Its recent expansion has put the luxurious Hotel Le Bristol in a class of its own, Caroline Egan has never felt so well looked after
This legendary Parisian landmark is seriously upping the ante in the luxury hotel stakes. Its expansion last year included a new wing, the 114 Faubourg restaurant and a third Michelin star for chef Eric Frechon. Now the flagship (and original) Anne Sémonin Spa is set to triple in size. Among its haute-couture treatments is the new Parisian Top to Toe treatment, which I was eager to try.
Sémonin, now in her Eighties, was originally an apothecary and a firm believer in mixing and blending products for bespoke treatments. And the spa stays true to her methods, mixing traditional remedies (marine ingredients and essential oils) with new technology.
My therapist (or aesthetician), Fabienne, takes me to one of the three tiny treatment rooms, which are furnished with Juneda stone, whitewood and cashmere blankets.
I immediately assume the position for my 90-minute treatment, which includes a back cleanse, neck and scalp massage, facial and foot massage. Working on specific acupressure points, Fabienne pummels away (without inflicting pain) so that the tight knots in my neck and hunched shoulders start to release and I'm well on the way to full relaxation. When loud voices in the corridor threaten the serene atmosphere, Fabienne rushes out to shush the culprits. This is a first. For my facial, specially blended Anne Sémonin products - calming chamomile in my case - and gentle lymphatic drainage get to work on my congested areas.
The 90 minutes whizz by and Fabienne leaves behind a personal prescription so I can continue the good work at home, plus a tray of Mariage Frères herbal tea and mini macaroons. Now I'm addicted to Anne Sémonin products especially the Botanical Milk Cleanser and Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes (perfect to pep you up after a long-haul flight).
There's no relaxation area in the spa but until one arrives the hotel's 13,000sq ft courtyard garden (the largest in Paris) and its chic pool, designed in the shape of an antique ship, more than make up for it.
Le Bristol is renowned for its attention to detail. All rooms are individually and painstakingly decorated with handpicked pieces. Expect toile de Jouy fabrics in subtle pastels, crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets and Carrara marble bathrooms.
And its chambres are enormous by Parisian standards from its superior (320 sq ft) all the way up to the royal suites (a whopping 3,230sq ft), where Madonna herself has resided. And not even the Queen of Pop could pick fault with these heavenly (although eye-wateringly expensive) palaces, which have antique Louis XV and XVI furniture, a huge dining room, private kitchen, a hammam...
We were in the more modest terrace suite and revel in an outside space that is utterly tranquil even in the noisy environs of the French capital.
Dining is everything you'd demand from a five-star hotel. The new 93-seat 114 Faubourg is run by Eric Desbordes and the menu is authentic and seasonal. We loved the goat's cheese ravioli with mint and lemon dressing - a simple dish with a sensational taste - while the dessert was a triumph: liquorice-iced parfait, crystallised and crisp tobacco leaves with coffee cream. The oak-panelled Restaurant Gastronomique (with Eric Frechon at the helm) opens on to the wisteria-filled garden during summer. For breakfast, the apple and vanilla compote is seriously good.
And the Bristol excels on location too: positioned on the über-fashionable rue du Faubourg St Honoré and an easy walk from the Champs-Elysées. This is chic Paris at its best with enough boutiques to please the fussiest fashionista. Just remember to arm yourself with your sturdiest credit card.
112 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France (+33 1 53 43 43 00), Lebristolparis.com. Rooms from £654 a night.
