CALLING ALL CHOCAHOLIC TRAVELERS
Today, social media is an essential and necessary tool in every company’s marketing strategy in order to be able to reach the biggest number of consumers around the world. Jad Antaki, General Manager, Polygel SAL
Chocoholics can now indulge their love for all things cocoa-related like never before. A new offering from travel fare aggregator website and travel metasearch engine for lodging reservations Booking. com has taken chocolate innovation to an entirely new level by offering guests the opportunity to stay in a cottage in Paris made completely of chocolate. Designed and manufactured by the renowned artisan master chocolatier and sculptor Jean-luc Decluzeau, the 18-square-meter, custombuilt property stands in the majestic glass house L’orangerie Ephémère in the picturesque gardens of the Cité de la Céramique in Sèvres. Around 1.5 tons of chocolate have been used to create the fairy-tale-like cottage, from its walls, roof and fireplace to the smaller details, such as the dresser, clock, cups, books and even a chandelier. Decluzeau’s incredible work also extends outside to include a white chocolate duck pond and a painstakingly created chocolate flowerbed.
The good news for guests is that many of the delicious items showcased in the cottage are available to eat. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a unique workshop dedicated to crafting personalized mini chocolate chalets.
Vanessa Heydorff, regional director of Booking.com, France, told HN the firm knows that people travel to indulge their passions and are especially inspired by food when making decisions about where to go next. “In fact, in recent research we conducted earlier this year, we found that 61 percent of travellers pick a destination because of its great food and drink,” she noted. Heydorff added that chocolate is beloved the world over, while describing it as a personal favorite indulgence. “Our aim with The Chocolate Cottage is to not only tempt people’s tastebuds, but also to awaken their wanderlust with the possibility of new travel experiences that are just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed,” she said. “What better way to marry the love of food and the joy of travel than in a fantastic and imaginative structure created completely out of cocoa?” Commenting ahead of the launch, Decluzeau confessed that he never thought he’d have the opportunity to build a life-size chocolate cottage that would actually welcome guests. “I’m excited to collaborate with Booking.com and to share my passion for chocolate. I hope guests will relish the chance to experience such a sweet and unique place to stay,” he added.
The chocolate cottage can accommodate four and is available at just 50 euros per night exclusively via Booking.com. However, availability is limited.