Latest news with #RitzParis
Vogue
3 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Ritz Club & Spa
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? The Ritz Paris needs little introduction: It's one of the most iconic hotels in the world, with everyone from Coco Chanel to Marcel Proust to Kim Kardashian having walked through the famous revolving doors on the Place Vendôme and spent the night in one of its silk-canopied beds. (Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the Ritz has also served as the backdrop for multiple Vogue shoots over the decades.) But the Ritz Club & Spa is its hidden secret: Tucked away on the rear side of the building, it's a subterranean wellness oasis that blends the hotel's, well, ritzy interior design with the latest in wellness and fitness. Photo: Jerome Galland / Courtesy of Sommerro Vestkantbadet What's the vibe? If you're arriving for the day, the Ritz Club & Spa has a dedicated entrance on Rue Cambon, where you'll descend a staircase to be greeted by a throng of staff standing in tweed jackets behind a glossy white spaceship of a reception desk. But if you're staying as a guest, you get the real luxury of padding down in the robes and slippers through a (somewhat labyrinthine) network of underground corridors. After a quick pit stop in the changing rooms, you'll step out into the spa's dramatic crown jewel: the expansive central pool area, with its sweeping double staircase, murals of Italianate gardens on the walls, and a ceiling frescoed with a heavenly blue sky gently streaked by clouds. The treatment rooms are things of beauty too: oversized watercolor-style flowers adorn the walls, while floral light fixtures on the ceilings fade to a soothing twinkle as your treatment begins. Once you're happily ensconced in your cabin, you'd never guess you were in the beating heart of one of the world's most hectic cities. Photo: Jerome Galland / Courtesy of Sommerro Vestkantbadet The history? There are few hotels with quite as illustrious a history as the Ritz Paris: Established in 1898 by the legendary hotelier César Ritz, it was the first hotel in the world to feature electricity on every floor and private bathrooms in every room. Things have come along since then, of course: The Ritz Club & Spa opened in the 1980s and was equally game-changing in the kinds of treatments it offered, bringing collagen-infused products and other cutting-edge techniques to Paris—and quickly becoming a favorite of the city's glitterati. (If my visit was anything to go by, the clientele here still has plenty of glitter.) What should you try? The Ritz is one of the very few Paris hotels to work with Biologique Recherche, the French beauty brand notorious for their strict requirements around collaborations—clearly, the team here is one they trust. (And now, the many fashion editors who make their seasonal pilgrimage to Biologique's palatial 'ambassade' on the Champs-Élysées for a facial need travel no further than the 1st arrondissement.) On my visit earlier this year, I went for the 90-minute 'ultimate hydration' facial—just the ticket after a long-haul flight—and was ushered into one of those gorgeously decorated cabins. Beginning with a classic cleanse and tone, I was then treated to a customized mask that had been adjusted to match my skin type with the specific goal of helping to drench and plump my parched visage. Emerging back into the relaxation area with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea and catching a glimpse in one of the gilded mirrors, I was astonished to discover that my jet lag-induced eye bags had disappeared. Call it magic, or call it Biologique. Photo: Jerome Galland / Courtesy of Sommerro Vestkantbadet What else do we need to know? This being Paris—and the fact that many guests are likely in town for a red carpet event of some sort—the spa comes equipped with a truly opulent hairdressers and nail bar, the latter in collaboration with the Parisian polish brand Kure Bazaar, who created a unique shade of 'Ritzy' red especially for the hotel. And if you're a gym fanatic, the mirrored fitness studio is unusually expansive for a central Paris hotel, offering cutting-edge Matrix Fitness machines and over 40 classes a week. (Including dance sessions, should you be feeling particularly inspired by a visit to the ballet at the Opéra Garnier during your Parisian sojourn.) Who can go? Hotel guests can use the amenities free of charge without booking. Day access is also granted to those booking treatments over a certain price threshold, and locals can join the Ritz Club & Spa for the facilities and classes for a monthly fee. Photo: Jerome Galland / Courtesy of Sommerro Vestkantbadet Booking details for Ritz Club & Spa Address: 17 Pl. Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France Read more from Vogue's Global Spa Guide.
