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    This new hotel epitomises Parisian chic at the French Capital

    by

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    50 mins ago

    At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
    Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
    Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

    Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
    Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

    A Chic Stay
    It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

    Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
    Sleek & Exceptional Dining
    Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

    Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

    A Unique Wellness Space
    After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      At the center of the French Capital, a new hotel epitomises Parisian chic

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
      Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
      Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

      Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
      Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

      A Chic Stay
      It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

      Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
      Sleek & Exceptional Dining
      Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

      Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

      A Unique Wellness Space
      After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More

    • 175 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Discover the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity in this Sri Lankan coastal paradise

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      In a sea of luxury holiday escapes, this award-winning hotel resort in Sri Lanka stands as a beacon of quiet luxury: Cape Weligama.
      A part of the Resplendent collection of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka (Ceylon Tea Trails, Kayaam House, and Wild Coast Tented Lodge are its sister properties) and a member of the Relais & Chateaux association known with a roster of unique hotels across the world, a discerning traveller can only expect unmatched hospitality and an authentic stay.
      Your journey begins once you take a 4-hour flight from Dubai to Colombo and from there, another 2-hour drive to the south coast of Sri Lanka where a serene tropical paradise awaits.
      THE STAY
      Picture this: a cascading series of private villas and suites nestled along the picturesque southern coast of Sri Lanka named after the most celebrated nautical journeys like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. Pus, an award-winning infinity pool that boasts of Weligama’s stunning vast Indian Ocean views – with the frequent sightings of the resident peacock and squirrels. It doesn’t get as picturesque as that.

      This palm-fringed cliffside 5-hectare expanse seamlessly fuses traditional Sri Lankan aesthetics with contemporary touches throughout the property. Each colonial-style villa and suite offer its own unique charm and comforts including an assigned butler, ensuring to craft a tailored stay for guests. The intricately carved woodwork and furnishings speaks of luxury and refinement while colourful tapestry adds a local touch to the decor. Beyond its aesthetics, Cape Weligama is a sanctuary of solitude, tucked aways amidst lush tropical landscapes, offering a sense of exclusivity and privacy that elevates the experience.

      THE DINING
      Surely, another highlight of your stay at Cape Weligama is the culinary experience.

      From a selection of sumptuous Sri Lankan delicacies and freshly-caught seafood served at Ocean Terrace, a relaxing traditional Ceylon high tea and sundowners at Surf Bar, to relishing in a gourmet feast at the Lookout Blue, private cliff-top with scenic sunset view – each dining experience is a true delight for the senses.

      THE WELLNESS
      For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort’s spa offers a range of indulgent treatments designed to soothe the mind, body and soul for unparalleled bliss. Wellness warriors can also enjoy a guided group yoga session in the morning, with a panoramic ocean view of course.
      THE HERO EXPERIENCES
      When you have such swoon-worthy scenery, a crescent-shaped infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and excellent cuisine, languid days easily go by lounging and leaving the grounds might become a struggle.

      Thankfully with Weligama’s charm and proximity to neighboring towns, one can be easily swayed to step foot outside. Despite Cape Weligama’s secluded setting, you’re not too isolated from exhilarating leisure and once-in-a-lifetime adventure opportunities, that you can book directly through your butler or at the concierge. Spend a day venturing out into the sea on catamaran-style yachts for a whale-watching excursion and another to explore what Weligama’s neighboring towns of Ahangama, Midigama and the World Heritage List town of Galle, have to offer (think: surfing lessons, ancient temples, forts and vibrant markets, and more).

      WHAT TO PACK
      A mix of casual outfits and dressier separates in earty tones and vibrant vacation-ready exotic prints can see you through your entire holiday whether you’re pool lounging or pursuing an outdoor activity. For the wanderers and sunseekers, bring the necessary beauty essentials including sunscreen, bronzing oils, and insect repellent sprays are a must.
      Swipe through the gallery below for stylish, editor-approved vacation essentials:

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More