LMVH OPENS CHEVAL BLANC PARIS

French luxury behemoth LVMH specialises in all manner of luxury goods, but they also have a significant presence in the world of luxury travel, with Belmond, Cheval Blanc Maisons, and Bulgari hotels all under their belt. On September 7, the company is set to open Cheval Blanc Paris, which offers 72 rooms and suites, including the 350-square-metre Ravel Suite, the 650-square-metre Quintessence Suite, and a 1,000-square-metre accommodation known simply as ‘The Apartment’. Additional temptations include a spa operated by Dior, and the in-house culinary talents of Chef Arnaud Donckele and Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric. Designed by Edouard François and Peter Marino, the hotel is a restoration project that has breathed new life into the historic La Samaritaine building, which was built in 1870 and housed the first department store in Paris. As such, this new LVMH development includes a 20,000-square-metre shopping arcade, showcasing 650 prestige brands and 12 different restaurants.