Romance – Purple Travel Official Blog

Purple 10: Europe’s Most Romantic Cities

Jan 29 2014

Treat him or her to a fantastic Valentine’s holiday with Purple Travel. We’ve got 10 of Europe’s most romantic cities for all types of couples. If It’s history that you’re mad about, incredible hotel rooms that you won’t leave for days on end or a sunshine getaway where you can relax hand in hand on a secluded beach, you’ll love our list of Europe’s most romantic cities. We threw the question out on Google + and Facebook and got some great responses. As always, anything we’ve missed, let us know in comment and already decided where you want to go on your next city break? Call Purple Travel on 02079939228 for low cost flights and hotels Europe’s Most Romantic Cities…

#1 Dazzlingly beautiful Italy’s Liguria Coast is filled with cost tucked-away romantic guesthouses and hotels. Sometimes known as the Bay of fairy tales the ancient ruins and old castles provide a stunning backdrop to sunset dinners on a terrace and balmy evenings walking hand in hand. Choose from ocean view hotels with high ceilings and don’t forget to visit the cocktail bars.

#2 Paris is perfect for traditional romantics. An obvious choice but that’s because it’s so good! We’re talking freshly baked croissants for breakfast in bread, the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower and long meals accompanied by the best red wine. Paris is filled with amazing hotels so you can treat him or her to a Valentine’s they’ll never forget.

#3 Just a couple of hours away, Rome is a hot choice for history and art lovers for couples who want to discover the Sistine Chapel or the Coliseum together. Stay in the The wide streets and incredible selection of restaurants make this one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

#4 It might not be the first city that pops into your head, but Copenhagen in Denmark makes a gorgeous romantic weekend away. The city renowned for its links to fairy tale writer Hans Chrsitan Andersen is a jusst 90 minutes from the UK. Stop for hot chocolates and a heart shaped cake in one of the city’s famous cafes after a visit to the Winter Garden, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. In the evening cinema is one of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen and it’s easy to see why. Cinemas like the Empire and Falkoner have specially made seats just for two. Copenhagen image via @ Visit Denmark

#5 One of the most popular cities in Europe right now the Portuguese capital has it all. Lively Lisbon is all cobblestone streets, cosy cafes and bars and incredible hotels. All of those overlooked by an ancient castle. It’s hard to top Lisbon for most romantic cities. Lisbon image via @ Luca Sartoni

#6 The magical kingdoms in Game of Thrones might be familiar when you set foot in Dubrovnik. The hazy sun soaked pottery tiled roofs and shiny flagstoned streets are not only beautiful, but world-famous now too thanks to the filming of the George RR Martin books. The city’s old walls doubles as Kings Landing and the view from the top shows off Blackwater Bay. Dubrovnik is top of the romance charts as far as we are concerned. Dubrovnik via @ Branimal!

#7 Venice. A long established romantic hot spot, Barbara Hopley on our Google + page shared her thoughts about her favourite romantic city in Europe: “Venice definitely, a nice dinner then a Gondola ride – perfect! Highly recommend, I love Venice.”

#8 A stunningly well-preserved city, Prague is made for walking around hand in hand with the one you love. A sea of spires and statues awaits you by day, while at night, the famous Prague nightlife is sure to impress any party-loving couple. Sunset dinner in Prague via @ MadebyMark

#9 Holidays in Marrakech are made up of a couple of essentials: discovering the sights and sounds of the Medina, testing out your shisha smoking skills, eating incredible local food and maybe a bit of sunbathing thrown in. Marrakech couples city breaks are all about adventure and who better to share that with than your other half.

#10 Santorini has all the elements for the perfect couple’s holiday. Those incredible sunsets, the winding white washed streets where it feels like it’s just the two of you alone in the world. Book a room with a sea view and your own private swimming pool, just don’t blame us if you never want to leave.

Have something special in mind for Valentine’s Day? Call the expert travel team at Purple Travel on 02079939228 and surprise the one you love this year.

