Monday, March 24, 2014

Gail in France & Switzerland



Travel Advisor Gail Gilleland just got back from visiting some beautiful hotels in France and Switzerland with her charming hosts Jean Pierre Jonqua and his son Bernard of Creative Destinations. Their collection includes unique properties in some of the world's most beautiful settings. Starting in the south of France and winding her way north, here is a recap of the properties Gail visited.


Hyatt Regency – Nice, France
  • Virtuoso property 
  • Lovely outdoor bar 
  • Great for arrivals or departures in and out of Nice 
  • Highly recommend the renovated sea view rooms over the city view rooms

Chateau de la Chevre D’or – Eze Village, France
  • Relais and Chateau property
  • Stunning setting as the ancient village clings to the cliffs
  • Most rooms face the sea and are actually former villager’s homes that were purchased by the property making each room very unique.
  • Amazing food
Chateau Eza – Eze Village, France
  • Right next door to Chateau de la Chevre D’or
  • Small Luxury Hotel property
  • Only 12 rooms
  •  It has a wonderful sense of place
  • The former home of the Swedish royal family – antiques abound
  • Michelin Star restaurant
  
Cap Estel – Eze, France
  • On one of the lower roads between Nice and Monte Carlo
  • Set on a peninsula facing the sea
  • Rooms are stunning and some suites can connect
  • The spa is set against the cliffs and the spa pool looks over crashing waves – gorgeous!
  •  Extremely popular – book early! 
Oustau De Baumaniere & Spa – Les Baux-de-Provence, France
  • Relais and Chateau property
  • One of the most famous restaurants and hotels in France
  • Historic building converted into a hotel in a medieval village
  • Gorgeous swimming pools
  • Wine cellar with over 50,000 bottles
  • Extremely popular – book early!

La Cabro d’Dor – Les Baux-de-Provence, France
  • Sister property to Oustau De Baumaniere & Spa
  • Relais and Chateau property
  • Michelin star restaurant that has a rustic and casual atmosphere
  • The hotel was originally a historic farmhouse. 
  • Extremely popular – book early!

La Reserve – Geneva, Switzerland
  • Leading Hotels of the World property
  • Known for its signature spa with all-encompassing health and wellness programs
  • There is a bar lounge on property with dancing and a dj
  • In the winter the pool is turned into an ice skating rink
  • 5 restaurants on property
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L’Alpaga – Megève, France
  • Megève is one of the most chic ski towns in France
  • This new hotel has 27 rooms and multi room chalets with stunning views of Mt Blanc
  • 5 minute carriage ride into the heart of the village
  • This hotel has a comfortable gastronomic restaurant with focus on local products. The chef studied under Michael Mina.

Bernard Loiseau – Saulieu, France
  •  Relais & Chateau property
  • Country house style hotel 
  • 3 star Michelin restaurant (one of the top in the country)
  • Located in a small village
  • Beautiful gardens - even in December
  • Many wineries are in this area making this is a perfect spot for food and wine lovers.

La Reserve – Paris, France
  • New, intimate luxury apartment hotel with 10 units
  • Faces the Eiffel Tower
  • In a lively neighborhood of Paris with lots of restaurants nearby
  • Simple and tasteful design

Our travel advisors would love to help you create your own tour of France and Switzerland by combining your favorite Creative Destination hotels. For more information or to book your trip please contact Gail Gilleland at gail@sanderstravel.com or your Sanders Travel Centre travel advisor.