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Swanky Sips – Baker Street Social, Bali

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Life is simply too glorious not to embrace the unusual.

Meet our signature libations,

each crafted with an equal amount of artistry and fervor.

-Baker Street Social

After spending a few weeks in Indonesia, I had had my fill of Bintang, the local pilsner style beer, and was desperate to find a good cocktail. While staying in Bali for a few days I decided to dig deep and see what the cocktail culture in Indonesia’s most popular destination was like using my favorite trick when traveling; while sitting at a bar enjoying a beverage I often ask the bartender where they would go for a drink if they were finishing work. Bartenders always know the best places to go. After asking around at a few locations I finally heard a whisper about a small speakeasy called Baker Street Social, just outside the trendy neighbourhood of Seminyak. After some research, I managed to contact the bar and they gave me their rough location, although the lady on the other end of the phone gave me an address, building numbers are few and far between in Bali and usually not in sequential order so the street numbers are often useless, this was no exception. “Just look for Sheerlocks barbershop across from Metis,” she said, “we’re upstairs.”

What is Metis? Your guess is as good as mine was.

 

A LETTER FROM AFRICA – CAPE TOWN

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After my most recent visit, I’ve decided that Cape Town is my favorite city in the world. And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve been six times and each time, I find something new to love. It’s beautiful, vibrant and has an underlying energy that I just can’t explain.

What to Do

First things first. Go to Table Mountain where you’ll get to see the entire city from up above.  Whether you take the cable car or hike up the mountain, I promise it is the best view of the whole city.

Once you finish, head to Camps Bay for a walk along the beach and dinner with a view.  Grab a cocktail and enjoy more of Cape Town’s nightlife, or if you’re looking for the trendiest spots in town, dinner at Test Kitchen or Potluck Club will not disappoint. Afterwards, the infamous Long Street is a sure thing for barhopping fun with other tourists and locals alike.

If you really want to see how the locals party, go to Mzoli’s in the Gugulethu township. Mzoli’s is the go-to place on Sundays for local music, dancing, food, drinks, and most of all, you get a feel for the real Cape Town.

Wine Country

Another great way to unwind and revel in Cape Town’s beauty is by visiting its wine country. There are plenty of tours available to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek that include visits to other noteworthy sites, including Boulder’s Beach (can’t miss the African penguins), Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope (most southwestern point of the African continent) and Chapman’s Peak.  This is a great way to relax, sip local or international wines and enjoy the stunning views Cape Town offers.

Looking for a touch of history? There’s no better place to learn about South African history than Robben Island.  This trip takes about a half day, but it’s worth your time as you trace the steps of Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe and other political prisoners who fought against Apartheid. Once you return, head to the V&A Waterfront for lunch or dinner and ride the Cape Wheel, which offers more spectacular views of the city.

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck

If you get seasick and can’t take the ferry to Robben Island, don’t worry.  You can go to the District Six Museum where you can learn about how black and mixed residents of District Six were forced to leave their homes to make way for white South Africans.  While Cape Town is a beautiful city, I highly suggest both Robben Island and the District Six Museum to get a better idea of its marred history.

Road Trip

Love a good road trip? Drive three and a half hours south to Sutherland, the best place in South Africa to view the stars. Make sure you’re there by 6 pm in the winter or 8 pm in the summer for the Sterland Stargazing tour with Jurg.  He starts the evening by showing a presentation of the stars, planets, and constellations.  I learned that stargazing is best in the Southern Hemisphere because there is less pollution and clearer skies. We ended the night by viewing various stars through two telescopes and even saw Mars, the International Space Station and a satellite!

Continue your road trip and head four hours south to Cape Agulhas.  It’s the most southern point on the continent of Africa.  You read that right.  It’s as far south in Africa as you’ll ever get.  Plus, it’s where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.  That’s cool enough to warrant a visit, I think.