Time Magazine
17-05-2025
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Hotels in the World According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Hotels are more than just places to stay; they are destinations in their own right, offering unforgettable experiences, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities. From urban high-rises in bustling metropolises to serene resorts in remote paradises, the best hotels in the world set a standard of excellence that caters to travelers seeking unparalleled comfort and service. What makes a hotel truly exceptional isn't just its opulent design or high thread-count sheets; it's the combination of thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail, and the ability to provide unique experiences. These hotels offer more than just a room—they provide a sense of escape, indulgence, and exclusivity that resonates with guests long after their stay. Whether through stunning architecture, exquisite dining options, or breathtaking views, they redefine what it means to relax and recharge. This list, created using research assistance from ChatGPT, highlights the top 10 hotels in the world. Each property stands out for its incredibly luxurious offerings, gorgeous and unique settings, and the way they exceed our expectations of hospitality. For anyone dreaming of the ultimate travel experience, these hotels are the epitome of perfection. 1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Often referred to as the world's only "seven-star" hotel, the Burj Al Arab is an iconic symbol of luxury. Perched on its own artificial island, this sail-shaped hotel redefines opulence with personalized butler service, lavish interiors, and some of the most exclusive suites in the world. Year Built: 1999 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reason for inclusion: Known for its extraordinary service and architectural grandeur Key features: Duplex suites, private beach access and a rooftop helipad, Hermes amenities, butlers on each floor Dining options: Home to Al Mahara, an underwater-themed restaurant with a floor-to-ceiling aquarium Unique experience: Arrive in style with a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or by helicopter Price per night: Starting from approximately $1,700, varying based on suite selection and season 2. Ritz Paris, France The Ritz Paris is synonymous with elegance, offering a blend of timeless charm and modern luxury. Located in the heart of Paris, this historic hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and writers like Ernest Hemingway and Marcel Proust. 3. The Plaza, New York City, USA Situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, The Plaza is a timeless New York City landmark. Its grand architecture, storied history, and unmatched service make it one of the most iconic hotels in the world. Year built: 1907 Location: New York City, USA Reason for inclusion: A blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan Key features: Opulent suites with Central Park views and the legendary Grand Ballroom, the largest luxury suites in New York City. Dining options: The Palm Court, famous for its afternoon tea Unique experience: The Eloise Suite, inspired by the beloved children's book character Price per night: Rates start at approximately $1,000, varying based on room type and season 4. Amangiri, Utah, USA Nestled in the dramatic landscapes of the Utah desert, Amangiri offers an intimate escape surrounded by natural beauty. This luxurious resort blends seamlessly with its surroundings, offering peace, privacy, and a connection to the raw beauty of the American Southwest. 5. The Brando, French Polynesia Once the private retreat of actor Marlon Brando, The Brando is a pristine eco-luxury resort on the island of Tetiaroa. Combining sustainability with indulgence, this resort offers an unparalleled escape into paradise. 6. The Peninsula Hong Kong Known as the 'Grande Dame of the Far East,' The Peninsula Hong Kong is a beacon of luxury with its rich history and impeccable service. Overlooking Victoria Harbour, this hotel offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Year built: 1928 Location: Hong Kong Reason for inclusion: Unrivaled service and prime location in Kowloon Key features: The fleet of green Rolls-Royces for guest transportation, and according to Tripadvisor, a 12,000-square-foot Peninsula Spa, eight award-winning restaurants and bars, a Roman-style swimming pool, and a shopping arcade Dining options: Michelin-starred restaurants like Gaddi's, Spring Moon and Felix Unique experience: High tea at The Lobby, a Hong Kong tradition Price per night: Starting from approximately $600, varying based on room type and season 7. Belmond Hotel Caruso, Italy Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Belmond Hotel Caruso is a 12th-century palace turned luxury retreat. Its breathtaking views, infinity pool, and historic charm make it a standout destination. 8. Four Seasons Le Bora Bora, French Polynesia Surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs, Four Seasons Bora Bora is a dream destination for honeymooners and luxury seekers. With overwater bungalows and world-class amenities, this resort epitomizes tropical luxury. 