Hotel Grands Boulevards

I’m always on the lookout for new boutique hotels, particularly when we travel, but even in Paris. Especially if the hotel is designed by Dorothée Meilichzon. Just one month ago l’Hôtel des Grands Boulevards opened it’s doors in the heart of the city, in a space that once housed a cinema before becoming a bourgeois residence. Nestled between the historic Bourse and trendy Sentier neighborhoods, with the energy of Strasbourg Saint-Denis just steps away, this masterpiece by the Experimental Group merits dinner, drinks and an overnight.

Taking the elevator up to the fourth floor, we settled into one of the fifty rooms, a spacious design haven reminiscent of a chic Parisian apartment. The art deco bed exhibited a regal canopy amid natural elements, including exposed wood beams. The plush feather bed was fit for a queen, Marie Antoinette to be exact. She would have approved of the bathroom too.

Throughout the hotel, Dorothée Meilichzon kept the building’s history intact, including select elements from Louis XVI’s era. What a clever use of vegetation, trellises, gates and a fountain to evoke a rustic atmosphere reminiscent of the 18th century balanced with the splendor of the “Grand Siècle”.

We eagerly dined at the Grand Restaurant, a collaboration with celebrated chef Giovanni Passerini, set within a covered courtyard. Scoring seats at the bar, we feasted on a menu of French-Italian country classics including steak tartar with hazelnuts and smoked ricotta, and homemade gnocchi with lamb stew.  Délicieuse! (The following morning’s gourmet breakfast of homemade granola and seasonal jams was also remarkable.)


The restaurant’s bathroom revealed an inviting mélange of tiles and wallpaper, creating a world of its own.

I had my eye on the dimly lit cocktail bar, featuring creative libations based on their strength, with or without spirits. Having opened Experimental Cocktail Club in 2007, they are known for their cocktails, after all.

I’m already looking forward to returning to Hotel Grands Boulevards, a calm design haven in the heart of Paris.

Paris Picks : Hammams

Winter in Paris alternates between skies of freezing blues, rainy grays and occasional scenes of snowy white. Where better to warm up than in a hammam? A centuries old tradition stemming from France’s former North African colonies, a luxurious Parisian hammam will transport you into another world, one of rejuvenation and bliss. Splurge on the full treatment which includes a scrubbing, or gommage to deep clean your body, followed by an exfoliating facial or relaxing massage. An hour or two of lounging in the soothing heat of the hammam will awaken all your senses. Where are the top spots this side of Morocco?

Immediately upon entering this sensory haven, you leave all your worries behind. Reminiscent of the splendor of this east, with ceilings adorned in ancient lanterns and floors composed of Moroccan mosaics, no detail is spared in this living hymn to oriental beauty. The central Paris location boasts a 200m2 hammam including sauna and pool, while in Boulogne the space is even more ample. Translated to ‘a hundred skies’, a luxurious gommage and massage at Les Cent Ciels will leave you feeling like you’re a celestial being. This sensation is captured in their own custom fragrance. In case you venture beyond Paris, the same heavenly experience can be found in Strasbourg, Lille and soon, Bordeaux.

Hammam Les Cent Ciels Paris // 7 rue de Nemours, 75011 // +33 (0)1 55 28 95 75
Hammam Les Cent Ciels Boulogne-Billancourt // 45bis Avenue Edouard Vaillant, 92100 // +33 (0)1 46 20 07 01

Parisienne with Algerian roots, Karima views the hammam as an art of living, a ritual dedicated to the harmony and beauty of the body. She opened O’Kari to share the traditions she grew up with, combining her family heritage with modern luxuries. It’s clear that once you enter Karima’s world, set within a stunning Parisian courtyard, your well-being is her only interest. You’ll quickly discover this as she advises you on exactly the right treatment for your bien–être. What better urban escape than an afternoon spent relaxing in the steam room and soaking in the hot tub? With essential oils imported from the famous Mitidja distillery in Algiers, don’t leave without a luxurious massage.

O’Kari // 22 rue Dussoubs, 75002 // +33 (0)1 42 36 94 66 // women only

Once only frequented by Moroccan royalty, this clandestine hammam and spa located in the heart of Paris opened to the public in 2004. Before the recent creation of a website, it was discovered solely through word of mouth, or perhaps by happy accident. Within this intimate space filled with traditional music floating through the eucalyptus and orange blossom scented air, prepare for a treatment using only natural ingredients, made on premises. I recommend an exfoliating facial using cinnamon, honey and sugar, followed by a sesame and honey mask. You’ll look as good as it tastes! It’s no wonder this address was kept a secret for so long.

Aux Bains Montorgeuil // 55 rue Montorgeuil, 75002 // +33 (0)1 44 88 01 78

For my favorite Paris spas, have a look here.

 

36 Hours in Antwerp

Recently I took a trip to Antwerp, a city I had never properly visited. A quick stop for chocolate en route from Holland many years ago doesn’t really count, does it? I hadn’t been back to Belgium since our weekend in Bruges and was curious to discover this city dating back to the Middle Ages that I knew little about. So many gems to share in food and fashion, in addition to the diamonds Antwerp is famous for.

SLEEP : Minutes away from Antwerp’s Central Station, a stunning architectural marvel that some consider the most beautiful train station in the world, sits Hotel Indigo, the ideal refuge in the center of the city.

EAT : Aside from moules-frites (mussels with fries) and waffles, Belgium is not known for its food. I did however, discover a few restaurants worth sharing. Historically a horse stable, De Peerdestal is a charming spot for good meat and fish. For a French meal in grand style with a side of live piano music, head to Bourla. Here I tasted classic chicken fricassee coupled with local Belgian beer, of course. As for the Belgian specialty of chocolate, my favorite shop is Mary, dating back to 1919.