The drive from Cape Agulhas back to Cape Town is only about two and half hours, which will fly by because you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Whether you’re there for a week or three days, I guarantee you won’t want to leave Cape Town after visiting. You’ll fall in love just like I did.

Until next time,

Ashlee

Out and About Fall 2016

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bar-at-the-beaumont

The American Bar at The Beaumont Mayfair, London

Having once been the parking garage for Selfridges, this hotel has great history, location and nothing to do with cars anymore, unless you count the courtesy Daimler always at the ready to take guests within a one-mile radius. The Beaumont oozes swank and is the new standard for what’s hip, hot and timeless, all at once. We advise you check in, unwind and then pull yourself together and pop down to The American Bar in the lobby. Speakeasy comes close to describing what we have here, but truly needs to be experienced to be defined.  Dimly lit, cozy corners and service that goes above and beyond five-star expectations.

www.thebeaumont.com


the-marigan

Hotel Marignan Paris, France

The city of lights is shining brighter than ever at Hotel Marignan which offers all the creature comforts of Paris in a modern and sophisticated (what else can we expect, it’s Paris) hotel. Their restaurant and bar are so authentic that Parisians tend to be the top clientele rather than strictly hotel guests.  You know what they say when the locals think a place is good…it’s good! Five-star, boutique hotel, Champs Élysées –all the words that make a Francophile or any traveler very happy. The hotel has been around since the 1800’s but the Richard family, known for bespoke service and Parisian refinement in all of their dining establishments have kept that theme of quality and excellence going with their first hotel.  Of course the bar and restaurant are amazing, it’s by the Richards…

www.hotelmarignanelyseesparis.com


monaco

Monaco Always on top of what’s Swanky, Monaco has three fabulous offerings to get you out and about:

The historic and iconic Rampoldi restaurant just re-opened in July. The newly redesigned restaurant located in the heart of Monte-Carlo will continue its legacy started in 1946 serving traditional Mediterranean food with fresh and local produce.

www.rampoldi.mc

 


metropole-shopping

Begin your holiday shopping at the Métropole Shopping Center which welcomes you into a luxury décor of beautiful marble under a magnificent period chandelier.

Located beneath the famed Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, this elegant mall offers 80 fashion boutiques and specialty shops, including the casual restaurant “Metcafé” by famous Chef Joël Robuchon, ideal for a break from a shopping session.

www.metropoleshoppingcenter.com/en/


monte-carlo

The Principality of Monaco celebrates its 11th annual Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival from November 29 to December 3, 2016. The prestigious, intimate and acoustically acclaimed Monte-Carlo Opera House located inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo is an architectural gem designed by renowned French architect Charles Garnier who also built the Paris Opera House. The Monte-Carlo Opera House takes spectators on a unique musical journey every fall with the celebrated Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.

www.visitmonaco.com


sofitel

Sofitel Hotel Santa Clara, Cartagena Slip inside the old convent and sip a tasty concoction just above Mother Superior’s tomb.  Not being sacrilegious.  The hotel tastefully preserves the history while catering to the contemporary flair of the well-heeled traveler.  Stay for the ceviche.

www.sofitel.com/Cartagena


 

cartagenaHotel Casa San Agustin, Cartagena Satiate the palate at The Luxuriously chic yet ever so relaxed Alma Restaurant at Casa San Agustin.  Alma serves as a restaurant and a centerpiece of the hotel. Tucked into the ancient walled city, this is where fashionable locals and guests come together to share a passion of enjoying the cuisine of coastal Colombia amidst a vibrant and beautifully restored backdrop.

This is an unforgettable dining experience as every bit of the hotel is rich in character. You’ll be hard-pressed to miss the ancient aqueduct and historic walls that make up the main components of the building.

www.hotelcasasanagustin.com


cammerlander

Cammerlander Innsbruck, Austria Whether you’re out and about already or need a stop to prep you for heading out, the Cammerlander restaurant sits on the south bank of the Inns River at the edge of the Old Town. Grab a patio table with a view of the mountains as you listen to the river and sip one of their bespoke, homemade mint-based refrescos in either strawberry, apple, lemon, or lime flavors. If you’re neither hiking, driving nor riding, spike yours by having them throw in some of their traditional liquor, martini, tequila, vodka or gin.

