Georgia Boscawen takes a detour to Paris to discover how best to recuperate after a long journey...
Sitting proudly on Avenue George V, moments from the city’s haute couture axis, Bvlgari Hotel Paris couldn't be in a better position for those looking to explore Paris’ Golden Triangle. It lies in the southwest corner of the 8th arrondissement and is surrounded by shops, cafés and some of Paris’ most famous sights. The hotel opened in 2021 from the Roman jeweller’s hospitality arm and it brings a distinctly Italian sensibility to this grand corner of Paris. But while it may be contemporary in design, it fits well with the city’s Haussmannian bones, blending into Paris’ golden walls.
My visit to Paris comes on the back of a trip to French Polynesia – on the back of a (relatively painful) 21-hour journey from Tahiti via LA to Paris – a worthwhile flight that is not for the faint-hearted. I'm adamant that the journey alone demands a short period of recuperation to get back in sync and stretch your legs a bit. Paris lends itself perfectly to this kind of R&R with its thousands of cafés and walkable sights, but it’s good to be based in the arrondissement you plan to spend most of your time in to avoid spending too long in taxis. Set on the right bank of the Seine, the 8th arrondissement (simply referred to as Élysée) is home to many of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, from the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde to Hermès’ first-ever boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It's a fantastic spot to feel like you've really seen Paris - the Bvlgari is in prime position.
From the outside, the hotel is defined by large floor-to-ceiling windows and honeyed limestone that continues along the avenue. It has a neat entrance too, with the Bvlgari Jeweller to the left and the glass-fronted entrance dotted with plumes of balled topiary and commissionaires waiting to open my car door to the right. It was designed by Italian architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (ACPV Architects), which has been responsible for multiple Bvlgari Hotels, including Abu Dhabi and Bodrum, as well as the new Rosewood Residences, Amaala. The firm has also extended its crisp signature style to the yacht world, having worked with Custom Line for many years, most recently for the interiors of its rebranded planing line, the Saetta 128.
Inside, there are 76 huge rooms and suites, a spa in the basement and a restaurant by Niko Romito. My room is located on the second floor and features a classic suite setup with a separate living room and bathroom. The space is filled with rich materials, such as a textured taupe sofa and tan leather chairs. There’s a fully stocked bar in the room (and there’s nothing mini about it), with cocktail-making equipment to match.
The best part, though, is the view. Thanks to the glass panels that sit waist-high in front of each suite, you can open the double doors and look out over the broad street below. From here, the yellow lights of Paris seep into the room, and I can see the bustle of Avenue George V. The room is west-facing, so I can see the goings-on at the George V Paris, while others facing south offer incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. The Penthouse, however, has the best view (naturally) of Paris, from a lush rooftop garden.
Dining is centred around the eponymous Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, overseen by the three-Michelin-starred chef himself. The concept is a refined interpretation of Italian classics, executed with precision. The adjoining bar has a more intimate tone, with low lighting and an excellent cocktail list.
Below ground is the Bvlgari Spa. The space is softly lit throughout and centred around a 25-metre pool clad in shimmering mosaics of Vicenza stone sourced from Veneto, Italy, and Burmese teak. Given its Roman heritage, Bvlgari does spas properly. This one is set over 1,300 square metres on two levels. The treatments here are also available for non-guests, so anyone can treat themselves to an appointment after a day walking the streets of Paris.
The service is noticeably exceptional – it’s something that Bvlgari really focuses on. As I gear up to leave, my jacket (that was draped over the back of a chair) has been placed inside a branded suit carrier, so it doesn’t crease inside the taxi (which has already been packed full of water and cold Bvlgari towels). Location-wise, it’s perfect for those who want to soak up Paris’ most glamorous side or simply spend a couple of days in the spa – just what’s needed to ready yourself for your next adventure.