DRINK : Stocking the largest supply of coffee beans in the world, you’ll definitely find a good brew. My favorite, and where they roast their own beans, is Normo. For coffee, cake or a stellar sandwich, head to Cafématic.

DO : Antwerp boasts one of the oldest and most impressive animal parks in the world. Over 5,000 animals of 950 different species, including polar bears and Siberian tigers, are cared for at the Antwerp Zoo. For an art fix, head to 17th-century Rubens House, filled with masterpieces by Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. If music is your passion, book a performance at the Antwerp Concert Hall (Stadt Schouwburg), decorated with statues of the world’s greatest composers and musicians.

SHOP : The Antwerp Six, including Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester, put this city on the fashion map in the 1980’s. To pick up wares from these Belgian greats as well as new and established Scandinavian and international designers, head directly to consignment shop Rosier 41. To discover local and artisanal designers, Superet is the spot. A top gift shop carrying unique home accessories and handmade jewelry is Mme Bovary.

EXTRA : One last stop during your visit to Antwerp is design centric Graanmarkt 13, a restaurant, concept shop and apartment, all in one.

With Love from Paris

Paris, the city of love, undoubtedly one of the most romantic in the world. And who better to enjoy it with than yourself? My first visit to Paris, before my life of love in the city of lights, was as a solo traveler. In a matter of moments, I was smitten! Even after eight years as a Paris local, I still take time to walk around my favorite neighborhoods, those less known to tourists, to sit at cafes and read or watch the Parisian world go by, and to take in the beauty of this enchanting city. Join me for a little walk in the snow, starting at Canal Saint Martin…

Next stop to nearby Place de la République where Marianne stands tall for Liberté, Égalité and Fraternité.

One of the most charming neighborhoods in the right bank is the Haut Marais, filled with treasures galore, one of them being chocolate shop Jacques Genin. His chocolat chaud is heavenly!

Head over to the Marché des Enfants Rouges and pick up a bouquet of the most stunning seasonal blooms.

With plenty of cafés lining the streets, stop by for a moment to read or reflect, with a side of people watching.

Take a walk around the neighborhood and become enchanted with all the nuances that are so typically Parisian, and pop into the Picasso Museum for a date with art.

Follow the cobbled paths until you reach regal square Place des Vosges, once home to the French royalty.

Are you smitten yet? Here’s my video tour through a few of my favorite romantic spots. With love from Paris!

Blog post and video sponsored by Flybe, Europe’s largest independent regional airline.

The Art of High Tea

Most of my artful afternoons in London alternate between the Tate Modern with Rothko and Picasso and the Tate Britain with my all-time favorite Paul Klee. A few weeks ago I jumped aboard Eurostar, this time headed to the Rosewood London hotel to indulge in another form of art, the edible kind.

Was I entering the home of a nobleman, I wondered as I strode through the regal wrought iron gates into the lobby of this eclectic hotel where behind every detail was a story waiting to be told.

With my tea date in tow, we were led to the Mirror Room, elegantly clad in neutral tones with welcoming pops of orange and yellow. The ceiling and select walls boasted a patchwork of mirrors. The room itself, much like the rest of the hotel, exuded art.

Rosewood London’s ‘Art Afternoon Tea’ began just over a year ago and we eagerly awaited the second batch of creations by Executive Chef Mark Perkins. I scanned the menu for a look at the latest inspirations and was pleased to be familiar with most of the artists. The curated selection included Banksy, Jeff Koons, Jackson Pollock, Wassily Kandinsky and Hubert Le Gall.

Following a glass of one the finest French bubbles, I was pleased to discover that gourmet tea brand Mariage Frères (again, French) was their tea of choice. I settled for a chai with hints of vanilla and began the feast, finger sandwiches first. British High Tea had to of course include freshly baked scones, and these were paired with clotted cream and lemon curd. Heavenly!

And now for the petit fours. Each delicate creation was a masterpiece in itself, revealing a depth of flavors almost as intricate as the artworks they inspired. As we cut into these hand-crafted confections, I felt a little guilt at the destruction, but it passed with each sweet inhale. Anyway, isn’t art meant to be devoured? I’ll be back in April for the next curation featuring an artist yet to be revealed.

As for Paris, favorite high teas include The Four Seasons and Le Meurice, both an experience in indulgence!

Rising Waters

As anyone who has been in Paris lately knows, we’ve been experiencing London’s many shades of gray and more rainy days than usual. Gray doesn’t necessarily look bad on Paris (it’s winter after all) but it’s the rain that’s problematic. Apparently this is the wettest winter since 1952! And the high waters, reminiscent of 2016, are causing all sorts of complications in the French capital. Some of those living close to the river have had to evacuate, many bridges are closed to cars, certain underground trains aren’t running, boat tours have ceased, and even part of the famed Louvre is shut. Thankfully, tourists will be happy to know THATMuse is still running!


I hadn’t realized the severity of the flooding until I took a walk along the Seine and our usual picnic spot wasn’t even visible. All the paths along the river are in fact flooded, shocking! What’s more, the rains aren’t over yet.

When I was contacted by NBC to speak about the impact of the current flooding on work and tourism, I knew it was dire. Here’s the clip of the Today Show from Saturday morning January 27th.

This lamp post on the picturesque Île Saint-Louis is probably one of the most photographed shots from this year’s flood, and where so many have previously taken photos, myself included. Here’s hoping the rains cease and the waters recede tout de suite! I’ll keep you posted via Instagram…

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