As you get ready to plan your next French connection, I spoke to Jack Ezon, the wizard of luxury travel who founded advisory Embark Beyond.
In this issue, he shares his picks for his favorite new and renovated hotels, resorts, and palaces – from Paris to the mountains and the Cote d’Azur.
1. Airelles Le Grand Controle, Versailles, France
2. JK Paris, Paris France
3. Cheval Blanc La Pinede St. Topez
4. Lilly of the Valley, La Croix Valmer, France
5. Le K2 Chogori, Val D’Isere, France
6. Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
1. Airelles Le Grand Controle, Versailles, France
The famous L’Airelles Courchevel gives the bourgeoise a chance to live like a noble in a game-changing resort situated in three wings of the actual Chateau at Versailles. With just 15 rooms, the hotel faces the L’Orangerie with an Alaine Ducasse restaurant to descend to when hunger calls. Imagine the chateau virtually to yourself when the hordes of tourists leave!
The Necker Suite
The 1,320 sq. ft. Necker Suite is the former private apartment of Jacques Necker, the finance minister and statesman who became a significant figure in the French Revolution. Serving under Louis XVI, he was arguably the most popular minister of the era. Enjoy views over the lush Orangery Garden and the Palace.
See more suites at Airelles Le Grand Controle.
2. JK Paris, Paris, France
JK brings the first ultra-luxury boutique hotel to the Left Bank. Located in the fabulous 7th Arrondissement, Michaele Bonan’s 30 sumptuously-designed rooms take this coveted area of Paris to whole other level.
Set in a former embassy, the JK is literally across the river from Place de la Concorde and steps from the Musee d’Orsay. Located on the corner of Saint Germain, the property will feature a Sisley spa and pool, an Italian eatery by Casa Tua, and unique accommodations with Italian and French design influences. Think Italian-chic fused with Parisian elegance.
Signature Suite
The 970 sq. ft. Signature Suite features a king-size bed with a separate lounge.
Refined, sought-after furnishings and objects set the tone. It features a large and unique walk-in dressing room, elegant wooden floors, and fine, carefully-sourced artwork. A sense of charm and a homey feeling is provided by the two fireplaces – one in the bedroom and one in the enormous bathroom – made entirely of Italian marble .
More suites at JK Place Paris.
3. Cheval Blanc La Pinede St. Tropez
This front-and-center iconic resort in St. Tropez was transformed into a stunning Cheval Blanc right before the pandemic and certainly will be the place to see and be seen in this glamorous seaside playground. Redone rooms and public spaces will be fitted with to-die-for LVMH-designed amenities, at the level of sister Cheval Blanc resorts. It’s the only luxury hotel near the center of town on the water.
Duplex Pineda Suite
A tribute to La Pinède, the 970 sq. ft. Duplex Pinède Suite offers a residential experience over two stories. On the first floor, the bedroom exudes an elegant ambiance in a palette of blue and cream with works by artist Roger Capron. The bedroom hosts a vanity area with a private terrace equipped with a dining table and sun loungers, a separate dressing room, and a bright bathroom with a bathtub, walk-in shower, and separate toilet.
On the second floor, the living area unveils panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez, opening onto a terrace with a dining area fitted with a table and chairs to enjoy the ballet of sailboats and the village view. There’s also an option connecting to a Pool View Junior Suite, making it ideal for families and friends traveling together.
More suites at Cheval Blanc.
4. Lily of the Valley, La Croix Valmer, France
Just outside St. Tropez, this intimate 38-room resort is a welcoming oasis in a local town just 20 minutes from the bustle. The Philippe Starck-designed resort is the perfect place to detox with its 20,000 sq. ft. spa after reveling in the nightlife of the Cote d’Azur.
The Villa Pool Suite
The 2,300 sq. ft. Villa Pool Suite is perfect for families or friends. The large dining room provides a space where you can enjoy conversation and conviviality before moving on to the terrace for more. The two bedrooms include their own shower rooms and walk-in closets. The master bedroom opens onto a luxurious terrace with views of the Mediterranean. The perfect choice for those seeking privacy, the Villa Pool Suite sits in the center of a large private garden with a pool.
More suites at Lilly of the Valley.
5. Le K2 Chogori, Val D’Isere, France
The conservative French ski resort gets a spark of sexiness with the famed Courchevel resort’s new chic outpost fusing French and Tibetan design, wellness, and cuisine. Choose from stunning apartments and suites.
Chogori Suite
The 960 sq. ft. Chogori Suite includes a living room, dining area, and bathroom with a double sink, bath and shower, in addition to a separate WC. From your balcony, you can enjoy views of the village and the church of Val d’Isère.
See more suites at Le K2 Chogori.
6. Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
Named after the long-time general manager of L’Airelles Courchevel, the Mademoiselles bring a new level of luxury to Val d’Isere. The town is the French equivalent of Jackson Hole, thanks to its intense ski experience and its understated luxury. While the property’s stone and wood-towered building blends into the architecture of this ski town, its interiors are anything but standard. With just 41 rooms and five private apartments, the Mademoiselles has a Guerlain Spa with a swimming pool, an exceptional children’s kingdom, a cozy ski lounge with direct access to the slopes, and a sun terrace that is sure to be the place to see and be seen on the majestic peaks of the Vanoise massif.
Apartment Montmayeur
On the fifth and top floor sits the 2,200 sq. ft. Apartment Montmayeur. From its balcony, the snow-capped Alpine peaks and the Bellevarde slope feel as if they are a touching distance away. There are four bedrooms, each with private bathrooms and shower-hammam.
More suites at Airelles Mademoiselles.
