A luxurious way to relax in Paris

If you’re flying to Europe for a holiday  then the chances are you’ll arrive sometime in the early hours of the morning and, upon trying to check into a hotel, you’ll be politely (or not so politely as the case may be) told your room won’t be ready until the afternoon. Either you’re in for a long wait in the lobby, a jet-lag-hazed wonder around the city or perhaps simply the embarrassment of nodding off into your café latte and morning croissant in a river side brasserie.

Finally a solution is coming to Paris! Europe’s first ‘nap bar’ has recently opened in a small passageway off Avenune de l’Opera in the centre of the city. For just €12 you can buy a quarter of hours snooze, (or €27 for a ‘Royal Siesta’ of 45 minutes) in a zero gravity chair or on a massage bed, with low light and relaxing music to help ease you into peaceful rest.

No one would disagree that sightseeing can make you feel weary and the bar is rapidly proving popular with visitors who are keen to relax, without having to head back to an out of town hotel.   The bar also offers a range of beauty treatments, pedicures and facials to ensure that you leave refreshed and ready for your stay.

Regular visitors can also sign up to the Zen Club and receive up to 40% off their next nap or treatment.

Zen Bar A Sieste
29 Passage Choiseul
75002 Paris

Photo Credit Zen Bar A Sieste

A great place to relax at the end of a long day

If your New Year’s resolution was to loose weigh and get fit, but you’ve already stared to stumble (or perhaps given up already) then here is a place that might be able to help kick start your regime.

Based in Annecy, in Southern France, Adventure in the Alps offers short breaks for people who are looking to keep fit, get started in a particular sport or simply enjoy the stunning surroundings.

There is Running Made Easy if you’re complete beginner, Wellbeing Retreat for all-round fitness, or Fit and Over 50 (which should be self-explanatory). A selection of other fitness based programs; from skiing to Pilates and triathlon running to multi activity holidays are also available throughout the year.

Lodgings vary from luxury mountain retreats to simple chambres d’hôte- depending on where the activity is located- but all properties are well appointed making the most of comfortable, cozy residences that combine local flavor with a high standard of service. The majority of properties also offer sauna, steam rooms or hot tubs, to help you relax after a long day.

Week long programs start from around $1,200 and packages include accommodation, all meals and a fully comprehensive training program.

And who said that getting into shape had to be hard work?

More information: Adventures in the Alps

Photo Credit: Adventures in the Alps

The View from La Vue

Are you looking for the latest, trendiest spot in Paris, France to take your loved one for Valentine’s Day? If so, then the latest addition to the Paris Bar scene may be just the spot, and you can even add on a romantic two night package to make this in February 14th unforgettable.

La Vue Bar, situated on the 34th floor of the Concorde Lafayette Hotel in northern Paris, opened in January 2012 and is already receive rave reviews as one of the trendiest bars in the city. Guest DJs feature regularly and cocktails are created by award winning barman Stephen Martin in ultra-modern surroundings with stunning views across the city toward the Eiffel Tower and beyond.

To enjoy  La Vue over the valentines period, you can book a ‘Paris in Love’ package at the hotel which features numerous touches to make your time away as relaxed and romantic as possible, including a champagne breakfast in bed and  late checkout. You can even upgrade to a suite room and receive as much as 50% off your next stay.

Rooms are available from E300 per night and even if you’re not staying the night you can enjoy a glass of champagne in La Vue bar which is open to the public from 5pm every day.

Details of all the Valentines packages can be found on the hotel’s website.

Photo Credit: Concorde Hotel and Resorts

Superior Room at the Francois 1er

Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities, not to mention one of the most romantic,  so now is the time to start thinking about a Valentine’s break or perhaps the chance to experience one of Europe’s great capitals for the summer.

The Preferred Hotel Group, which operates 13 hotels in Paris have begun an ‘I love Paris’ promotion to help you get the most from your time in the City of Lights. With a minimum three nights stay at one of the city’s fabulous hotels you can benefit from a free airport transfer and daily continental breakfast.
You can choose to stay in one of several properties located close to the Champs Elysee, like the Francois 1er: a boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms and intimate common areas, with décor heavily influenced by French royalty.

Floating Beds at the Seven Hotel

Or, if you prefer something more modern, opt for a few nights on the Left Bank at the Seven Hotel, a one of a kind experience with ‘levitating’ tubs and beds and a strong focus on LED and neon lights.
With over a dozen properties to choose from, located across the city, offering the best in design and luxury there is property to please even the most discerning traveler.  Prices start from just $286 per room, per night and the promotion is valid until the end of 2012.

For more details see the  I Love Paris website

Picture Credit: Preferred Hotel Group