Archive for the ‘Fine Dining’ Category
Villa Mauresque – Boutique Riviera Hotel
Villa Mauresque, Saint Raphael
Words and music for “I Went to a Marvelous Party” were written by Noël Coward in 1938. The song offered a first-person exposé of five parties the playwright-composer-singer attended on the French Riviera in the frantic era of amusement of the Train Bleu society of the 1920s and 1930s. While that particular vignette sparks your curiosity, you need only drive along the jeweled coastline of the Cote d’Azur to imagine the haute lifestyle of that era.
These touches of history merely pave the way to introduce an enchanting hotel on the Mediterranean near Saint-Raphael. No less than renowned author Somerset Maugham initiated the incubator for the hotel, when he purchased the 9-acre estate of Villa Mauresque. Prior to transforming to today’s elegant hotel residence, the villa hosted great literary and society guests in one of the Riviera’s most tantalizing social salons and was Maugham’s secluded home, until his death in 1965.
Author and artist named suites
Around 2005, discretion and good taste led the way in converting the Moorish-inspired mansion into an extremely welcoming hotel. The walled property keeps the world at bay, while you take breakfast on the terrace at the edge of the Mediterranean. Or from your private port, you might tackle windsurfing or a quieter canoe ride.
The Villa was designed by Chapoulard in 1860, one of many of his neo-Moorish imprints along the fabled coast. The boutique hotel has been carefully curated to offset serene ivory walls with bold tapestries and painted doors; and only 11 luxurious suites and bedrooms welcome guests to refined comfort. Two on-site small villas also are a part of the property, available for rental and even engaging a chef-prepared meal en suite.
Overlooking the Gulf of Saint Tropez
Speaking of dining, a Michelin-star Chef provides inviting cuisine in “Le Bougainvillier” restaurant with elegant indoor or terrace dining with unparalleled views of the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Atypical of many Riviera resorts, the restaurant open throughout the year to offer … fillet of John Dory from our sea, roasted green asparagus in Provencal style or perhaps roasted lamb chops from the Quercy region
Enough. You must browse the Villa’s site for more information to choose from artist- and writer-named rooms and suites that range from Monet’s 225-Euro room to Baudelaire’s Suite Prestige with sea view at 1,300 Euros per night.
Copyright © 2005-2017, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Seaside pool of the Hotel Cap du-Eden-Roc
For a royal experience, one might expect a royal price tag; and Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc does not disappoint in either category. A luxurious and lavish resort delightfully positioned on the tip of Cap d’Antibes, the hotel has long been the chosen mecca for celebrities and privileged guests through the ages. No doubt they have left a trail of interesting tales in their wake.
Words simply cannot capture the legendary hotel. From 1870, the “Villa Soleil” welcomed writers looking for inspiration, but in 1885 a Piedmontese hotelier set his vision in motion and transformed the Napoleon III-style villa into the unparalleled Hôtel du Cap. One of the most interesting hotel embellishments is the seawater swimming pool carved into the rock, though the seaside “cabins” (33 cabanas, in all) and Eden-Roc Pavilion are equally alluring.
Now celebrating its 100th Anniversary, the hotel was recently refreshed with a €45million refurbishment that preserved and enhanced the resort’s stunning, authentic quality; while adding every contemporary convenience and several new amenities. Imagine refined, spacious rooms and luxury appointments, the sumptuous Bellini Bar, gourmet restaurant and assorted intimate bars and grills. There’s even a fresh Juice and Ice Cream Bar in the shade of the Alep pines – parfait for the children!
Love the ‘scanty’ suits of 1932
Open only from mid-April to mid-October, the five-star hotel rates are equally ‘handsome’ for accommodations ranging from standard, classique and Supérieure rooms to a private villa complete with your own butler. Gala events planned for the celebratory year include a magnificent gourmet evening with some of the world’s best sommeliers and Michelin-starred chefs.
But I have a humorous twist to this story. The postcard shown was sent to my father in Paris from a lady friend staying at the hotel in 1932. In part, her message reads, “Here I am at this wonderful place – $6.00 a day for room, bath and meals (in between seasons) … You ought to see the scanty one-piece bathing suits. Oh, I don’t know where I’ll end – the temptations are lovely and many.”
The prices surely have changed, but I rather imagine the temptations to still be … lovely and many.
Brantôme en Périgord – Luxurious Eden!
Refined, four-star Relais & Chateaux hotel
We’re all aware of the Garden of Eden, but I believe I’ve discovered the “Island of Eden”! Tucked away in the Dordogne department of southwestern France, the small village of Brantôme en Périgord enjoys unparalleled natural beauty. Just imagine with me. Beyond a fascinating history and appealing architecture, the village is situated in the middle of the River Dronne and often is referred to as the Venice of Périgord.
Naturally the perfect setting calls for extraordinary accommodations, and Le Moulin de L’Abbaye fulfills that desire without hesitation. This member of the prestigious group of Relais & Chateaux luxury hotels has entertained guests for well over thirty years, offering a picturesque and enticingly refined base from which to explore the beauty of the Dordogne. Spacious and well-appointed rooms are split between the three historical houses that make up the hotel that is poised alongside the original mill pond. The main reception and gourmet restaurant are located in the inviting ivy-covered mill that was the center for milling the village’s grain, weaving its wool and ultimately providing electricity to the 2,000 inhabitants. Today, the weekly market each Friday imbues the provincial village with the quiet buzz and color of local artisans and farmers.
