prague

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THE LONGWEEKENDAbove: the Getty Center, and Angelyne’s infamous billboard.

Main: the view of LA from the Hollywood hills.