Experiencing luxurious memorable feelings in hotels and resorts

Summer is approaching and as luxury is about enjoyment this is the time to live the experience luxuriously. Experience is a very crucial aspect of luxury. It is the memory a person carries for a long time. It is influenced by the environment and the service given in a particular place when purchasing or engaging with a luxury product or service. People who have purchased a lot of luxury goods, search for the ultimate luxury experience, from various places such as hotels, châteaux etc.

In the universe of Bvlgari, also known as Buglari, is the hotels and resorts group in Milan, Bali, Tokyo and London. Bvlgari is owned by the Louis Vuitton Moet & Hennessy Luxury group (LVMH). It was founded in Rome, 1884 by a Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, it was a jewelry shop. Its creations combined Roman and Greek roots. From jewelry, the business expanded to parfums, leather goods and now hotels featuring a highly distinctive style as a balanced mix of classicism and modernity.

Each of the hotels and resorts owned by Bvlgari have a different design, architecture, smell, all created to seduce the five senses of the luxury consumer. The environment caters for the spa lover, a swimmer who would love the infinity pools to a helicopter shuttle, palatial closets for the shopper, who can access luxury down the street at Prada, Armani etc.  For those who have little time with too much to buy, personal shopping service is provided.

In Courchevel, the ski resort in France, there is a wide range of luxury ski and spa hotels and resorts. Maison Cheval Blanc Courchevel, owned by the LVMH group is known as the most exclusive ski resort.

Each room is different in design, and style using cashmere, fur, velvet, leather and other design pieces. The rooms have a floating bath to make you feel weightless. In the apartments, accompanying the lavish private areas, is a dedicate service team and a private elevator leading directly to a dedicated ski room.

Exclusive services in in the hotel include Berluti shoe polishing rituals, packing and unpacking dressing services, etc.  The spa treatments are anti-ageing skin care by Guerlain.

Exclusive fashion shows by Dior and Louis Vuitton and boutiques by the two companies. The prices range from 1300 euros to 25 000 euros. Other events include Polo Masters and jewelry exhibitions by Chaumet. The prices are given on request.

Le Meurice, in Paris, owned by the Dorchester Collection, is inspired by the at the Chateau de Versailles (the castle of Versailles, a royal palace home to the Louis 16th,);  the room is filled with antique mirrors, crystal chandeliers, bronzes, marbles with timeless decor overlooking Paris gardens. The hotel will make you feel like King Louis 16th will walk in and share the meal with you. To further enhance the grandiose yet glamorous experience, the restaurant is managed by Alain Ducasse.

Ducasse was the first chef to earn three Michelin stars for three different restaurants in Paris, Monaco and New York. He is the highest ranked chef in the world. He uses his meals to enhance the experience in the beautiful environment which will be carried as a memory for a long while by the client. Le Meurice has been identified as one of the most elegant, romantic and stylish hotels in the world.

The floor of the Presidential Apartment had a famous guest, the artist Salvador Dali who lived in the hotel for more than 30 years. This particular suite showcases his work. The grandest room is the Belle Etoile Royal Suite, decorated in 19th century style, with a private elevator, bathroom in Italian marble, a kitchen, butler and personal chef. The whirlpool view gives a beautiful view of Sacre Coeure and the Musee d’Orsay. Creating the most memorable memories. This suite is dedicated to the kings and queens of the Le Meurice world.

In Paris, another hotel known for its luxury environment, experience and service is Le Royal Monceau. The Ray Charles suite includes a private jazz concert with a pianist. The largest suites have a private hammam (Turkish bath) and gym with a personal trainer, home cinema, florist and a Michelin star chef. The Presidential Suite 241 which is from $25 000 per night incudes custom made lines and goose down beddings, personalized butler service, private entrance, hand crafted furniture by a famous designer, Philippe Starck all created lavishly.

Many designers, such as Coco Chanel, writers and artists in France lived in glamorous hotels. Oscar Wilde spent his last days in L’Hotel (the Hotel) and his famous quote was “anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” He evidently loved service of luxury hotels.

Maryanne Maina

MBA in Luxury Brand Management

HEC School of Management

Twitter: @njerimaina