While the restaurant’s been around for years, this drink option debuted very well just last summer. If you’re hungry, add pasta, schnitzel, a cut of steak or a selection of their mixed grill before continuing your adventure.

 

www.cammerlander.at


soneva-jani

Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives Contemplating the newest overwater resort in the Noonu Atoll – Soneva Jani is the latest to offer the ultimate beach escape all wrapped up in one exquisite location. Does it count as a beach if your accommodations are literally in the water?  The pristine, crystal clear water surrounding the villa is oh, so enticing for a morning swim.  I anxiously await the opening in October, for the chance to sleep under the stars, atop the gentle lapping waves beneath an expansive, ultra-exclusive Water Villa.

www.soneva.com/soneva-jani


jumeirah

The Atrium at Grosvenor House Suites in Mayfair Dinner in the world’s safest hotel can be a bit daring if you want it to be. Jumeirah has situated itself ever so elegantly in Mayfair, at the top of Hyde Park. Grosvenor House Suites is home to an aptly named restaurant called The Atrium. Flooded with natural light from the seven-story glass ceiling, this restaurant is teeming with orchids and excellent cuisine.  In the evenings, when the light fades, a more intimate setting emerges.

 Althrough the restaurant makes up the atrium of the hotel, there are nooks and spaces that provide a sense of seclusion and privacy.

www.Jumeirah.com


knightsbridge

The Wellesley Knightsbridge, London Cubans next to Buckingham Palace should really be a headline. The Wellesley has curated a collection of hand-rolled Cuban cigars, enshrined in a bespoke humidor, the size of some people’s living rooms.  We have it on good authority that the hotel was designed around the ability to enjoy cigars. With such a collection, ranging from Montecristo and Cohiba to limited edition Bolivars, the true cigar aficionado will be quite comfortable at this hotel and more specifically on their heated Cigar Terrace. The leather chairs were designed with the comfort of the cigar smoker in mind; ensuring the arms are at a specific height. Not sure if Prince Phillip or the Queen can actually see the terrace from the palace, but you’re so close that I am sure they’ve cracked a window at times just to smell the sweet curls of smoke as they waft by.  You’re that close!

www.thewellesley.co.uk


the-flemings-mayfair

Manetta’s Bar at The Flemings Mayfair London, England

As tradition goes, England and Mayfair are known to be bastions of the British heritage. One cheeky move by Flemings Mayfair is their newly opened Manetta’s bar.  With every cocktail being named after a famous literary work, and mixed to evoke feelings from specific passages of those works, they’ve outdone themselves in giving a nod to wordsmiths of years gone by.  Don’t worry that you may or may not have read some of these literary treasures; they’ve not just named the cocktails but under each is a short quote, making sense of it all.  Make your selection wisely, there’s a realist set of cocktails and a few pages for the idealist.  This is great place to start many, many conversations.  Cheers!

www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk


wreck-of-the-10-sails

Wreck of the 10 sails Grand Cayman, West Indies

The wreck of the 10 Sails is a famous site where a convoy of ships wrecked along the breakers just off Cayman’s East End in on February 7th, 1794. The people of Cayman rowed out to save the passengers and crew. One of which, as legend has it, was a royal prince; son of King George III.

Legend also has it that Cayman’s existence as a tax-free nation is directly related to the resident’s bravery and loyalty to the crown during this event, although there is no actual evidence to support this. Remains of the ship are still visible from the shore and in 1994, on the 200th anniversary of the disaster, Queen Elizabeth visited this site and dedicated a plaque to the brave people of Cayman who rescued the survivors of the wreck.  