9. The Oberoi Udaivilas, India Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur is a masterpiece of Indian architecture and hospitality. Its opulent design, inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan, creates a regal experience. Year built: 2002 Location: Udaipur, India Reason for inclusion: Palace-like architecture and exceptional Indian hospitality Key features: Luxurious suites with private courtyards and pools Cultural activities: Rajasthani folk performances and heritage tours Unique experience: Boat rides on Lake Pichola at sunset Price per night: Starting at approximately $850 per night 10. Giraffe Manor, Kenya Giraffe Manor offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining alongside endangered Rothschild giraffes. This boutique hotel blends conservation efforts with luxurious accommodations, making it truly unique. Conclusion on Top 10 Hotels The world's top hotels are more than just places to sleep—they are sanctuaries of luxury, creativity, and unforgettable experiences. Whether nestled in the heart of Paris, perched on a remote island in French Polynesia, or offering unique wildlife encounters in Kenya, these hotels redefine hospitality with their unparalleled luxury offerings. For travelers seeking the ultimate indulgence, these destinations set the gold standard. From their architectural splendor to their personalized service, they provide a glimpse into the finest that the hospitality world has to offer. Each stay promises to be a journey in itself, creating memories that last a lifetime. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How to use points and miles to stay at the world's best hotels for free
Points inflation makes luxury travel seem distant. Experts advise using points wisely for memorable experiences. Consider iconic hotels like Ritz Paris or Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Strategic booking through loyalty programs unlocks value. Accumulate points via credit cards and partner offers. Marriott Bonvoy offers a fifth night free. Accor provides rebates. Plan your dream vacation now. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Park Hyatt Sydney Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco Points inflation—a phenomenon in which it's increasingly easier to accrue points but harder to extract meaningful value from them—is real. But in a time marked by actual price inflation, tariffs and overall economic uncertainty, it remains tempting to want to use points to get that luxury vacation you've been dreaming expert consensus is that hoarding points and miles is a terrible idea. Like storing fine wine for too long, it's a matter of diminishing returns. So spend them—but do so wisely. Don't redeem them for quick weekend escapes and instead use them for bucket-list stays that you'll remember for a long time. Here are five ways to play that game, with strategies that work for truly iconic hotels from Paris to Koh icon in a city full of famous hotels, the Ritz remains a preferred spot for royals and other VIPs who adore a view of Place Vendôme and a clawfoot tub with gilded faucets. Guests also get priority access to the pint-size Bar Hemingway and the hotel's jasmine-filled Grand Leading Hotels of the World Leaders ClubAbout $2,400 or 30,000 points per nightEarn 10 points per dollar spent when booking hotels and car rentals through the Citi ThankYou Rewards online portal. Then you can transfer these points to LHW at a 5-to-1 ratio, which means you'd need only 150,000 of them—easily accumulated on one or two vacations—for a free night at the Palace Hotel in St. Moritz and the iconic Hotel Hassler RomaWith 11 restaurants for its 117 villas—all perched on a secluded shore or directly over the turquoise waters—the Waldorf Astoria Maldives is over the top even for this luxury-laden archipelago. Other amenities on the private island range from an 'aqua wellness' pool complex in the spa to padel courts and a sprawling kids club with its own little water HonorsAbout $3,000 or a million-plus points per nightEarn 150,000 points just for signing up for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Then use the calendar feature on Hilton Honors' website to search for the rare summer dates when the overwater villas drop in price to 150,000 points (even though they're still $3,000 in cash).Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in Mexico; Conrad Koh Samui in Thailand; Grand Wailea MauiNo other hotel in the world has a view quite like this: Rooms with walls of glass and large terraces that put you at eye level with the Sydney Opera House. After 35 years, the Park Hyatt remains one of the top options in town, thanks also to excellent butler service and a dreamy rooftop of HyattAbout $1,000 or 40,000 points per nightA single Chase Ultimate Rewards point is equivalent to one World of Hyatt point, and Hyatt's low redemption rates make it especially popular with travel hackers. You can earn those 40,000 points by making $8,000 in travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, since you earn 5Xpoints per dollar spent. Then transfer those to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Or sign up for the World of Hyatt Credit Card; it offers as many as 60,000 points as a welcome Ventana Big Sur in California; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort undefined Miraval Arizona Resort & SpaA 500-year-old manse with painted fresco ceilings, this former palace in Peru's Sacred Valley—just under 50 miles from Machu Picchu—is part of the sacred Qorikancha temple grounds, which honor the Incan god of the BonvoyAbout $350 or 45,000 points per nightSign-up offers for some Marriott Bonvoy credit cards can net almost 100,000 points, enough for two free nights. And remember: When you book four nights on points with Marriott, your fifth night is St. Regis Bora Bora