Purple Pick: Mexico Honeymoons

Apr 30 2013

Mexico is a firm favourite of honeymooners – its chic credentials even stretch to being featured in the SATC movie (where Carrie spent her post-wedding ‘Mexicoma’). But why has this seemingly unromantic location become such a honeymoon hotspot?

The secret to a great value honeymoon is not just being entertained, but engaging in activities that allow you to work and play together. Very much a diverse travel experience, Mexico honeymoons fully cater to this need.

In Cancun, couples can tour through ancient Mayan ruins and bask on the palm tree-dotted beaches; in Riviera Maya, they can learn how to salsa dance and some discover some top luxury resorts; in Los Cabos, adventurous couples can dabble in water sports, lavish retreats and romantic beaches, and in Acapulco, couples can enjoy the bustling nightlife, excellent dining scene and stunning landscapes. And that is without even mentioning the remote islands that offer completely secluded getaways.

Whichever area you choose, you can rest assured that Mexico honeymoons have all the required tools to make your post-wedding holiday extra special – the people are wonderful, the food varied and superb, and its storied history has left momentous architectural and cultural pawmarks throughout the land. Expect ancient temples, white beaches that are out of this world and a rich cultural smorgasbord that provides for honeymooners of all dispositions. The only question is… where to stay? That’s why we’ve put together this guide to gorgeous hotels for Mexico Honeymoons. Enjoy!

Mandarin Oriental, Riviera Maya

Situated on a heavenly stretch of the Yucatan coast, set within 36 acres of jungle, mangrove reserves and natural lagoons, this super-cool hideaway feels private and exclusive although not far from tourist hub, Cancun.

Each of the 128 ultra-luxe, minimally-decorated villas comes complete with its own secluded garden bathroom and some offer individual plunge pools. A haven for total privacy, it is no surprise that the Asian-inspired guest rooms have been frequented by stars including Sir Paul McCartney and Christian Louboutin himself.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental sets a new standard of holistic well-being that embodies the riches of Mayan philosophy, intermingled with traditional Asian healing rituals. Spend an afternoon enjoying its special Mayan Tzolkin Ritual for a quintessential renewal experience, or take some time to explore the second largest barrier reef in the world, or perhaps head to the Mayan ruins close by in Tulum, Chichén Itza and Coba.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Also on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Banyan Tree Mayokoba, which opened in 2009, is a five-star resort of 132 villas, set amongst the mangroves. Each villa is completely hidden from the next, making it a firm favourite romantic escape of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas – they can count on privacy when leaping out of bed and straight into the pool.

Aside from unparalleled luxury and a staff that brings a sense of Asian hospitality to the Mexican Caribbean, the resort’s Romance Manager is its real selling point. On hand to arrange one-off romantic experiences, whether it is a candlelit dinner on the beach, a private cruise at sunset or a couple’s spa treatment at your villa, the Romance Manager adds that little bit extra.

And with a seven-course tasting menu available from the Tamarind restaurant, Banyan Tree Mayakoba feels as if it were created just for honeymooners.

Las Alamandas

With the slogan ‘paradise found’, Las Alamandas, a luxury boutique hotel in Costalegre, forms its own lost world of seven sorbet-hued villas and 1,500 acres of unspoilt tropical bliss.

Each of the fuchsia and orange-coloured room has its own theme that incorporate a pleasing mix of designs, fabrics, and crafts, selected from all over Mexico, including Rattan sofas upholstered in canary yellow or shocking pink and Mexican folk art hand-painted artifacts.

The candlelit Oasis restaurant serves fresh and healthy cuisine including sushi, vegetables picked from their own garden and guacamole and huevos rancheros for breakfast, but any wish is the kitchen’s command. In fact, the hotel can organise almost anything. In response to anything you request, the staff will simply say, ‘Of course, this is your home.’ From horse riding and hiking to an ocean-side massage, this is the most relaxed you’ll ever be.

Rosewood San Miguel

Tucked away on a cobbled side street, the Rosewood San Miguel appears to be a beautiful old haçienda, although it is actually brand new. You’ll drive through real cowboy country to get there and be greeted with a margarita at the door, to aid your step into the past.

