The sounds of corks popping resonated through the air in France last night, as "Les Bleus" scored a victory in the World Cup – but they'll be popping all summer with the reopening of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa after a four-year top-to-toe renovation.
-oxo6v6.jpg)
Overlooking the villages of Champillon and Hautvillers amid the vineyards of Epernay in the heart of the Champagne-producing region, the 49-room boutique retreat has been refreshed by Reims-based architect Giovanni Pace, who has combined the original 19th century post house with a new wing built in the style of an amphitheatre, its white walls standing out against the green of the landscape.
The spa element comes in the form of a 16,000 sq ft destination spa and wellness centre comprising nine treatment rooms, yoga studio, Turkish hamman, beauty studios and two swimming pools: indoor and out. Parisian beauty brand Biologique Recherche will provide signature treatments using its range of fragrance-free all natural products.
At 1,150 sq ft, Suite Josephine is the grande dame of all the guestrooms, with a separate living room and bedroom that each boast sublime views over the Champagne valley. All rooms feature Hermès amenities, and all hotel guests will benefit from exclusive perks such as access to private Champagne houses and tastings with local producers. Book in at the right time of year and you can even help out with the harvest.
Executive chef Jean-Denis Rieubland promises a contemporary twist on classic French gastronomy in the gourmet dining room, Le Royal, and more casual fare at Bellevue, which, as the name suggests, has spectacular views over the vineyards. Needless to say, the wine cellar and Champagne selection will be nothing short remarkable when the hotel reopens this month. Rooms from EUR 485 (US $563)
