Elite Traveler January-February 2019

LARÉSERVE PARIS HOTEL AND SPA PARIS, FRANCE

Beginning life as a home for the half-brother of Napoleon III, the Duke of Morny, La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is still fit for a royal with Belle Époque styling: Think plush velvet, oak parquet floors, marbles, silk brocade, antiques and contemporary art. There’s a divine spa with a large indoor pool, an unusual find in Parisian hotels. We’re particularly enamoured with the library — available exclusively for guests, it’s an elegant spot to read or work in peace, or have a wine tasting from the hotel’s selection of vintage bottles. If you’d rather sample from your room, book the Grand Palais Suite. It has its own wine cellar with Grand Cru vintages, and views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais. Top suite Grand Palais Suite from $13,600 per night Turn back time The spa focuses on anti-aging, using products developed at the Center for the Prevention of Aging by professor Jacques Proust. Body and facial treatments are completely customized. Contact Jean-Luc Naret, CEO, reservation@lareserve-paris.com, +33 158 366 060, lareserve-paris.com

LE ROYALMONCEAU, RAFFLES PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

A pleasant mix of old and new, Le Royal Monceau has a charming Art Deco-style exterior with a red carpet leading to the entrance, but a thoroughly modern interior awaits inside. The hotel shows rotating exhibitions of artwork from contemporary artists, and the 99-seat private Katara Cinema plays cinematic classics as well as 3D movies. Be sure to visit the beautiful Spa My Blend by Clarins. The treatment menu has something to suit everyone, including newborn babies. Top suite Raffles Presidential Suite from $29,300 per night Artistic license The hotel’s art concierge will tell you all you need to know about Paris’s art scene, arrange private viewings and organize invites to previews and shows. Contact Aaron Kaupp, general manager, generalmanager. paris@raffles.com, +33 142 999 858, leroyalmonceau.com

LES AIRELLES COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

An enchanting palace that would be right at home in a fairy tale, Les Airelles is absolutely one-of-a-kind. The exterior is distinct in sugary pastel pink with wooden carvings and woodland creature illustrations, and the story continues inside with crackling fires, sumptuous velvet and beamed ceilings. The hotel is located in the Jardin Alpin area so you have easy access to the top-notch slopes of Courchevel 1850. For a change of pace, go heli-skiing, dogsledding or on a snowmobile exploration. Relax in the elegant cigar lounge after a day in the snow. Top suite Chalet Ormello from $23,300 per night If you do one thing A super-fun activity for kids — and big kids. Go sledding down the mountains at night with only the moon and stars as your guide. Contact Jean-Pierre Lerallu, general manager,

HÔTEL PLAZAATHÉNÉE PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

A beacon of storied luxury in the city of love, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has received the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage) label and the Distinction Palace . Since opening in 1911, the magical hotel has welcomed loyal Parisians, politicians and royalty. The decor is stunning and the epitome of Parisian glamour, especially the famous courtyard with its ‘Plaza-red’ parasols. There are five restaurants, but we love Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée — the cuisine is as delicious as expected from this celebrated chef, and the dining room is a sight to behold: Futuristic silver pods sit beneath crystals dripping from the ceiling. Top suite Royal Suite from $31,300 per night If you do one thing Visit the wine cellar for a tasting. Hosted by master sommelier GérardMargeon, sample some of the 35,000 bottles on offer including Grandes Marques champagnes. Contact reservations.hpa@dorchestercollection.com, +33 153 676 665, dorchestercollection.com

info@airelles.fr, +33 479 003 838, lesairelles.airellescollection.com