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‘digital concierge’ with tips for getting the most out of your stay. Tel: +33 5 57 30 45 45 www.mamashelter.com/en/ bordeaux


Mama Shelter Bordeaux’s the latest of the brand’s Philippe Starck-designed hotels


de la République, and the result is an elegantly inviting hotel with a decidedly modern vibe. The 56 rooms are equipped with free wi-fi, Nespresso machines and walk-in showers, while the three suites boast landscaped terraces with sun loungers.


The Balthazar checks all the boxes for a luxurious hotel stay – the restaurant menu was created by Parisian chef Michel Rostang and the Nuxe Spa encompasses a sprawling sensory area with an ice fountain, hammam, sauna and pool. Tel: +33 2 99 32 32 32 Email: H9170@accor.com www.hotel-balthazar.com


MAMA SHELTER BORDEAUX


In December 2008, a new hotel concept took France by storm. Mama Shelter was the brainchild of Club Med founders the Trigano family, philosopher Cyril Aouizerate and designer Philippe Starck. The idea was to create a low-cost urban hotel that didn’t skimp when it came to luxury – hence the Starck-designed rooms boast Apple iMacs for watching free movies, complimentary wi-fi, plush bedding and a range of swanky bath products.


Mama Shelter Paris quickly attracted a hip crowd for its restaurant and terrasse, and the brand has since expanded to other locations across l’Hexagone – Lyon, Marseille and now Bordeaux. The latter is the latest to open and again features the magic formula. Located in the beating heart of the city, not far from the famous Mollat bookshop and just a quick walk from the Opéra, Mama Shelter Bordeaux features lively restaurants, a rooftop terrace and rooms from just €69 per night. The hotel’s friendly staff have their finger on the pulse of what’s new and noteworthy in Bordeaux, and there’s also a


OKKO HOTEL, LYON Another notable new French hospitality concept from a veteran hotelier is Okko Hotels, which champions an all-inclusive rate with breakfast, aperitif buffet and wi-fi all included with your room price. Developed by Olivier Devys, the former CEO of SuiteHotel, this urban hotel chain is all about innovation and high-quality design at affordable prices. After making a splash in Nantes, the brand has expanded to Grenoble and Lyon, where the ancient Préfecture on the Quai Sarrail now houses a contemporary Okko Hotel with furniture designed by Patrick Norguet, who was named Designer of the Year 2014 by the French edition of GQ magazine.


Occupying a prime piece of real estate facing the Rhône, the Okko Hotel offers a convivial lounge space with warm colours and lighting that’s open 24/7 and has a business corner, library and tasty nibbles. Online reservations only. www.okkohotels.com


LA CHENEAUDIÈRE, COLROY-LA-ROCHE, ALSACE


A member of Relais & Chateaux, this gourmet country house has been pampering guests since 1975, but a new ‘nature’ spa which opened last summer is giving the loyal clientele another reason to spend a weekend in the Alsacien countryside. Situated between Strasbourg and Colmar, in the shadow of the Vosges mountains, La Cheneaudière capitalises on its gorgeous natural setting to give guests a healthy recharge.


La Cheneaudière’s new ‘nature’ spa has made it even more popular


Okko Hotel, Lyon successfully marries modern design to an ancient Préfecture


The spa focuses squarely on natural cosmetic products, which were developed in partnership with a local laboratory and incorporate herbs, honey and plants harvested nearby. Encompassing 2,000 square metres, the wood-panelled spa boasts impressive facilities: three pools, four saunas, a ‘beehive’ steam room, a wood-bath, a micro-bubbling beach and a sensory shower walk. Tel: +33 3 88 97 61 64 Email: cheneaudiere@ relaischateaux.com www.cheneaudiere.com FT


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