Resort; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico; the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in VeniceA fleet of butlers ready to fulfill almost any request makes the Raffles Singapore the gold standard of luxury service. The rambling gardens and courtyards, parlors for tea or reading, and grand colonnades connecting its 115 suites ensure that this 137-year-old institution feels like a country estate at the center of an action-packed Live LimitlessAbout $1,000 or 50,000 points per nightTo redeem points with Accor, you trade 1,000 of them at a time for rebates worth the equivalent €20 in local currency. There's no great points deal here, but one vacation can pay for the next. Earn one point for every €2 spent on partner airlines such as Air France or KLM, or get three points per euro on a safari with Giltedge Africa. That should be enough to approximate (or even exceed) your 50,000-point Legend Old Cataract Aswan in Egypt and the Savoy in London
New York Times
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Boucheron Plays With Bugs
Creepy crawlies never looked so good. In its latest high jewelry outing, titled Untamed Nature, Boucheron has focused on an approach to reinterpreting flora and fauna that began with its founder, Frédéric Boucheron — and the result is strikingly true to life. The 28-piece collection is part of Histoire de Style, a continuing series inspired by Boucheron's archives that the brand presents annually during the Paris haute couture shows in January. Having previously chosen such themes as couture and a reinterpretation of a pair of diamond and aquamarine brooches owned by Queen Elizabeth II, Boucheron's creative director, Claire Choisne, said her dream this time was to 'erase jewelry entirely.' 'I wanted to move away from grandeur and get down to nature in its most humble aspects,' Ms. Choisne said. Working solely with white gold and white diamonds, as Boucheron himself did in the late 19th century, she expanded the house's symbolic herbarium with designs of perennials, weeds, spikelets and reeds, all botanical metaphors for qualities such as love, loyalty, abundance and resilience. Other high jewelry presentations this season have similar themes. Bamboo, an emblem of flexibility, renewal and longevity, was chosen as the name of Chaumet's new collection, to be unveiled in the brand's gilded salons on Place Vendôme this week. And as part of the third installment of Cartier's Nature Sauvage collection, to be presented at the Ritz Paris, the house is showcasing jewels that Zoe Saldaña wore this month when she won the best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes for 'Emilia Pérez.' Called Melis, the Greek word for honey, a parure of earrings and a necklace reprises the house's honeycomb motif; the necklace is set with a honeybee whose body is a briolette-cut 2.64-carat fancy intense yellow diamond. (Other presentations, however, have taken different paths. Dior's new collection focuses on lace-and-floral themes, while the geometry of 18th-century French gardens inspired Elie Top's Les Liaisons Dangereuses collection, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his brand, presented at Christie's Paris.) At Boucheron, pieces inspired by late 19th- and early 20th-century archival designs were revisited to lifelike scale and made using a combination of traditional techniques and new technology to heighten the impression of realism. They include a prickly thistle-leaf necklace and brooch, a hair jewel shaped like a sprig of oat grass and an intricately articulated lingonberry body jewel that can be worn as a necklace or, more daringly, over the shoulder. Some of the jewel's branches also can be detached and worn as brooches. Reprising the house's iconic question mark necklace, invented in 1879, a rose bush — minus the blooms — features three pavé leaves and is anchored by a pear-cut diamond weighing slightly more than six carats, surrounded by baguette and round diamonds. The primary gem can be detached and mounted into a ring, and replaced on the necklace with another droplet in rock crystal and diamonds. A large brooch-slash-hair jewel shaped like a carrot flower, also called Queen Anne's lace, is the sole piece not based on archival references. But Ms. Choisne really seemed to let loose with bugs, which she has rendered true to nature, and also larger than life. Already part of Boucheron's repertoire — the actor Andrew Scott wore a trio of bees from 1948 to the 2024 Met Gala — the new bumblebee is a larger-than-life version with stripes of diamonds and onyx, and translucent wings carved from mother-of-pearl and overlaid by laser-engraved rock crystal edged in black lacquer. On its belly, a runner mechanism makes it possible to transform the piece from a brooch into a two-finger ring. In the same vein, a simple mechanism allows an imposing rhinoceros beetle with lifelike wings that can move to be changed from a brooch to a two-finger ring that spans all four fingers. And with a pinch of its mandibles, a stag beetle fully pavéd in diamonds morphs from a brooch to an imposing knuckle duster. There is also a trio of winged creatures — a honeybee ear clip, a housefly brooch and a ladybug with spread wings — on offer as a set. It is the unpretentious moth, however, that looks the most realistic. A body composed of baguette diamonds is flanked by four wings carved from mother-of-pearl, with hand-engraved veining, black lacquer accents and diamond edging. Describing its velvety finish, Ms. Choisne said, 'It's always a question of how to take the archives and go even further.'