Situated in the enchanting artists’ village of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World heritage site, the hotel is decorated with a fusion of traditional Mexican artwork and furniture, complemented by modern luxuries such as Frette linen and poolside cabanas.
The world-class Sense spa sanctuary follows a similar theme, offering a full range of therapies that integrate Mexican healing traditions and indigenous ingredients, with state-of-the-art facilities and an extensive treatment list.

The high altitude slows the pace, so fill your days with Pilates classes, Mexican cookery class or watch the sunset on a star-studded sky while enjoying amazing cocktails and moreish nibbles at The Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar.

Las Ventanas Al Paraiso

As its name implies, Las Ventanas is a window to paradise. Perched on the Baja California peninsula on the west coast of Mexico, the desert beach hideaway in Los Cabos mesmerises couples with huge suites, inspired cuisine and a fantastic spa that’s a sanctuary of renewal and revitalization.

The huge bedrooms all have a plunge pool and a wealth of famous fans (Kate Beckinsale honeymooned here and Jennifer Aniston is a regular).You will be greeted by an in-room tequila welcome and fresh fruit that’s replenished daily.

Las Ventanas offer some innovative honeymoon services, in fact, they have a whole ‘romance department’ dedicated to meeting your needs. Services include requesting a handwritten love letter that would be discovered amongst household bills telling your intended about a surprise getaway, an Aphrodisiac Dinner menu for private diners, salsa classes for two or even a message in a bottle to appear whilst bathing at the beach.

From a dinner by the sea to a movie for two on the beach, Las Ventanas makes romance happen.

Image via @ Aplomb

Purple Tips: Best Honeymoon Destinations

Feb 07 2013

Buzzing nightlife Pick Cyprus. The birthplace of the Goddess of Love Aphrodite is pretty much bubbling with romance. There are idyllic sandy beaches, trails where the goddess herself is said to have walked, charming wine-making villages and a relaxed atmosphere that’s made for hand in hand walks in the sunshine. By evening, Paphos is a lively town with a mix of traditional tavernas, lively bars and clubs where you can dance all night if you feel like it. The luxury 5* Elysium Cyprus has every aspect of your honeymoon covered, from stunning views, massages to its great location right on the beach. Cyprus sunset image via @ Mrs Logic

Wildlife just a few short hours from the UK, Gambia is the obvious choice for enjoying a lively first few days of honeymoon packages. You can top up your tan in tropical sunshine, relax in sumptuous facilities, explore safari and try to catch the big 5 or meet some of the friendliest people in the world at the Smiling Coast. The 5* Kairaba Beach Hotel is a comfortable choice. Right on the famous Kololi beach and standing in beautiful flower filled gardens, it’s a real home away from home. The only way you’ll notice the difference is by catching sight of the vervet monkeys and wild birds that live in the trees. Monkeys in Gambia image via @ kevinzim

On a budget if you’re going for budget, why not take a long weekend in a beautiful European city. Purple Travel can get great deals on flights to several capitals but Rome has to be one of our favourites. The modern 4* Hotel American Palace is right in the heart of the action, with a nearby metro that will take you to sights like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum. There’s even a beach about 30 minutes away by convenient public transport. As beautiful as it is by day, it’s even more spectacular by night, as the cosy corners are lit by candlelit, vino is opened and couples take evening strolls under moonlight. Rome is a great choice for a budget conscious honeymoon this year. Image of Rome by @ Moyen_Brenn

Absolute luxury The Sandals Royal Hicaco 5* in Varadero, Cuba, is on 23 acres, in lush greenery and offers lots of choice for couples on their first days of married life. There are three types of suites to choose from and the properties are decorated in a cute 1920s style. Although home to some of the finest beaches on earth, the Caribbean Island is practically made for honeymooners looking to discover its rich culture and heritage. Nights should be spent learning tango, knocking back rum cocktails and learning how to roll your own cigars, in between sunbathing sessions in one of the best honeymoon destinations ever. Image of Cuba by @ darkroomillusions