Off Austin Connolly Drive

Gun Bay, East End District

www.caymanislands.ky


the-zetter-townhouse

The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, England

Seymour’s Parlour is an unexpectedly wonderful new spot.  As you enter The Zetter Townhouse on Seymour Street, you are immediately in Uncle Seymour’s.  This is basically the living room of your quirky, eccentric, wealthy uncle.  That being said, you can imagine the décor are hints of and bits from all his travels.  Supple furniture that sucks you in and oversized chairs that are more like thrones than seating for those of us who want to try one of his ambitious cocktails.  The bar is part science part international traveler brought back a bunch of great recipes. For example, the Cedar Kir is actually made from liquor created by the bartenders, in a lab, under scientific supervision.  A plank of Cedar from Japan was Sous Vide to extract the essence of the wood…many steps later, there was a unique liquor formed and then paired with Champagne.  Tasting as any cocktails from their men is an unbelievable experience.  You’ll need to come again and again as the list is a solid set of more than 12 cocktails.

 

www.thezettertownhouse.com

Rancho La Puerta – Tecate, Mexico

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Rancho La Puerta, dubs itself as the original “fitness resort” and spa. Just three hours south of L.A. in Baja, Mexico, the resort provides a luxurious wellness experience, offering guests a unique reawakening and spiritual mental escape. Releasing any tension you might have will be easy in its 3,000 private acres of gardens, mountains and meadows.

To avoid breaking anyone’s tranquility or moments of Zen, guests are welcomed from, Saturday to Saturday, or for partial-week stays of three or four nights, thus reducing an ever-changing set of guests and energy. Once you’re here, you can take part in over 80 fitness classes. That’s probably more than your local gym offers, plus the backdrop in undeniably gorgeous. There’s everything from TRX, yoga, Pilates, Watsu, all the way up to advanced hiking trails. That’s more than enough to break a sweat and feel accomplished.

Then there’s the other side of personal wellness and balance; the spa. Rancho La Puerta takes into account that the body, mind and soul all need to be recognized and offers therapeutic sessions and daily lectures to inspire guests to leave with a recharged sense of being. This is more than a backrub.

Specialty weeks at the Ranch are offered year-round, featuring visiting guest speakers, talented performers and workshop leaders—authors, politicians, musicians, artists, MDs and other leaders in their fields — to present afternoon learning experiences and evening lectures. The focus is on you taking home life-skills that will help you maintain all that you’ve gained from a retreat to this sanctuary.

Swank List Fall 2016

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  1. 5 Admired for its long tradition of gracious hospitality inspired by local cuisine and culture, Relais & Chateaux presents The Art of Entertaining. The stunning coffee table cookery book called the The Art of Entertaining brings to life 17 seasonal parties with world-renowned food and cocktail recipes (including entertaining tricks, menus, flowers, table settings etc) from 85 Relais & Châteaux properties across North America.Published by Rizzoli New York 

     

  2. 4Shhhh, be very, very quiet.  We’re hunting diamonds.  Ellerman House, in partnership with Benguela DiamondsIs offering its guests an exclusive opportunity to embark on a ‘diamond safari’ to the mineral-rich west coast of South Africa – a unique place of origin for diamonds worthy of the most exquisite jewelery settings. Benguela Diamonds is named after the predominant current in the area. The cold, nutrient-rich current, which flows in a northerly direction off the west coast of South Africa is home to the diamonds which are rare sea diamonds that can only be dived for. www.ellermanhouse.co.za

  3. 3 Resort wear must have: When heading to your next pool or beachside destination this fall, be sure to pack a few distinct pieces. Whether accentuating curves before taking a plunge or covering up for a quick cocktail, resort-chic is the call and Heidi Klein is the answer to elegantly-styled lounging, swimming or shopping wear.www.heidiklein.com/

     

    2The Titan is here: Make a bold statement, day or night, with this REACTOR timepiece. Indulge in Zip Lining in tropical jungles, watersports up to 300m depths or rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains, and never miss the next excursion, since extreme activities are no match for this ultra-durable, water resistant chronograph.

