Tag Archives: Relaxing

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

Informations  

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.

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Mahé

The Sunset View

The Gecko Bar

The Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa is located opposite the busy beach of Beau Vallon, North of Mahé Island (first photo of the article).

Late in the afternoon, with Lisa, my friend from Seychelles, I discover the promenade next to the beach, with many restaurants, bars … and barbecues of fresh fish! 

It’s very lively and crowded (too much people for me). I am happy to have spent most of my stay in the South of Mahé which is more preserved and quiet.

At the Gecko Bar (photo above), one of the restaurants and bars of the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a pleasant view of the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean (photo below). 

The Room

Great Bedding

The comfortable functional room has a well-equipped bathroom with separated bath, shower and toilet. Nice details: L’Occitane bath products. And a little balcony with a view of the swimming pool, where I used to rest on a sofa the afternoons.. 

The Swimming Pool

Huge And Graphic  

The largest pool in the Seychelles islands! To be honest, I didn’t have time to swim there, because I was busy to visit the different parts of Mahé. I like the tiled drawing of the flowers (photo montage above), more graphic in the evening with the lights.

Boasting a central position in the vast complex, the pool is close to the Grand Savoy restaurant, where I had breakfasts and dinner.

The Gardens

Many Shades Of Green

I really enjoy stopping on the way and stroll ing in one of those greenery oases (photo above). Luxuriant and scattered on all the resort, they offer a little freshness and privacy.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Savoy Seychelles Resort & SpaSeychelles Tourism BoardAir Seychelles

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for the lovely stay to the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles. Thanks also to Céline and Lisa. As always, these are my opinions.

French Alps, Les Arcs: Ski, Lounge & Fooding

The Village Igloo Les Arcs

When I Arrived 

at the hotel Taj-I Mah the day before, I tasted the dark siver macaroons of the Michelin Starred Chef Eric Samson (first photo of the article). This morning, I head with Lo, my gorgeous “snow BFF”, to the Village Igloo Les Arcs. 

Ten minutes walk from the hotel with an amazing blue sky! What a pleasure to walk on the footpaths of the freshly groomed empty ski slopes! I really enjoy the beginning of the ski season! No crowd, so calm!

Fairy Ice Cavern

    

Upon Entering,

I was just expecting the traditional ice bar plus few tables. What a surprise to discover an ice cavern of 150 m² too! You follow more or less narrow corridors adorned with sculptures inspired by Nordic legends.

We had the chance to meet the team of sculptors at work. You can extend the magic by spending one night in one of the two rooms (no sanitary facilities on site). You feel out of time …

    

Between Two Skiing Sessions

Lunch at l’Atelier d’Eric

During this relaxing weekend, I took my two lunch with beautiful views of the slopes at l’Atelier d’Eric (located in the hotel Taj-I Mah): each time, excellent! If you follow me on this blog, you know how much I enjoy the inventive simple light cuisine of the Chef Eric Samson. In your plate, you can recognize each flavor.

Photos below: left, first day, first lunch with tuna and Japanese mushrooms. To the right, second day: tuna and Walnut St. Jacques with a tian of vegetables. And for the two lunchs, the same Valrhona chocolate and pear dessert, I love it! 

And if you don’t know where dining, I recommend you the Diamond Noir, the gourmet restaurant of the Taj-I Mah, under the leadership of Chef Eric Samson.

The Apres-Ski at The Arc 1800

Tea time at The Lodge

We drive to the Arc 1800. Picture above: the classified buildings of the famous architect Charlotte Perriand. Then we take the cable car to Mille8, where the Lodge, a restaurant-café with modern decoration and Scandinavian influences, is located.

Here, no partying vibe like in la Folie Douce, but I immediately liked this place for the space, interior design, atmosphere and view. Thank you Lo! You feel as good inside as on the terrace. It was hard for us to leave, lol!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations

Taj-I-Mah, Les Arcs

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & BEAUTY

Many thanks to the Taj-I Mah and the Tourist Office of Les Arcs for this beautiful invitation! As always are my opinions.