Elite Traveler January-February 2019

THE SAVOY LONDON, UK

One of the most well-known hotels, not just in London but the world over, The Savoy has been a favorite of kings and queens ever since it opened in 1889. Edwardian stylings mix with Art Deco; designer Pierre Yves Rochon used silk wall coverings, marble flooring and Murano glass chandeliers in his decor. No two suites are the same, and many have the original fireplaces to cozy up in front of while you look out over the river Thames. Be sure to visit the award-winning American Bar — enjoy the live pianist playing American jazz Sunday best Roast dinners on a Sunday are a time-honored tradition in the UK. Head to Simpson’s in the Strand for roast rib of beef, served directly from the carving trolley. There is also a carving master class if you want to re-create the meat mastery at home. Contact Philip Barnes, managing director, savoy@fairmont.com, +44 207 836 4343, fairmont.com with a famous White Lady signature cocktail. Top suite Royal Suite from $19,000 per night

GRAND-HOTEL DUCAP-FERRAT, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT, FRANCE

There’s no better place to embrace the timeless glamour of the French Riviera than at this famed hotel. It first opened in 1908 and has enticed the rich and powerful ever since. Set within 17 acres of exquisite Mediterranean garden, the hotel’s high vantage point means it has wonderful views from Nice to Monaco. There are two restaurants, Le Cap and La Véranda, serving Mediterranean dishes and a wine list of 600 bottles. But, the hotel is perhaps most famed for Club Dauphin, where the sky disappears into the enormous heated seawater infinity pool. Top suite Villa Rose-Pierre from $8,300 per night For oenophiles Domaine Ott is usually closed to the public, but you can visit and learn about the making of French rosé wine — be sure to go during harvest season. Your visit is finished with a custom-made picnic, specially created by the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef, Yoric Tièche, served right in the vineyard. Contact Christiane Grun, head concierge, concierge.capferrat@fourseasons.com, +33 493 765 050, fourseasons.com

HOTEL BYBLOS ST TROPEZ ST TROPEZ, FRANCE

A veritable institution of old-school glamour, Hotel Byblos first opened over 50 years ago. It was a billionaire hotelier’s labor of love; he wanted to impress Brigitte Bardot, and impress her he did — she attended the raucous three-day opening party at the hotel’s legendary club, Les Caves du Roy. Within the terracotta–colored hotel, there is a spa by Sisley, a gym, an exquisite delicatessen and Alain Ducasse’s Rivea restaurant. In 2017, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation: check out the super-fun and super-chic Missoni suite. It is as vibrant as you’d expect, with bright rainbow patterns and psychedelic prints. Top suite Missoni Home Suite from $5,600 per night Joie de vivre Indulge in an afternoon of French fun: a pétanque tournament followed by a rosé tasting (of bottles carefully selected by the head sommelier) to quench your thirst post-victory, or drown your second-best sorrows. Contact Sylvie Tonitto, room division manager, saint-tropez@byblos.com, +33 494 566 800, byblos.com

CAP ESTEL ÈZE, FRANCE

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V PARIS, FRANCE

Tucked away on its own five-acre peninsula on the Cote d’Azur, beyond a wrought-iron gate, lies the super-secluded Cap Estel Hotel. The hotel has long called to those who want to enjoy their vacation away from prying eyes, thanks to its totally isolated location, discreet staff and high-security measures. The fresh, white-stone mansion is pure South-of-France chic; it is surrounded by pretty, fragrant gardens and lush greenery, and enclosed by the sparkling sea on three sides. Within, there’s a lovely spa and indoor pool, cinema, billiard room, Michelin- starred restaurant and elegant sitting rooms, but you might find it hard to stay indoors. Soak up the views from the outdoor seawater infinity pool or alfresco cafe. Top suite Suite 110 from $7,000 per night Bay watch Head to the private stony beach beneath the terraced gardens — take a picnic and relax on a sun lounger as you watch boats sail by. Contact Jihane Riahi, sales and events executive, reservation@capestel.com, +33 493 762 929, capestel.com

A time warp taking you back to the 1900s, the Four Seasons Hotel George V is an Art Deco landmark in Paris’s Golden Triangle. The interiors are exquisite with crystal chandeliers, pops of jewel-colored fabrics, huge artwork and extravagant floral arrangements. The hotel’s three restaurants, La Falerie, L’Orangerie and La Cinq, have five Michelin stars between them. Try the signature line-caught sea bass with caviar and buttermilk. Last year, the hotel opened a lovely new spa with a menu of innovative treatments such as the Kobido , a traditional Japanese ‘face-lift.’ Top suite Penthouse from $26,000 per night Run this town Want to see the City of Lights in a new way? Head off on an early-morning run, accompanied by Four Seasons guides, via the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Louvre and Champs-Élysées, before the city awakes. Contact Jean Claude Wietzel, general manager, concierge.paris@fourseasons.com, +33 149 527 107, fourseasons.com

Photos Christian Horan Photography, Preschesmisky, Guillermo Aniel-Quiroga Masahiko Takeda