Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

In a city where luxury is not hard-find, Hôtel de Crillon is my pick of them all. Expertly striking the delicate balance between 18th-century grandeur and neoclassical design, it flawlessly makes itself at home in the city of chic. Step inside and prepare to be enchanted by the 124 exquisitely crafted rooms and suites, 4 gourmet restaurants and indulgent spa. Boasting an illustrious history of welcoming the pinnacle of European society, with a salon that doubled as a music room for Marie Antoinette, this Parisian icon is fresh from a spectacular transformation and poised to reclaim its ‘national treasure’ status. Shall we christen it?

LOCATION

A simple 45-minute drive from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris’ 8th district leaves us at the doorstep of Hôtel de Crillon and many of the city’s most iconic sights. Boasting an arguably unrivalled location on the Place de la Concorde, the hotel is minutes away from the Musée du Louvre, Champs-Elysées and couture paradise, la Rue Royale. Whether we’re looking for a cultural escape, gourmet indulgence or a spot of retail therapy; Hôtel de Crillon is sure to have the answer.

OUR ROOM

Stylish, sophisticated and sumptuous, get a taste for the Parisian art de vivre as we choose between 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites. For something with added chic, however, why not opt for one of the Grands Appartements? Designed by the man behind Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, expect bespoke furniture complemented by contemporary comforts and unique designs. Meanwhile, for the best view in the house, it’s got to be Suite Bernstein with its jaw-dropping private terrace and views of the Eiffel Tower. There is much to see and do on that private terrace.

WHY I LIKE IT

Behind its impressive façade and undeniable grandeur, Hôtel de Crillon offers its own slice of heaven in the heart of Paris. In a city where days are spent sightseeing and shopping, Sense Spa makes for an indulgent treat with its bespoke treatments and French beauty rituals feeling well-deserved after a day of pounding the pavements. After just an hour in Sense, we’ll no doubt leave Paris walking on air.

SIX SENSES ZIL PAYSON

One of my favorite chic hotel groups, Six Senses, brings their rustic-luxe style to the stunning islands of the Indian Ocean.  Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a heavenly paradise that makes its home on a private island in the paradisiacal Seychelles archipelago, where we can soak in the sun right from our own infinity pool in our exclusive villa. With crystal clear waters, luscious white sand and incredible gigantic rocks as the norm, we’ll be promised privacy and peacefulness in our secluded haven. If we fancy a touch of adrenaline? Six Senses offers a variety of activities from paddle-boarding and island hopping to helicopter rides around the islands – and everything in between. Or, if we prefer to simply unwind, pamper ourselves in the heavenly spa that looks out over ocean views – perfect for some post-flight indulgence. Ahh....

LOCATION

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is located on the edge of the private Island of Félicité Island, a small and untouched private island.  Just a twenty-minute helicopter ride from Mahe and Seychelles International Airport, we arrive in a style that promises incredible views and scenery. Or, if you prefer to be more grounded, we can take a short private boat ride from either La Digue or Praslin Island.

OUR ROOM

Blissfully gorgeous and utterly peaceful is the perfect description for the rooms at Six Senses. Filled with chic and charming decor, we’ll have our choice of anything from Panorama villas to Ocean Front villas – all promising the height of luxury and comfort. We’ll be guaranteed complete privacy and seclusion *cough*, with each villa dotted around amongst the tropical surrounds. In addition to all our basic mod cons and luxurious amenities, the spacious villas also feature our own private infinity pool, perfect for gazing into the endless blues of the ocean.

WHY I LIKE IT

The tranquility we experience from beginning to end is enough to steal ones heart, but I do love a good adventure that gets the blood pumping too! Whether we want to dive into an ocean paradise or stay on solid ground, Six Senses Zil Pasyon has it all. Trek through the jungle of Félicité and soak in all the natural surroundings. Take to the crystal clear waters and snorkel amongst incredible marine life. Or kayak our way around the island where we’ll be promised breathtaking views. Come sundown, I love to unwind and catch a film screening under the stars – the perfect end to the perfect day.  

credit: BT