It’s an enormous building on the edge of the English Channel, between England and France. Amid this sand dune and beach grass-filled charm is the unique light of the Opal Coast that lights up its majestic red brick and white stone facade. The Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster gives off a certain air of luxury and boasts a unique and soothing atmosphere. Within the iridescent reflections of the Opal Coast sun, there’s a story that’s close to a century old and that tells of inspirations from the Belle Époque. Everything started in 1837 – in that year, a Parisian notary Alphonse Daloz acquired 1600 acres of dunes at the mouth of the Canche, beside the English Channel. He planted maritime pines, poplars, and alders there. In 1874, one of his friends gave him the idea of marking this charming domain a chic getaway destination for Parisians – this friend was Hippolyte de Villemessant, the founder of French newspaper Le Figaro. In those days, sea bathing was all the rage, and the elites of Paris and London were eager to get in on the action.
The Hôtel Barrière wouldn’t assume its current form until 1924, but the building still takes all of its flamboyant architecture and unique atmosphere from the Belle Époque. This location holds this heritage high, its modernity, gastronomy, and enchantment making it a true Art Deco gem. A mainstay in the Roaring 20s, the Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster owes its name to a period that was a bit less roaring – when the Duchess of Westminster stayed there as a patron of the military hospital that had been set up in the casino’s salons during WWI.
Today, the 155 rooms offer a decor that’s made for sweet dreams – this hotel cultivates the hospitality traditions of chic Touquet. The magic gets to work immediately in the entryway: its spacious volumes are punctuated with wood, iron, and light fixtures. The superb twin staircases are the quintessence of last century’s aesthetics. This place’s traditions are even magnified through the invigorating Spa Nuxe. To delight the palate, Michelin-starred chef William Elliott invites guests on a culinary journey in his restaurant Le Pavillon. “Respecting the tastes and quality of the products is the simplicity of good cuisine,” he muses. And to highlight “the marvelous art of the temporary” that is his own, chef William Elliott worked with Elisabeth Monroy, a French designer, to dress his dishes – each one is in harmony with the food offered. This precious savoir-vivre in a voluptuous and relaxing space gives a sentiment of intense relaxation and absolute serenity.
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