Lead image: Spa at Hotel Paris J’Adore

Serenity in the 17th

The French capital’s 17th arrondissement hits the sweet spot between bohemian-chic, elegant opulence and neighbourhood gems tucked away into the Batignolles neighborhood. One such retreat is the deftly located, adults-only Paris J’adore – a hotel with a fun but luxe approach to the guest experience, and a vibrancy reflecting the area’s legacy of French artists, such as Zola and Manet. A mere 15-minute hop on the metro from big-hitters like the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Coeur, you have culture at your fingertips – or the option of staying in situ for a glass of champagne, followed by serenity in the spa. 

Room to be chic

Love is in the air – as you might have gleaned from the hotel’s name – with boudoirs scattered with the traditional petal of amour all part of the service. The five-star hotel has 28 rooms designed around different themes, with built-in jacuzzis and plush, warming interiors. It ticks the boxes for a mini-break haven, with the outside world feeling very far away once you’re ensconded with your head on the pillow. The tech on offer is impressive – at the tap of an iPad button you can create the ideal mood lighting, spritz the room with your preferred scent, adjust the curtains, or even run a bath.

Artisan appeal

Once a Jesuit religious house, the hotel’s lobby and restaurant area is a tribute to La Belle Époque, with carefully-curated interiors from some of France’s best craftsmen. The velvet armchairs and sofas are bespoke by Henryot & Cie – the oldest surviving art furniture manufacturer in France. Family-run design house Ananbô specialise in the panoramic wallpaper that adorns the walls, which gives the dining space a botanical feel. Locals and guests intermingle at the tables, with a menu that’s traditionally French with a flourish. They keep things seasonally fresh with dishes such as seabass with champagne emulsion and rigatoni with truffle and parmesan.

Subterranean calm

Tucked beneath the hotel, the well-equipped spa is the perfect place to take a deep breath and leave the stresses of your home bubble behind. There’s plenty to keep guests occupied – including an 11-metre pool with an infinity jacuzzi, a hammam to relax those muscles, a red cedarwood sauna, and a Himalayan salt cave. For extra unwinding, you can opt for a personalised massage in one of the treatment rooms.

Rates at Paris J’Adore start from around £300 per night. Head to hotelparisjadore.com for more info