     www.reactorwatch.com/index.html


  4. 6Cavas Wine Lodge makes the swank list as the first luxury lodge at the foothills of the Andes. Argentina is notorious for its wonderful wines and Cavas is nestled on a 55-acre vineyard in Medndoza, the areas famed region for great wine. This is a wine lovers paradise. The free-standing rooms and villas are unique in their design and large outdoor living spaces.  We know they were deliberately created for guests to enjoy the vineyards and a few bottles of wine. Loving their use of all things grape, we put them on the list because their products go beyond great wine and spectacular Relais & Chateaux accommodations.  Try their essential oil of grape seeds, first at their spa and then back home.www.cavaswinelodge.com

  5. 1No need to look up from your plate, but if you do take your eyes off of the exquisitely prepared meal, served with sophisticated elegance and style, you’ll be gobsmacked by your surroundings.  The André Garrett restaurant at Cliveden House is gorgeous.  The muted colors are drawn from the painting that hangs at the very front of the room.  Keeping your focus on the magnificence of the dining room is easy because of its décor.  However, if you dine before sunset, you’ll be slightly distracted by the views outside. The, almost, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the gardens and the Thames, just off in the distance; it’s like a painting all its own. But there’s dinner to be had…every morsel seemingly more delicious than the next. You must visit soon. Dinner has rarely been this swanky. www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

Swanky Sips – Uruguay’s Bodega Garzon

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Proximity to the ocean and cool clean breezes have a positive impact on wine and Bodega Garzon takes full advantage of their prime position in Uruguay. Pioneered by Alejandro P. Bulgheroni, whose other winery properties include Aceitera Colinas de Garzón (Uruguay), Argento (Argentina), Vistalba (Argentina), Podere Brizio (Montalcino), Renwood (California), Chateau Suau (Bordeaux), and Dievole (Italy), Bodega Garzón is representing a new way of producing wine in a new wine region. South American wines are not new to any oenophile, but very few ever mention Uruguay. An innovative and talented vintner aims to put his squarely on your radar.

Perched on the round hills near Uruguay’s vacation mecca of Punta del Este, and a burgeoning, yet sophisticated, emerging resort scene in nearby La Barra and Jose Ignacio, making for an easy destination choice for your next wine-inspired trip. More importantly for the vineyard is the mineral-rich rocky soil.  These geological gifts allow wine drinkers near and far to enjoy a wine rich in minerals, complexity and gracefulness.  If this were a date, you’d never want the evening to end.  These wines are not only blessed with the richness of 2.5 billion years of Mother Nature’s deposits, but the current and constant breeze off the Atlantic Ocean, combining to produce fresh and juicy wines with light tannins and hints of minerals. I think I hear glasses clinking as we speak.

Twin Palms – Phuket, Thailand

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Tucked away in the south-west corner of Thailand overlooking the Andeman Sea is the island province of Phuket. Over the past decade this area has rapidly become a major destination for upscale travelers seeking the more luxurious side of Thailand as Phuket offers a stark contrast from the cheap hostels of Koh San Road in Bangkok or the all night parties on the infamous island of Koh Phangan. Patong Beach is undoubtedly the most popular area of Phuket, with its bustling streets and multitude of nightlife options, however just twenty minutes north is the sleepy Surin beach, Phuket’s up-and-coming up-scale area and the stunning grounds of Twin Palms Phuket Resort.

As you arrive the staff welcomes you with giant a smile and the ubiquitous “sawasdee” greeting found throughout Thailand. A hand woven bracelet of fresh jasmine flowers, a glass of champagne and a cold wet hand towel bursting with the aroma of fresh lemongrass are a welcomed touch in the sweltering heat. Twin Palms’ attention to detail is noticeable right from the start.

