An unforgettable experience at The Peninsula London
Located in Belgravia, between Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, this internationally renowned establishment can be held up as the epitome of refinement. A perfect blend of modernity and tradition, the hotel sets out to offer its guests an exceptional experience, one characterised by stylish design, impeccable service and top-flight gastronomy.
On arrival, one cannot fail to be pleasantly struck by the understated, elegant architecture that has become the hallmark of The Peninsula London. Designed by Hopkins Architects, it fits like a glove into surrounding Belgravia, a neighbourhood famous for its cobbled streets and graceful residences. Its contemporary design, featuring clean lines and noble materials, marries perfectly with the surrounding listed buildings, providing a modern setting while respecting the architectural heritage. The paved forecourt, surrounded by an inner courtyard designed by Enzo Enea, is an invitation to leave all your worries behind and embrace the serene vibe. In the centre of this space, 120-year-old Japanese maples, among the oldest in Europe, create a calm and refined atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This attention to detail and to the immediate environment is not just driven by aesthetics but offers visitors a truly sensory experience. The hotel’s gastronomic offering is on a par with its ambitions. With no fewer than six restaurants, bars and lounges, The Peninsula London offers a variety of culinary experiences to satisfy even the most demanding palates. The Lobby, where the traditional Afternoon Tea is served, invites guests to enjoy a moment of relaxation under majestic ceilings while listening to live music. Canton Blue, a Chinese restaurant, showcases a delicate marriage of Asian and British cuisines, illustrating London’s history as a crossroads of cultures. The hotel’s real gastronomic gem, however, is probably to be found on its rooftop: Brooklands, a restaurant boasting exceptional panoramic views, with Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi at its helm. In a setting inspired by the history of British aviation and motor sport, guests can savour contemporary cuisine, while enjoying breathtaking views of the capital.
Architect Peter Marino, whose reputation for genteel elegance precedes him, designed the 190 rooms and suites to be both modern and timeless. The mahogany wood of the dressing rooms and the honey-coloured onyx sandstone of the bathrooms add a touch of subtle luxury. Each room features large bay windows offering spectacular views of the park, adjacent streets or of Wellington Arch. Whether you’re visiting for a break or looking for a unique venue to host an event, The Peninsula London holds the promise of uncompromising luxury.
Long weekend in Florence: a luxury getaway at the Four Seasons
Florence, the Tuscan capital, is one of the jewels in Italy’s crown, a city where history, art and culture converge harmoniously. If you’re looking to discover this magnificent city over a long weekend, look no further… the Four Seasons Hotel Florence is undoubtedly the ideal place to put down your bags. Nestled in the heart of the city, this 5-star hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
Florence’s artistic wealth and architectural heritage are two of its main attractions. The city is brimming over with prestigious museums, including the famous Uffizi Gallery, where works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci stand side by side. The Duomo, with its majestic dome designed by Brunelleschi, is another must-see. If a romantic walk through the atmospheric streets is more your thing, then make a beeline for the Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge lined with artisan stores.
The Four Seasons Florence, just a stone’s throw from these cultural treasures, offers a unique setting to sit back and relax after a day of exploring. Housed in a sumptuous Renaissance palace, the hotel boasts spacious, elegantly decorated rooms and a breathtaking view of its Italian gardens. The discreet luxury of this establishment allows you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city, making it an ideal place to recharge your batteries.
The hotel also takes pride in its sumptuous spa and wellness facilities. After a day of sightseeing, nothing quite beats pampering yourself with a massage or relaxing in the indoor pool. The hotel’s Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant is another reason to choose the Four Seasons. The cuisine is refined and plates up a first-rate gastronomic experience, taking local products to new heights in a snug atmosphere.
The Four Seasons Florence is more than just a place to stay. It is a brush with perfection that immerses guests in Florentine culture while plunging them into unparalleled comfort. For art lovers, the hotel organises private museum tours and personalised experiences that make it possible to discover the city from a unique angle.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, an epicurean or simply in search of some time-out, this iconic hotel will win you over with its charm and treat you to the city break of your dreams.
