My definition of high luxury was truly met by in Paris, a classic, the Mandarin Oriental in the 1ère arrondissement.
The hotel is not brand-new, but the core values and concepts seem more contemporary than ever. The signature courtyard with camelia trees is the heart of this luxury hotel behind the Rue Saint- Honoré. Most rooms are facing this courtyard and let you escape into the greenery in the heart of busy Paris.
The more modern approach also shows in your hotel room’s wardrobe where you can find a yoga mat which is not a typical find in a city hotel. The goose-down duvets bedding is typical for the Mandarin, you sleep on a cloud and if you like on a lavish choice of pillows, for example: rose-scented goose feather perhaps, bamboo fiber, or memory foam.
Of course, the hotel has all the bling a contemporary luxury hotel has to offer, the Swarovski crystal chandelier above the concierge desk, a stunning spa with a breathtaking, silver and pearl-white space with origami flower-stitched walls and intimate spa suites for two with private steam baths.
Hair band by Hermès; Seville Trumpet sleeve blouse by Irmasworld The Label
But I am even more taken by the by how nature gets integrated in this hotel all around. The water basin in the courtyard that divides the restaurant from the bar has an illusionary effect, so it seems endless in front of the vertical garden.
My room has a balcony with a view onto camelia trees and more trees around that promise a calming aura and invite you for a tea break in your room (only the best sencha in your mini bar).
The room interior, by French designer Sybille de Margerie is contemporary with a retro touch and wall cupboards crafted in rich amaranth wood typical of 1930s Paris. American photographer Man Ray’s famous 1922 snap, The Kiss, reproduced on velvet bedheads and around the hotel add more of that Paris area.
Shower and tub give the illusion of being outdoors because of an immense wind which floods the room with defused light.
An authentic French breakfast with real homemade pastries and croissants completes the feeling that you really feel like being at the right place, especially in times like today, when travelling needs to be more than ever connected to wellbeing and nature. I am a fan!
IRMAS MUST DO’S & EXTRAS AT THE MO_PARIS
– A glass of champagne in pre chilled glasses upon arrival.
– A morning swim and Hamam before you start your day.
– Visit the herbal garden in the courtyard by the restaurant and indulge in scents of fresh oregano, Thyme and lavender, the hotel herbal garden.
– Enjoy an evening walk like the Parisians do at Les Tuilleries Jardins and sit down by the water ponds.
– Order dumplings for breakfast, they are authentically delicious.
– Ask the concierge about the latest art installations in the luxury boutiques nearby, I found Basquiat at Saint Laurent and the Louis Vuitton flag ship at the corner is more a museum than a fashion store.
– Order a shot of l’eau furieuse (furious water) – aniseed, ginger, lemon and lime juice and sparkling water, perfect for a healthy start into the day.