L’Abbaye elegant rooms
From a variety of accommodation sizes and types, guests look out over the 16th century Pont Coudé Bridge and the medieval garden and Abbey founded by Charlemagne. With no effort, I can picture dinner on the terrace with the lights of the bridge and village illuminating the evening … walking about the village to explore galleries and boutiques … a lazy boat tour or canoeing along the river.
And history abounds in this part of the old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Over more centuries than we can contemplate, inhabitants included the Celts, Romans, early Christians and the very monks whose early monastery evolved into the remarkable abbey present today. After wars and plagues, Brantôme emerged, established notably by Charlemagne as a leading religious destination.
Overlooking River Dronne
Should you choose to explore the surrounding landscape, the area is home to many ‘plus beaux villages de France” …Saint-Jean-de-Cole, Saint-Amand-de-Coly, Limeuil, Beynac …the charm seems endless. When you return, stop in for pizza and wine on the outdoor terrace of the popular Bar du Marche in the main square. If you share our partiality to delectable crepes, stop in at the hospitable and savory L’authentique.
Copyright © 2015, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.
Poised Above Saint-Tropez
Overlooking Saint-Tropez in a 25-acre garden setting
Saint-Tropez may not be your first thought for a restful exodus from your madcap daily existence, but the Château de la Messardière offers precisely the serene, tucked-away retreat you desire. Set among parasol pines and cypress trees in a 25-acre estate, the luxury hotel looks out over carefully-tended gardens and spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
“But it’s not on the beach. But it’s not in town.” True, delightfully so. Poised above the beaches, bustling squares and star-studded bars of Saint-Tropez; the hotel surrounds guests with a calm, tasteful retreat, expansive spa and beauty services and exquisite dining.
Spacious accommodations with stunning views of the Mediterranean in the distance
Request a room or a suite with a view, so you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine overlooking the sea. Your spacious and elegant lodging combines with the kind of continuous, attentive service that makes you feel very much a welcome guest.
Imagine your choices. A walk through shaded gardens with the scents and sights of the Var region’s beautiful fauna and flora. Quiet moments with a book in the luxurious pool area, where stunning mosaic tile designs reflect those of the relaxing spa. And speaking of tranquility, with subtle lighting, numerous personal services, a serene tide pool and Jacuzzi; the spa is the “genuine oasis of peace and relaxation” the hotel promises. And from the sweeping terrace overlooking the beaches of Pampelonne, you choose from a creative mix of French classics and Mediterranean cuisine in the “L’Acacia” restaurant
The largest of Saint-Tropez hotels with 117 rooms, the five-star Château de la Messardière also includes a stimulating art gallery that features a number of international artists, as well as the works of Victoire de la Messardière, a descendant of the original 19th-century owners of the chateau. And for those times when the buzz of Saint-Tropez calls, the hotel’s 24-7 shuttle whisks you to town in five minutes.
5-star comfort along the Cote d’Azur
The entire management and staff of this delightful hotel understand the meaning of hospitality. For all of the Chateau’s natural beauty and accoutrements of luxury, you will appreciate that personal and professional service among your many pleasant memories.
Copyright © 2005-2017, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.
Le Prieuré – Elegant Avignon Retreat
Le Prieuré – hotel in the country by Avignon
Gift-giving season is here, and who among us wouldn’t cherish the gift of travel in France? While we love the refined manoirs within the storied walls of old Avignon; we would easily enjoy experiencing a private setting with easy access to the historic area. Le Prieuré, just across the Rhône in Villeneuve- lès- Avignon, would definitely fit that bill!
The owners promise a stay that is both authentic and elegant. You’ll first want to book your stay at Le Prieuré, though keep in mind their seasonal closure may run to mid March, 2012. A member of the distinguished Relais & Chateaux collection of luxury hotels and restaurants, Le Prieuré is a former 15th-century convent, magically transformed into a welcoming hotel and perfumed by the priests’ trellised garden of roses and wisteria.
Lavish Provençal style mixes with contemporary convenience in the carefully restored rooms and suites, that guarantee an intimate and comfortable stay. 
You may be surprised at the rich heritage and treasures in the village.
The dominant tower on the skyline – Fort Saint André and the Philippe le Bel Tower – remind us of Avignon’s alliance with the Holy Roman Empire and the need to protect the Benedictine abbey and town. And the municipal museum in the Pierre-de-Luxembourg mansion displays exceptional art, notably religious works from ivory carvings to 17th century paintings.
The charming village becomes the focal point for performances and festivals throughout the year; due to their strategic location where Provence, la Camargue and Languedoc come together. Of course, you will visit the lovely old streets of Avignon to enjoy its’ special blend of history, striking architecture and inviting collection of shops and restaurants.
But the delight comes with your return from those lively moments to seal each and every memory with a quiet glass of wine on the balcony.
Copyright © 2005-2017, LuxeEuro, LLC. All rights reserved.