Ideally situated in the Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy is in the heart of Florence, a perfect location for exploring the city. Just steps from the Colonna dell’Abbondanza, which marks the centre of the city, this prestigious hotel is close by to the best gems in Florence, between the majestic Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Uffizi Galleries, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. Having been recently renovated, Hotel Savoy unveils a unique atmosphere where Italian elegance intertwines with historic and contemporary influences. Each of the 80 rooms and luxury suites have been carefully redesigned to offer a refined experience that is authentic to Florence. The vision of the design director, Olga Polizzi, has enhanced Italy’s timeless elegance by combining elements from the Renaissance with modern touches. This extraordinary project was elevated by collaborating with the Florentine fashion house Emilio Pucci, bringing an air of style and sophistication to each corner of the hotel. Laudomia Pucci, the brand’s image director, worked with Olga Polizzi to create spaces that bring together Florentine heritage and modernity, making each suite vibrant with unrivalled elegance. The hotel’s entrance and foyer, true testimonies to the original grandeur of the venue, showcase a five-metre-high corniced ceiling and two majestic reception desks decorated with caryatids representing the four seasons, and the fleur-de-lys, the symbol of Florence. The space, both fluid and luminous, lights up with colourful touches, Pucci accents, works by Luca Pignatelli and exclusive design elements, such as pieces signed by the Chelini Firenze atelier. The ambiance is quintessentially Italian, both contemporary and full of character. The rooms and suites, which have been completely revamped and extended, offer a spacious and refined luxury experience. The Suites, which have unobstructed views of the Piazza della Repubblica, draw inspiration from Florence’s nature with a floral and forest theme, enhanced by lush green wallpaper. Each suite evokes one of the seasons through the classic Putti Quattro Stagioni sculptures, created by the Florentine ceramicist Ceccarelli. Dominated by a palette of soft greens, these suites offer their guests a real fairytale experience. Hotel Savoy is not just a hotel, but a total immersion into the soul of Florence.
La Réserve Paris: discreet elegance close to the Élysée Palace
In the genteel surroundings of Avenue Gabriel, between the secret gardens of the Elysée Palace and the shimmering shop windows of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, La Réserve Paris is a hotel that embodies a vision of luxury that is in short supply: discreet, refined and resolutely Parisian. In a part of the city where the great fashion houses rub shoulders with the institutions of the French Republic, the address appeals as much to fashion lovers as to lovers of a certain way of life. Behind the Haussmannian facade of this five-star find, the decorator Jacques Garcia has composed a symphony of velvet, precious woodwork and carefully selected works of art. Each lounge and each suite evokes the hushed atmosphere of 19th-century mansions, with a contemporary touch that avoids pastiche. Here, damask hangings mingle with works of art, and the subdued lighting accentuates the gold decoration without ever being “too much”. La Réserve is more than a hotel, it is an urban retreat for demanding aesthetes. With only 40 rooms, the address cultivates a sense of exclusivity that is rare in Paris. Some suites even offer a breathtaking view of the Grand Palais or the rooftops of the capital. As for the service, it combines the traditional art of hospitality with modernity, perfectly illustrated by the person butler assigned to each room. The experience continues at Gabriel, the two-star Michelin restaurant. At the helm, chef Jérôme Banctel creates remarkably precise French cuisine that is both inventive and rooted in tradition. In a refined setting that is an extension of the elegance of the hotel, each dish is an ode to seasonality and the excellence of the products. To complete this luxurious interlude, the spa is an irresistible invitation to pamper your body and mind. In a hushed and mineral atmosphere, it houses a magnificent 16-meter indoor swimming pool – a rare privilege in the heart of Paris – as well as several treatment rooms by Nescens, the Swiss brand specialising in the science of aging well. Tailor-made massages, anti-aging treatments and relaxation rituals are provided with expertise worthy of the best wellness clinics, in an intimate setting where absolute calm reigns supreme. Just a few steps from the Hermès, Chanel and Dior boutiques, La Réserve offers total immersion in a discreet, elegant Paris, capturing the soul of the city of light.