The towering ceilings beyond the front desk gives way to the center courtyard and Twin Palms’ magnificent “water garden”. The crown jewel of the property is the large central pool, lined on both sides by towering coconut trees, sweeping palms and studded with shady cabanas.

The poolside bar offers a comprehensive beverage list with an array of cocktails like the aptly named Phuket Paradise and classic Mai Tai. Casual lunch fare like spring rolls, mango salad with crispy soft shelled crab as well as a selection of burgers, sandwiches and noodle dishes are available for a sit-down feast or nibbling in your cabana. The main restaurant Oriental Spoon provides a more upscale atmosphere for dinner while still retaining a casual beach feel, boasting both western and Thai menus sure to please any palate. In the mornings an extensive breakfast buffet is sprawled out in front of the open concept kitchen featuring classic and contemporary western and Asian cuisine.

A full service spa, outdoor massage tables, exercise facilities and library where movies, books and magazines which can be borrowed for your entertainment pleasure can all be found within a few short steps. In the afternoon fresh platters of local fruit are cut to order and served in the wine tasting room. Have the sommelier pair a crisp glass of wine from their award winning wine list and you may find yourself thinking of ways to extend your stay, just a little longer.

www.twinpalmsphuket.com

 

letter from South America – Cartagena

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The weather is warm and the air is thick.  Feels like a Caribbean paradise to me, but I am actually in Colombia.  As they say, there are two sides to every story and the city of Cartagena embraces both its Caribbean side and its South American core. I can’t wait to dive in and see what there is all over this glorious city. Happy that this trip is only a short flight from the southern part of the United States but  as I landed, it was easy to see that it was a world apart. And thank goodness for that.  It’s the reason we travel, explore and look forward to every new adventure.

 This northern, coastal city of Colombia is teaming with history, culture, vibrance, charm and hospitality. It’s easy to relax and unwind here.  Safety is not an issue.  As a solo traveler, I feel quite safe day and night, strolling the cobble-stoned streets of the ancient walled-city.  What would anywhere else be considered a cacophony of color is what first grabs your attention and draws you down each street from one fabulous shop to the next.  From a cevicheria or La Cevicheria (a must on your trip here) As the sun sets, I was drawn to climb the wall, which is allowed up until dark,  and overlook the Caribbean Sea to behold the site we often take for granted… another fabled sunset, but this time from Cartagena.

 As I turn to make my way back I preparation for the evening, the painted walls of the buildings and homes that contour these winding roads, fade into subliminal tranquility just as naturally as they brought the same streets to life during the bright sunlight of the afternoon. There’s a nurturing warmth, not only in the air but in the glow of dimly lit buildings that delineate my path back to the hotel. Cartagena has all the tourist trappings, emeralds and pre-Colombian jewelry, but never in overdose as it is balanced by hand painted art and hand-woven hats and bracelets, the offerings are diverse, eye-catching and often times too good to pass up.  Packing with this in mind will serve you well.  Many a tourist wind up in the dilemma of having to wear multiple hats stacked one upon the other, to avoid extra baggage charges.  Don’t be that guy! Plan a-head!

From bustling city life, just outside the walled city, to a step back in time, inside the walls, old melds with new and transition is easy. Today, I set out to find the cheeky bits, no pun intended. They are only a boat-ride away.   With several island to choose from, I selected Rosario Island, or as known locally — Islas del Rosario.  Say it with flourish, it’s Spanish, you can do it. This little treasure is only one of the several island escapes just off the coast of this South American country.  

Here is where you’ll find those silky blue waters and soft white sand that the region is famous for.  Sure, there are beaches just steps from the walled city, but if you seek that “Caribbean look” then you’ll see why many visitors to Cartagena seek after these islands and I am definitely not the exception.  I need to make Colombia a part of my annual vacation schedule, yes, that’s a thing, people have all sorts of schedules, I simply choose to name one of them my vacation schedule.

