Sorry for my late response-things have been crazy busy at work this week...
1) Do you fly into Prague? Then how much does it cost from there to the spa?
---Yes, flew into Prague.
2007 trip we took a very comfortable and inexpensive bus from Airport to the town of Karlovy Vary (about 30 min from Jachymov). In Karlovy Vary we took a public bus to Jachymov--cheap--but difficult if you're flared.
Alternative: Take the comfy bus to Karlovy Vary and take a taxi to Jachymov (you can set the taxi up with the Radium Palace before you leave home).
In 2008 I had a taxi pick me up at the airport and take me back 3 weeks later. Arranged this through the spa. EXPENSIVE--close to $200 (petrol prices make the USA's look cheap).
I will use the bus next time-easy and affordable.
2) In November what is the Temperature there?
--No idea. Probably cold. Hana?
3) Is there a Sauna / Banya in the area or in the spa itself?
--Yes, there is a sauna in the spa. Never used it, so can't comment other than it looked nice.
4) Is there anywhere you can swim in a heated therapy pool?
--There is an indoor pool at the Radium palace. It's heated to the "perfect" temp according to my doctor. It was pleasant enough.
5) Were most of the people there AS people??
--Not when I was there. Most of them were old people from Germany. There were two men the first year I was there-one from Russia and the other from Saudi Arabia who I believe had AS as well-but we didn't talk about our ailments so I'm only guessing. Winter isn't a popular season for ASers to vacation, I guess. I was told by my doctor that a large group of youngish AS sufferers desend on the spa in October and make it a big party out of the experience (sounds like a lot more fun).
6) Whats the food like??
--For me it was really good. There's a link to some pics I took in the other thread. Typical European breakfast buffet setup/ lunch is the biggest meal/dinner always satisfying. Basically, if you like meat and potato type meals, you'll be happy (I'm originally from the midwest US, so I was very familiar with the food). They also have a "slimming" menu--not really for me.
7) Are there other spa type facilities in the area?
Yes--many--google "Karlovy Vary"--great old spa town 30 minutes from Jachymov--If you like skiing (which most ASers probably don't), then you'll be happy as there are a lot of skiing facilities in the area.
In case you missed them on the Holy Crap thread-here are links to some pics and videos we took:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Luigidisavoia/CzechRepublic2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=selFTx7kTJ4
Hope this helps. BTW-the effects of the Radon aren't apparent while you're at the spa--at the moment, 3 months after I finished treatment, I am really feeling the effects setting in! Inflammation is next to nothing-mobility is greatly improving every day. In another month or so inflammation will be NOTHING. It simply continues to amaze me how effective this is and how few people in North America have ever heard of it!
Good health to all!
Luigi
