The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The former home of Napoleon’s grand nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris is every bit as regal as you might expect. Beyond the elegant façade is a hotel that oozes old-world charm. The opulent rooms are decorated in soft shades of blue, white and ecru with silk-threaded wallpaper, textured panels and custom-made furnishings. Marble bathrooms come with underfloor heating, some offering views of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub. Dining at the Shangri-La is a real treat, its restaurants showered with stars. L’Abeille is named after Napoleon’s favourite emblem, the bee, and has been awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional French cuisine. It also enjoys a prime location, looking out over the garden. Not to be outshone, Shang Palace, inspired by south east China’s culinary traditions, has been awarded one star. For French and Asian cuisine, dine under the huge glass dome at La Bauhihia. The hotel’s fitness centre, housed in the original stables of the Prince’s home, features an indoor swimming pool, open-air terrace, treatment rooms and a gym. You’re also ideally situated to explore the city, adjacent to the Jardins du Trocadéro and opposite the Eiffel Tower.

The iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriano is located on Guidecca Island, across the water from St Mark’s Square, a most enviable location that has long helped make the hotel one of Venice’s most exclusive. 96 rooms and suites, split between the mid 20th century building and historic palazzo, are decorated in an opulent and impeccably Venetian style, with views out across the lagoon and cityscape or the lush Casanova gardens. Fine dining options, such as the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant and Cip’s Bar, take full advantage of the location’s wonderful vistas, while the Gabbiano Bar, Wine Cellar and Piano Bar are each draws in the evening. The famous Olympic-sized swimming is at the centre of the property, the only one of its size in central Venice. There is a personal trainer on site, red-clay tennis courts, and a fitness centre, as well the Casanova Wellness Centre for something a bit more relaxing. It is just five minutes from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s own pier to St Mark’s in the heart of Venice. Here the city’s highlights await.

Less than an hour from Bordeaux, the 19th-century Château Grand Barrail Hôtel is surrounded by seven acres of parklands. You can expect a warm welcome with friendly staff on hand to attend to your every need. The 46 rooms are split across the château and its outbuildings. Colours are rich and rooms boast lush textures and fabric. Dine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant which boasts a menu of innovative dishes created by Chef Romain Gondras and his team. And, of course, savour some of Bordeaux’s finest wines which have been carefully selected to complement the flavours. Take time to unwind at the spa, which offers a variety of treatments. Or relax in an armchair in the stylish smoking room and enjoy a cigar from the hotel’s extensive selection.

The Conservatorium Hotel takes residence in a magnificent Neo-Gothic building in the heart of the Museum Quarter, a former home of Amsterdam’s Sweelinck Conservatory of Music, with its rich historical narrative carefully woven throughout its glorious regeneration. 129 guestrooms and suites are spread over eight floors and range from a spacious superior room up to a penthouse suite. All rooms and suites include state of the art in room technology, luxurious linens and a private bar. Brushed-oak flooring and beige furniture define the cool autumnal colour scheme that is simultaneously modern and classic. The large bathrooms feature large rainfall showers, marble tubs and LCD mirror TVs. Central to the hotel’s design and lifestyle vision are its restaurants and bars. All dining here is under the direction of celebrated Dutch chef Schilo van Coevorden. Taiko restaurant sits in the spacious historic part of the hotel serving up contemporary Asian cuisine made from local, seasonal produce. The chic Tunes Bar is an elegant yet casual haven in which to enjoy classic drinks, cocktails, sushi and Asian tapas day and night, while the Conservatorium Brasserie and Lounge are located in the atrium, offering contemporary local dishes for all-day dining. Guests here have complimentary access to the divine Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, a personal host assigned to them and there is also a shopping gallery with a hair salon and high-end luxury stores. Outside, the best shops, restaurants, museums and galleries are waiting to be explored within easy walking distance.