 You should make ne and put Cartagena firmly at the top of that newly minted list.  I have to get back to the hotel and shower before heading for an evening out, bar-hopping and popping back in to what has become one of my favorite dinner spots.  I’m not giving that secret away…you’ll have to search the pages to see what I may or may not repeat a few times in this issue.  If you guess it, send me a tweet or post a picture of yourself to our instagram @SwankyRetreats.  I’ll be sure to make a comment on that post!

Te veo pronto,
Peta

 

Tcherassi Hotel Cartagena, Colombia

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Exclusivity seekers should sort out a way to get to Cartagena post-haste and when you do, duck right in to the Tcherassi Hotel. In the heart of the walled city, known for its vibrantly colored walls and winding cobblestone streets, there is an exclusive little enclave where 7 guest rooms are housed in a 250-year-old colonial mansion.  Chic, swanky, elegant and sexy will all come to mind once you step through the wrought iron gates.

 Whoever built this back in the 1700’s knew a thing or two about architecture and privacy.  Spring forward to today when Silvia Tcherassi, the famed Colombian fashion designer, owns the boutique hotel and you find a melding of centuries-old romance and the swank of her fashion designs…all off this sexiness plus a pool in the middle of its courtyard. This is about as intimately sophisticated as one might want.  Tcherassi keeps guests satiated beyond its visual appeal.

Vera restaurant is discretely ensconced behind pillars supporting brick arches that resemble an aqueduct.  While dining on what they term as the essence of Italian food, you’ll be gazing out onto the pool and a glass-wall of water that obscures the Acuabar from immediate view.  Here’s where you’ll be sure to sip at least one Aguardiente.  

Tcherassi has elevated the boutique hotel experience by taking intimate spaces and making them discrete without disrupting the natural flow of things.  In the well-appointed rooms, her sense of style is visible from the wispy-cascades of fabric on the lighting fixtures to the hearty bits of leather, stitched on to your blanket.

The bathrooms are behind sections of wall, in keeping with the free-flowing style embodied throughout the hotel.  

This is an elegant boutique property that will charm the pants off of you and perhaps slip you into one of Silvia Tcherassi’s dresses.  There’s a boutique just around the corner from the hotel should this be the case. We simply cannot wait for the opening of her next hotel, only a few blocks away.  By all indications, it will be just as wonderful.

www.tcherassihotels.com

 

Hotel Marignan-Paris

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Just off the Champs Élysées is Hotel Marignan. As they say in real estate and all things fabulous– location, location, location. Besides being perfectly positioned in Paris, this hotel has more than the necessary five-star accommodations and amenities. Although every room is blissfully wonderful, we highly recommend you get the suit on the 6th floor and you’ll never need to leave the hotel.

The minimalist (only in design) bathroom offers views from the tub out to your balcony and bits of the city beyond. Stepping out on to the living space that is your balcony, you’ll see why we say you’ll never want to leave.  The Eiffel Tower is to your right and the Champs Elysee is to your left; the city is actually at your feet. This isn’t a patio or some outside space where one or two people can stand and precariously perch a glass of champagne.

This is a true patio with dining table that seats eight, cozy seating on each end, topiaries to add to the landscape and did we mention the Eiffel Tower is right there in plain view? Oh, you’ll want to check in to this hotel that was originally built in the 1850’s and swankily added on to over the centuries. There’s nothing dated about Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysees. As the doorman opens the door to the hotel a cocoon of colors and understated art embraces you.  

Some of the collections are rotated throughout the year.  The restaurant, Nubé, BY JUAN ARBELAEZ is a fusion between Colombian and French cuisine.  This unexpected coupling is both dramatic and delicious at the same time. The hotel will become a favorite in Paris as the hospitable and professional staff will make you feel more than welcome. You are in the thick of Paris and in the lap of luxury. This is Parisien refinement at its best.  If you are ever looking for a bespoke travel experience in France, you’ll find one here in Paris.

www.hotelmarignanelyseesparis.com/en

 

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