Tag Archives: Luxury

Hotel EKTA in Paris Baby!

Posted on December 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

Yes, Paris is always a good idea!

A few days in Paris with my mother, I took the opportunity to plan rendezvous without having to run in any direction. We needed a hotel with a central location …

As the excellent Ekta Hotel: 60-70’s stylish sharp design by Jean-Philippe Nuel and Natasha Stojkovic. A very relaxed friendly atmosphere with a TOP team! Fantastic hospitality: we immediately felt like at home!

This little gem-hotel with 20 rooms and 5 suites (opened last spring), is ideally located in a quiet street just a minute walk from the Champs Elysees, between Etoile and George V. What could we ask for more?

Couture Spirit

We access to the lobby by the staircase inspired Chanel – rue Cambon. So chic! And I easily imagine crossing Karl, lol! On the walls, “very Courrège” fashion photos by Benjamin Deroche (photos below).

The living room

My favorite common space. Comfortably sit down in one of Pumpkins yellow sofas designed by Pierre Paulin, facing the built-in fireplace in the black and white graphic library, I take a look at a beautiful fashion book with Karl, Carine Roitfeld and so on …

I also really like the Japanese style lighting by Marset, games of mirrors and flat screens scattered in the hotel (photos above).

Other details I liked (pictures below): 1. photo on mirror in the small elevator that leads to the bedrooms and suites (read my post of our suite). 2. Hearty delicious breakfast in the lounge area and comfortable mirrors tables (3). 4. Sorry not sorry … The little black jacket, Chanel.

Informations

Hotel ETKA

What I wear: a classic black coat with my Palladium (Pampa Peleton L Zip) boots in leather. Less is more.

HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

A big thanks to all the team of the Hotel ETKA for the very warm welcome, kindness and professionalism.

Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

Posted on March 3, 2015 | Leave a comment

Long weekend in an amazing location in the Algarve,

South of Portugal: the superb Vila Vita Parc, part of The Leading Hotels of the World! Exceptional retreat to reconnect with the elements: blue for the sky and the ocean, and green for the beautiful gardens (bougainvillea, hibiscus and a thousand other trees, plants and flowers)! Bathed in an incredible brightness.

As I take a break at the spa,

I check out the “Anti-stress 50 minutes” massage done by Margarida. While I am lying on stomach, the therapist diagnostic all my old tensions and chronic contractions. She starts by getting the muscles and tissues of my back by so-called movement “Swedish massage”, more and more strong.

Then she alternates different movements: kneading, stretching, pressure, muscles friction and effleurage movements becoming stronger all over the back. At times that’s a little painful. But much less than Thai or Martine de Richeville massages!

To eliminate the pain and continue the massage

with higher pressures, Margarida applies to my back a hot wet towel twice. And my back, shoulders and arms muscles start deeply relaxing. I lightly dozed.

Change of position, I turn on the back for the foot massage with reflexology pressure and work on points related to the back and shoulders and those connected to stress, to extend the relaxation effect. When the massage is finished I’m half asleep! My upper back is much more fluid and flexible and I can again turn and tilt my head! Thank you Margarida.

An anti-fat miracle machine?

The spa has the Hypoxy, a “revolutionary” new machine for body sculpting, slimming and toning. Depending on your specific needs, the therapists of Vila Vita Vital can make you a program. From what I understand, the principle is to eliminate localized fat on the waist, stomach… (lower body) alternating high and low pressure to stimulate the circulation of blood to improve the removal of fat.

Do not dream: for great results, the Hypoxy program must be associated with a hydrocarb free diet to burn your old (buddy) fat. Forget bread, flour, potatoes, pasta, rice, and tutti quanti …! But the results may be quick, visible and lasting! Now I am convinced this machine was made for me (LOL!). If I have the opportunity to try the program, I’ll let you know about the bikini body! ; )

Informations

www.vilavitaparc.com & Vila Vita Vital

BEAUTY, HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

I was invited by the Vita Vila Parc and as always these are my opinions. Many thanks to the whole team.

Dinner at The Michelin Starred L’And Restaurant

Posted on November 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

The L’And Restaurant Successful Mix of Design, Food and Wine

The restaurant of the L’And Vineyards in Alentejo (Portugal) is a somewhat magical place “Outstanding-Nature-Resort!” I had the chance to dine with a friend and meet the Michelin starred Chef Miguel Laffan there.

As I didn’t know what to choose, I asked the chef to help me. He recommended me to take the Tasting menu with 6 dishes (yes 6 as the Number 6 in The Prisoner)! Too much for me!

The Chef tries to convince me: the portions are small. Okay let’s try the tasting menu, but only with some Pedras Salgadas, one of my favorite sparkling waters. To be honest, I like to taste wines only during a visit to a vineyard, more out of curiosity than greed.

Bon appetit!

Gourmet or not: you can’t remain indifferent to this creative cuisine that subtly combines exotic flavors and Portuguese tradition. Here in order, the photo montage (above): 1. The appetizers with the excellent Portuguese regional products: olive oil, Pata Negra, pepper salad and cheese.

2. The divine “Portugaise bouillabaisse with pan fried crayfish and oyster “croquette.” I don’t like oysters, but I found the oyster croquette delicious ! Luckily I never really look the menu! LOL!

3. “Tuna fish tataki in a mille feuilles with a red onion compote and mango chutney, radish, coriander and bergamot salad.” Should I add something? Ah yes the presentation! So important for a photographer. The food is as beautiful to see as delicious to eat.

4. “Red mullet and squid stew “açorda” with a seaweed and fennel dashi.” Awesome if you enjoy fish!

I ask the Chef Miguel Laffan what is his favorite ingredient:

He answers without hesitation: “a good company” (pictured below). And it is in good company I continue this tasting … that never ends, lol! I confess: as exceptional as are the dishes I’m not be able to eat more after the fourth dish!

On the second photo-montage (above): 1. The incredibly soft “roasted tenderloin pig from Alentejo slowly, cauliflower gratin with asparagus, peas and black pudding sausage. ” 4. The wines, including those of The And Vineyards.

The desserts: 2. “White and black chocolate tiramisu with mascarpone and pistachio cream, cherries in kirsch syrup and coffee ice cream” and 3. “Sweet carrot duet over pistachio crumble with saffron and fresh ginger foam and honey ice cream.” I’m not really a dessert person, I’m more salty than sweet, but the colorful lively presentation is an invitation to taste.

Informations

L’And Vineyards

L’And Vineyards: Minimalist Design Skysuite

L’And Vineyards: The Design Hotel Amidst Vineyards

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to the Chef Miguel Laffan and his team for this fantastic dining experience! And to the L’And Vinyards to invite my friend and I. Yes, as always these are my opinions.

Tag Archives: Luxury

Hotel EKTA in Paris Baby!

Yes, Paris is always a good idea!

Couture Spirit

The living room

Informations

Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

Long weekend in an amazing location in the Algarve,

An anti-fat miracle machine?

Informations

Dinner at The Michelin Starred L’And Restaurant

The L’And Restaurant Successful Mix of Design, Food and Wine

Bon appetit!

Informations

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