The ultimate in romance Island hopping in Greece is obviously the top choice for island hopping. With a big boost on drawing visitors, it’s never been better value to head to head to the beautiful Greek islands. We think the Cyclades is a good idea, with Santorini offering azure sparkling waters, and dramatic evenings watching the sunset from the caldera. The Astro Palace 5* Hotel is an elegant and traditional accommodation, with a peaceful atmosphere, but just a few minutes from the island’s main city Fira. The nearby island of Naxos is an absolute gem and not that well known outside of Greece, so you can lay out on unspoilt, empty beaches before tottering to a nearby taverna for lunch. Finish up in Mykonos for a few days of the high life before jetting back home. The Mykonos Grand should be enough luxury for you and your new other half. Image of Santorini by @ Navin75

On the beach Portugal is a big hit with bride and grooms both as a wedding destination and has kick ass honeymoon packages. There are tonnes of flights and the Algarve and Faro in particular are easy to get to. Plus it’s got something for everyone, from golf course, (but c’mon guys!) romantic secluded villages, lively towns and spectacular hotels. The 4* Riu Palace Algarve is right on the beach, one of the most beautiful in the Algarve and has pools, Jacuzzi, hammam and spa on site to make you feel totally relaxed. The on site restaurants or local eateries are great for sampling the absolutely delicious Portuguese cuisine, while its access to picture perfect beaches is hard to beat. Image of Algarve Beach by @ D an Taylor

Call Purple Travel now for the best honeymoon destinations this year on 0207 993 9228.

Purple Tips: Couples Resorts

Jan 17 2013

With Valentine’s looming, it’s time to start planning some romantic moments with your partner. We’ve picked out the most romantic couples resorts, the perfect spots to say I Love You (or even pop the question as the case may be).

Santorini, Greece

The Greek islands are popular couples resorts with tourists from all over the world. However, while each has its own attraction, on islands such as Mykonos and parts of Crete, couples may find that hedonism replaces romance. For an environment more catered to those in love, Santorini is the ideal choice. With hotels and restaurants scaling the cliffs that overlook the Aegean Sea, its views are nothing short of incredible. We recommend Andronis Luxury Suites for a dreamy escape, with views of the island’s caldera from each suite in the multi-villa resort. Couples can sunbathe on the black, red and white sand beaches and enjoy its ancient villages with their traditional tavernas. However, the best couple’s activity in Santorini has to be the thermal baths, a.k.a nature’s massage. You can enjoy this activity together and benefit from the healing properties of the water, which rises from the island’s hot springs.

Paris, France

Paris may be an obvious choice, but there is much more to this romantic city than just its clichés. Yes you can still kiss under the Eiffel Tower or propose on a bridge that overlooks the Seine, but you should also aim to explore the less-visited neighbourhoods of the city. These are often covered with cobblestones, lined with the types of cafes and shops that only exist in Paris and sprinkled with park benches that beckon couples to holds hands, kiss and fall in love.

Venice, Italy

One of the most beautiful places in the world and Italy’s most romantic city, Venice was pretty much made for couples. From gondola rides along the canals to awe-inspiring architecture, Venice is a theatre showing love’s favourite scenes. Its food could make almost anyone say the L-word – just picture the two of you at either ends of a string of spaghetti with the sounds of classic Italian songs in the background. Lady and The Tramp eat your heart out.

Prague, Czech Republic

Known as the heart of Europe, it’s no surprise that Prague is a city of love. Home to a fascinating medley of past and present architectural triumphs, Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, is a home-from-home for hopeless romantics. And, if you’re looking for an original spot for a proposal, the Petrinska rozhledna, a 60-meter-high observation tower built to resemble to the Eiffel Tower, is a top choice.

Casablanca, Morocco

Thanks to the classic film of the same name, Casablanca is a city filled with romance. As you walk through the vibrant, bustling markets of the Old Medina, and admire the stunning architectural remnants from the city’s history as a French protectorate, you’ll begin to see why. Enjoy a Hollywood moment of your own in the Habous neighbourhood, just a 15-minute drive away and featuring elegant arches and whitewashed buildings.

