Elite Traveler January-February 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 HOTELS EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2018 63

LE ROYALMONCEAU, RAFFLES PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

HÔTEL PLAZAATHÉNÉE PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

With its own art gallery and a 99-seat cinema, Le Royal Monceau isn’t like most hotels. Here, the focus falls on the Parisian arts — it even has an art concierge who can provide tours of the hotel’s private collection and beyond. The historic palace hotel was recently redesigned by Philippe Starck, so each room combines original 1920s features with cutting-edge design. This is also one of the few hotels with a Spa My Blend by Clarins, offering a Turkish bath among its many pleasures. With restaurants directed by executive chef Rémi Van Peteghem and pastry chef Pierre Hermé, though, it’s no wonder that culinary experiences prove to be the highlight for many guests, whether they dine at Matsuhisa Paris or II Carpaccio. Raffles Presidential Suite from$29,300 per night. Contact Aaron Kaupp, general manager, generalmanager.paris@raffles.com, +33 142 999 858, leroyalmonceau.com

Home to the largest suite in Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris combines Louis XVI– inspired decor with sumptuous luxury and modern amenities to create a comfortable and chic property in the heart of the City of Light. Much of the hotel offers views of the Eiffel Tower, and for romantic occasions there is no better place for an evening under the stars than the balcony of the Royal Suite. In keeping with its position in one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, the hotel has five restaurants on site. The three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée is modern and bright, designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku having created a dining room full of soft curves, rich fabrics and stainless steel. Royal Suite from$31,300 per night. Contact reservations.hpa@dorchestercollection. com, +33 153 676 665, dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee

RITZ PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

CAP ESTEL ÈZE, FRANCE

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

A beloved haunt of Audrey Hepburn, F Scott Fitzgerald andMaria Callas, the Ritz Paris is synonymous with glamour. First opened in 1898 by César Ritz, the hotel names its rooms and suites after memorable guests. Despite a four-year (and $450m) makeover, completed in 2016, the Ritz stays true to its roots by preserving period furniture and paintings, and the Belle Époque decor and understated French accents all contribute to the elegance of this legendary hotel. Coco Chanel famously lived here for 34 years, so it’s only right that the Ritz Paris is home to the world’s first Chanel spa, offering a “unique and customized sensory experience” focused on fragrance, makeup and skin care. Suite Impériale from$21,000 per night. Contact Christian Boyens, general manager, reservations@ ritzparis.com, +33 143 163 070, ritzparis.com

If you’re looking for privacy on the French Riviera, Cap Estel is the place for you. Set on a private headland stretching into the calm waters of the Mediterranean, Cap Estel encompasses four accommodation areas: The Cape, the luxurious main mansion; The Sea, with ocean views and easy beach access; the recently renovated The Gardens; and The Park, with a private balcony. Enjoy a game of pétanque before settling in for an evening meal courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Patrick Raingeard, followed by a twilight stroll through the property’s beautiful gardens as the waves gently lull you into a state of relaxed bliss. La Suite 110 from$7,000 per night. Contact Jihane Riahi, sales and events executive, reservation@ capestel.com, +33 493 762 929, capestel.com

This year marks the 110th year that this palatial mansion, set amid 17 acres of exquisitely manicured gardens, has been open. The stunning views of the Côte d’Azur evoke an unparalleled joie de vivre and have attracted a host of royalty and celebrities over the years, most notably Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. Oenophiles will delight in the Salon des Collections, an extensive wine cellar housing over 600 labels for you to explore, and you can even host private dinner parties in this exclusive space. Villa Rose-Pierre from$8,300 per night. Contact Christiane Grun, head concierge, concierge.capferrat@ fourseasons.com, +33 493 765 050, fourseasons.com/capferrat

Photos Pierre Monetta, Bruno Preschesmisky