FOR BUSINESS - Le Bristol in Paris has a wonderful 18th-century decadence. It's a great location and good place to network, and it would make an ideal base for shopping. The rooms are spacious and airy with fabulous marble. Another big plus is the fantastic rooftop swimming pool - it's like a galleon. The grand restaurant is a wonderful place to have breakfast.
The service is impeccable and discreet. My brother and I are business partners and quite often share a room to save money. Once, my husband decided to join me for a night. My brother told the staff that another man was coming and he had to find somewhere else to stay. When he came back next day they were very confused.
FOR PLEASURE - La Colombe D'Or in St Paul de Vence - perched on a hilltop with a fabulous view of the French Riviera. I asked a friend to recommend 'somewhere magical' for my honeymoon and now we go every year. We walk through the door and never leave. In the '30s and '40s the owners offered artists such as Monet and Picasso board and lodging in return for pictures: they have a phenomenal collection. There's an exquisite swimming pool and the terrace has fig trees, gourds and Fernand Leger ceramics. It's a magical place to have dinner. The menu hasn't changed in 50 years - I map my menu out for the whole 10 days! When I was pregnant, the staff went into town and bought pasteurised cheese specially for me.
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