Purple 10: Last Minute Valentines Ideas

Jan 16 2013

Some just an hour or two away, some a little further afield, all made with couples in mind for the ultimate in romantic, here’s our last minute Valentines escapes. Whether you’ve got money to burn or want a wallet friendly treat for your other half, get sorted now with our Purple 10 last minute Valentines ideas and give the gift of love this year.

Purple Hearts Marseille France

Jan 14 2013

When speaking of France’s grimy, gritty and gastronomic city, you probably first think of Paris, and with good reason too. However, the second oldest and largest French metropolis, and this year’s European Capital of Culture, is as rough around the edges and soft on the inside as Paris itself. Welcome to Marseille, the loud, littered and lively contrast to France’s more Provençal towns.

Founded by Greek traders some 2,600 years ago, Marseille France has rarely seen a moment of quiet since. Landscapes comprise of terracotta roofs and buildings the colour of sun-drenched wheat, reflected in the creamy white-blue sea, while treasured-filled alleyways, souk-like markets and chock-a-block streets create a decidedly worldly cadence. Neighbouring North Africa, the blend of cultures becomes most apparent in the crowded street markets. Here you’ll find everything from fresh catches of fish to ethnic fabrics and textiles.

Purple Tips: 7 Cheap Easter Holidays

Jan 03 2013

It’s never a bad time to think ahead, that’s why we’ve put together our list of great holiday destinations that’ll be perfect from April next year. For couples, or honeymooners, families or small groups, here’s where you should be booking now for the best value. Enjoy our choice of the best cheap Easter holidays and save money with Purple Travel.

Short haul

Image by @Ramon Baile

Malta
Malta in April should see some absolutely fantastic weather, but it won’t be so hot that you can’t actually enjoy the stunning surrounds of this island. Valetta, the capital is a tremendously beautiful city, home to lovely architecture and fantastic restaurants. While just up the coast you’ll find picturesque St Paul’s Bay, a great choice for watching the world go by.

Top tip: Gozo Island nearby is a place where it seems time is standing still. The perfect get-away-from-it-all daytrip.

Crete
The most southerly of the Greek islands, Crete offers amazing food all year round, a fantastic choice of accommodation and some of the best weather at that time of year. On top of that, Easter in Greece is a great tradition so it’s ideal for families who want a slight twist on a traditional holiday.

Top tip: Orthodox Easter is on May 5 and is a time when families and friends get together and share food, drinks and laughter. The smaller villages will be beautiful to visit on Easter Sunday.

Majorca
Majorca is great value anytime, so there’s no reason not to go. From partying with your mates, to family friendly getaways, the island has something to suit all tastes, and budgets. Majorca has a whopping coastline of over 550km, and plenty of that is beach. Spring is well and truly springing in Majorca so you’ll find little rain. A well oiled tourist infrastructure means it’s well able to cater for the 8 million tourists who visit each year. From the capital Palma, to the party city of Magaluf, or the tiny villages that dot the coastline, there really is some sunshine for everyone.

Top tip: A little off the beaten track you’ll find the Cuevas del Drach in Porto Christy, a cave system featuring one of the world’s biggest underground lakes.

Paris
Paris in the springtime. Someone should write a song about that, oh, someone already did, because they realised how simply beautiful it is. The French capital is made for long strolls hand in hand with your other half, trips up the famous Eiffel Tower, or seeing whether the Mona Lisa is really worth all the talk at the world famous Louvre Museum. Enjoy the City of Love, in the words of Ernest Hemingway who called it a ‘celebration of life.’

Top tip: Slow down! Whether you have a weekend or a week, Paris works on a different time than home. Boulangeries are made for lazy snacks on croissants and you’ll find them everywhere, while Parisians might not stop to admire the beautiful architecture of their city, you’d be mad not to.

