Meet Champagne region’s first contemporary five-star hotel comprising a 16,000ft2 spa, cuisine by two-star Michelin Chef set in the hills above the area’s most famous villages, Champillon and Hautvillers.
The storied history of Champagne – one of the world’s great wine regions – will take on another dimension this summer with the launch of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. The new property will embraces the lush bounty of the wineries and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each of the 49 rooms and suites will offer spectacular views of the Champagne valley, appointed with Hermès amenities and state-of-the-art comforts. Guests will also have exclusive access to private Champagne houses, harvesting sessions with local wine producers and tastings with Champagne producers, personally curated by the in-house concierge team.
The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa boasts an enviable location, situated right in the middle of the vineyards that stripe the hills of Epernay, the capital of Champagne, and the historic villages of Champillon and Hautvillers of Dom Perignon fame. Reimagining a wine-country retreat for all seasons, local Reims-based architect, Giovanni Pace has designed the property in the style of a contemporary amphitheatre, incorporating the original 19th Century Post House where it is said that King Charles X of France stopped over before heading to Reims for his coronation.
The original property has been closed since 2014 after it was acquired by Boston-based Champagne Hospitality collection, a group of boutique luxury hotels and spas that includes the award-winning Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa in St. Barths. The hotel will be led by Nicolas Béliard formerly General Manager of the Peninsula Paris.
Spa time
In partnership with acclaimed French brand Biologique Recherche, the wellness centre comprises nine treatment rooms; state of the art fitness facilities; a wood-lined yoga studio; eucalyptus-infused sauna; manicure and pedicure stations and a mosaic tiled Hammam. Completing the experience are two temperature-controlled, chaise-longue-lined swimming pools – one indoor, one outdoor – along with dedicated staff who will deliver invigorating juice blends and guide guests to multiple relaxation lounges.
Delectable dining
Two-star Michelin chef Jean-Denis Rieubland will be the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef, where he will lead the two gastronomic dining experiences – a gourmet dining room, Le Royal, and a more casual, all-day restaurant, Bellevue. Formerly Executive Chef of Le Chantecler at the Negresco Hotel in Nice, Chef Rieubland brings the highest level of gastronomy to Royal Champagne, where he intends to preserve French know-how while injecting a contemporary touch.
Make it happen
The hotel is a mere 35-minute TGV train journey from Gare de L’Est Paris, a 30-minute flight from Charles De Gaulle airport and a 15-minute drive to the hotel from both the airport and Epernay train station.
Rates at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa start at €485 per night with rooms available over four categories, including the 1,150ft2 Suite Joséphine, a luxurious suite offering a separate living room and sumptuous master bedroom with stunning views of the Champagne valley.
Find out more via www.royalchampagne.com