Tag Archives: Luxury

My Beauty Routine in Japan

A Cologne in Tokyo

I like to associate a fragrance with a trip. So for my last trip to Japan, I took with me one of the Hermès latest creations, the Eau de Citron Noir created by the nose Christine Nagel. I was immediately intrigued, because I love citrus scents (like yuzu, grapefruit and lemon) and I’m huge fane of Le Jardin de Mr. Li of Hermès.

“Citrus caviar, Buddha’s hand citrus, Eureka lemon …So many original lemons have challenged me, but it is the black lemon, so smoky, so racy, which finally became the one” explains Christine Nagel. Lemon is a lime put in brine and then dried, hence its brown color. Iran’s black lemon is a traditional condiment of Persian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Present in many dishes, its scent is rich with fresh and powerful notes of traditional lemon, but also sweeter.

During this trip I was a lot outdoors. And I especially wore this Cologne at night. I found it both light and a little “dense” without being ostentatious. Perfect for dining in an intimate place. This unisex fragrance has a beautiful dark blue glass bottle. Simple and so chic! 

  

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The Skin Cares

While Traveling,

I try to take only essential: multifunctional nomadic products focused mainly hydration.

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On the photo above taken at Hakone Suishoen (near Fuji san): the awesome Decléor Aroma Cleanse 3-in-1 Hydra Radiance Cleasing Mousse with Neroli essential oil. I mainly use this delicate melty cream that effectively and smoothly cleanses (including sunscreen) at night. It rinses with water. Surprinsingly, my sensitive skin had no problem with the Neroli essential oil.

In the morning, Uriage’s Light Water Cream SPF20 is refreshing (yes!), antipollution and very pleasant when my combination skin overheats. Light enough to then apply sunscreen without gleaming like a sardine. I alternate with the excellent Uriage’s Fluide HYSÉAC SPF50+ (photo 2 below). As a day serum with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Moreover it gave me very much want to test other products of The Ordinary and Deciem (to follow …).  

In the evening, after cleansing my skin and using an essence, I apply a thick layer of Qiriness Wrap d’Eau Baume Extreme Moisture Balm, a velvety gel-cream texture mask with algae, plants, watermelon, white flowers and lipids. Very very fresh (thanks to its gel texture) and super moisturizing. I go to bed without rinsing and the next day, using a damp cotton I remove the excess product. My skin is plumped and bright, ready to welcome the care of the day.   

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Dans l’avion

  

Sheet maks, yes please!

As any self-respecting beautista (lol!), I took a slew of face, eye, hand and leg sheet masks for my long flights back and forth between Brussels and Japan. And my favorites are: Qiriness Wrap Yeux Hyal-Eclat Eyes Radiant Eye Patches including vitamin B3, gold, caffeine, green tea, hyaluronic acid, rooibos and Aloe Vera (for the best known ingredients). In short, a dressing for my dark circles!

I also really like the Qiriness Wrap Mains Hydra-Repair Masque Soft & Smooth Hand Mask with (among other ingredients): Hyaluronic Acid, Macadamia Oil Nut and Shea Butter, Grapefruit, Honey and Vitamin E (pictured above). As I wash my hands very often, they are super dry. This mask soothes and nourishes them deeply. They look better and feel more comfortable!

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Related posts : Beauty & Destinations

Japan: The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

A View To Fuji San

Our Second Stop in Hakone

We arrive at the very exclusive Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, near Hakone, in the middle of the day, after many adventures on the road (we lost ourselves several times! Lol). This small establishment of 11 gestrooms with a modern architecture, is a real art museum.

In a refine decoration with many elements from Italy, I discover paintings, draws and serigraphs numbered of Japanese and Western masters (Kataoka Tamako, Chagal, Buffet, Miro …). The owner of Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts, a fine art collector wanted this hotel to be dedicated to gastronomy and farniente.

Here, no long list of activities: our private onsen with water from either Ubako spring or Owakudani spring (both having beneficial effects on the skin) is in the center of our large bathroom / terrace overlooking Fuji San. Early morning, the view is stunning (photo above taken from our room). A feeling of euphoria floats in the air …

  

Beauty is Everywhere

The elegant suite-sized room is a haven of “luxury, calm and pleasure” (Beaudelaire). For a better soundproofing, in front of each room, a private glass corridor and carpet insulate noise (7th picture below).

And if like us, you are fond of beauty and space, this bathroom is a dream! I don’t leave my onsen anymore, staring at the top of the trees, Fuji San and the horizon (photo above). 

I also liked the sliding panels that allow you to modulate the space and hide things like TV. The wide and leather sofa design is a monster of comfort. I don’t even talk about bedding! Everything, every detail is perfect!

     

The Gourmet Restaurant

  

The Dinner

On the two photos above: the view from our room of the garden at night and in the background, the silhouette of Fuji San. Picture below: the stretch of water seen from the main hall of the restaurant. The cuisine of chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi is as captivating to see as to taste. 

At dinner, the plates looks like paintings. The pleasure of sight associated with that of taste, with an exciting experience of flavors and textures, colors and shapes. Rarely, I have seen such beautiful and good dishes. For example: on the second and third picture photo below, the “Spaghetti puttanesca with marinated abalone“. In fact, the chef specialized in Italian cuisine, recommends mixing spaghetti with the whipped white sauce. It’s divine, so inexpected, top!

I will be able to list all dishes served, with my lean culinary vocabulary (I am not a food critic). But I just want to add that Chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi’s cooking is art. His cuisine is hedonistic, generous and cheerful. 

Like the chef, his cuisine excels without pretension. As just as all the people who work in this hotel. The service is amazing and very warm. Domo arigato gosaimasu to all the (last picture)!

    

The Breakfast

  

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, for this beautiful and warm invitation. As always theses are my opnions.

Casa da Cisterna, Portugal

Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Heritage Village

Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

It’s Time To Hit The Road Again, Miss!

Last March, I was invited in Switzerland, to a conference about a luxury travel (a post soon). The first topic was to define today luxury: we all agree to define it by experience and service. And Casa da Cisterna is a perfect mix of these two concepts!

During my trip to the Center of Portugal, I had a real crush on this little gem nestled in the castle of Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval village overlooking a wide plain. Olympian calm and a view to die for! To open a book and curl up in a hammock.

Speaking of experience, Ana Berliner, the charming owner of Casa da Cisterna and her great team have prepared a surprise: a wilderness dinner atop a mountain overlooking Spain. Simple and elegant: one of the best memories of my stay in the Center!

Portugal-Center of Portugal-Castelo Rodrigo-Casa da Cisterna-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

My Room

Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-2A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Intimate

The more I travel, fewer places where instantly, I feel really good! Beyond the decor, it is first a question of energy, space and light. Upon entering my room, I had this reassuring diffused sensation of clarity, sharpness and sweetness.

Each room is decorated differently. The facilities are new, with separate shower and toilet, and the bedding is impeccable. In a weekend, I removed 15 days of insomnia :)) Photo below: the golden morning light and breakfast on the terrace. I never tire of the view!

Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K             Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-7-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Portugal-Center of Portugal-Casa da Cisterna-Castelo Rodrigo-Luxury Guest House-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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Visit PortugalTCP/ARPT Centro de Portugal, TAPA2Z AdventuresHistorical Villages

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Portugal, TCP/ARPT Centro de Portugal and TAP. Many thanks to Ana Berliner and the lovely team of Casa Cisterna. As always these are my opinions.