Long haul

Image via @ Paul Cook 2809

Barbados
So, you want to spend Easter 2013 being a rock star right? Who doesn’t?! Head for the glitz and glamour of Barbados. The homeland of singer Rihanna, this is where the beautiful people spend their holidays. Relax on a yacht in the Bay of Holetown, or hit the clubs on First Street. If it’s relaxation you’d prefer the Aqua Restaurant and Lounge is a big favourite amongst the local glam pack.

Top Tip: Check out our Purple Hearts… ChristChurch to find out lots more about where to stay and what beaches to visit in Barbados.

Maldives
An archipelago of nearly 1,200 islands, the Maldives is absolutely idyllic. The Indian Ocean is beautiful in April, with excellent weather and a romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for couples or honeymooners, looking for their own water villa. Explore the reefs by day, and sip a cocktail watching the most beautiful sunset of your life by night. The Maldives is made for romance.

Top tip: A seaplane tour is a beautiful (and cosy) way of discovering the islands. It’s a little expensive and weather dependent, but well worth it for the views.

Cape Verde
Cape Verde these little islands of Africa’s western coast have a great mix of beaches and culture, sunshine and activities. It’s got plenty for children with watersports and beautiful beaches, while mum and dad will love the atmosphere and selection of restaurants. On top of that it’s easy to get to, (and actually not that far away, really) and won’t break the bank for an early sunshine session.

Top tip: Visit Pico de Fogo where you’ll find an active volcano! The landscape is really beautiful and perfect for exploring with the kids on horseback.

For more on cheap Easter holidays this year, visit Purple Travel and save money on flights, hotels and transfers.

Purple Hearts… Paris for Lovers

Nov 26 2012

The city of lovers, the city of light, the city home of the Mona Lisa. Here’s the Purple Travel guide to Paris for Lovers: the ultimate guide on where to stay, what to see and how best to enjoy the French capital. Paris is a city filled with sights and sounds of hundreds of years dedicated to the arts and music, haute cuisine and haute couture and you’d be hard pressed in living there for many years to see it all.

For the big stuff, the Louvre, The Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs, Notre Dame and the Pantheon (among many others) we suggest the Paris Museum Pass. A pre paid ticket that gets you into over 70 museums across the city. It’s also worth remembering, most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday, so check before you go.

With so many sights it can get a little overwhelming, if you want to stay a little more off the beaten track, then here is our top five ‘other’ things to do in Paris.

Nov 09 2012

Paris – je t’aime. You are the ultimate city break, a haven of girlish fantasy, a macaroon paradise, a swish, sassy, chic enclave of all things hip and fabulous. Dive in our posh girls guide to Paris.

It’s a given that Paris is every girl’s dream getaway, from the shopping to the eating to the dancing the night away. But the posh girl in Paris is looking for that je ne sais quoi, which isn’t found in most guides to Paris. We assumed that you fine ladies may have better things to do than trawl the Internet looking for establishments that cater to your er… calibre (filing nails, sipping from teacups etc etc), so we created this list of Paris’ best posh girl must-do’s. Don’t mention it.

ONE NIGHT IN PARIS

Say Oh at the Hotel O

This new hotel, part of the Elegancia group, was designed by Paris it-boy Ora-Ito and inspired by Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Rather than typical hotel rooms, Hotel O comprises 29 cabins, in a space vessel style, cutting guests off from the hectic Parisian streets and and Etienne-Marcel shopping meccas at its doorstep. Each room has a unique colour scheme, built with four materials: wood, cork, felt and Corian, to create a harmonious blend of clean lines and smooth curves. The breakfast room doubles as a bar, serving a short range of cocktails using quality, often organic spirits.

HUNGRY FOR PARIS

Let them eat cake at Laduree

The history of Parisian tea salons is lovingly linked to the history of the Ladurée family. In 1862, Louis Ernest Ladurée opened his first a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris. The decoration of the pastry shop was entrusted to Jules Cheret, a famous turn-of-the-century painter and poster artist, who sought inspiration from the painting techniques used for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Garnier Opera. Now with salons all over Paris and beyond, Laduree have become famous for their macrons – small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, in various colours and flavours. No posh girl could complete their trip to Paris without having a macaron or two at the original tea salon on rue Royale. Decorated in original wood paneling, with a cascade of angels and gourmet fairies on the ceilings, this unique café is a symbol of the French art of living.

Exercise your taste for posh nosh at Le Meurice

Gallic gastronomic grandeur meets old school glamour at Hotel Meurice in the heart of Paris. It has the skeleton of all typical Parisian fine eateries – mosaic floor, crystal chandeliers, heavy damask curtains – but has recently had a super-modern overhaul by designer Phillipe Starck. Chef Yannick Alléno bagged a third Michelin star in 2007, due to his brilliantly inventive cooking, which is based on a deep knowledge of classical Escoffier vintage culinary technique. Flex your posh girl muscles with a course of In addition to crispy green ravioli with a fricassee of snails and wild garlic.

PARISIAN CHIC

It’s Chanel, dah-ling

It would almost be a crime to stay in Paris and not take a visit to staple French fashion house, Chanel. The masters of timeless luxury, their window displays at the rue Cambon location are particularly beautiful.

Smell true Paris at the Belle du Jour

The Belle du Jour is devoted solely to antique perfume and perfume bottles. It is the kind of shop you’ll probably find only in Paris, and is not to be missed.

Become a vamp at Cadolle Couture

This well-known lingerie store offers personalised fittings to the posh Parisian woman. In fact, the founder of this store invented the brassiere!

Get your best bib and tucker at Plume Plume

Once a patisserie, this charming boutique is filled with exquisite treasures that are made for the posh girl. Think raspberry-coloured hats, fur clutches and bejewelled necklaces.

Release your inner magpie at Bijoux Burma

It’s true that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but in Paris, costume diamonds are the posh girl’s. Bijoux Burma offers the best of both worlds, presenting a variety of colourful precious gems in bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and broaches, as well as costume jewellery that is arguably even more spectacular.

THE TASTE OF PARIS

Drink tea with a difference at W Lounge

A place to don your new purchases and dance to Paris’ hottest DJs spin, while sipping one of W Lounge’s signature cocktails. This innovative cocktail menu, crafted by W Hotels Worldwide Director of Cocktail Culture, Joseph Boroski, contains only the most fabulous drinks in Paris. Managed by one of the city’s top bar experts, Aurélie Panhelleux, the W Lounge even offers Do It Yourself Cocktail Sessions on a Tuesday and a unique twist on teatime with their exclusive Cockteals tea-infused drinks.

Sip champagne at The Ritz

With a hardcore following of young and trendy Parisians, The Ritz Bar Terrasse, weather permitting, is the place to be in Paris. With a collection of chic and comfortable outdoor lounge chairs, which overlook the interior courtyard of this legendary hotel, when you’ve made this kind of mark on the world of luxury, there’s really no other option, but to have your own champagne label. Enter the Ritz Brut and Ritz Brut Rose. Perfect for spending a Parisian evening nibbling on fresh strawberries, and drinking bubbles with a loved one, if you don’t want to go for their delicious own brand, you can of course indulge in some Cristal (995 Euro), Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque (500 Euro) and Dom Ruinart Brut Rosé (600 Euro) by the bottle.

POSH PAMPERING

Relax at Raffles

Another astonishing interior under the belt of Philippe Starck, this hotel is a decadent, art-filled rebellion of colour, pattern and texture. Stark’s own interpretation of 1930s Paris. Then came the spa: an ethereal, snow-white world of plush lounging spaces, the longest swimming pool in any Paris hotel and fabulous treatments by Clarins. Try the Balance of Power face treatment by My Blend (€295 for 105 minutes), which uses a combination of eight creams and seven boosters, chosen by the therapist from a possible 400.

Get done at Doux Me

The Doux Me beauty room at Hôtel Costes offers personalised facials, body treatments and massages, using only organic products and vegetable-based oils that will leave your posh-girl skin feeling, soft, smooth and revitalised. Created for women, by women, this is ever Sloane Ranger’s dream pampering sesh.

If you enjoyed our post girls guide to Paris, you should read A Goth’s Guide to Gothenburg.

Tag - Romance