In France’s northeastern forests stands Villa René Lalique, a sumptuous six-suite retreat
Once home to visionary designer René Lalique, the sylvan sanctuary encourages guests to luxuriate in the lavish Lalique-laden surrounds and indulge in the epicurean delights of Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Klein
What is it? Behind the iconic crystal bearing the name Lalique was a revolutionary designer, René, whose art-deco creations remain symbols of luxury. In 1920, the Frenchman chose to build his pioneering glass factory and furnace in the Alsace region of northeastern France, along with a grand, timber-frame mansion to live in.
The villa has been transformed into a chic hideaway hotel with just six suites. Staying here is like visiting a genuine home, sepia photographs of the resident family lining the walls; the moustachioed master himself, and his wife and children, on picnics and outings. Alongside the chocolate-box black-and-white villa is a modern glass-and-sandstone building that blends with the wooded surroundings: the gastronomic restaurant of chef Jean-Georges Klein.
Where is it? About an hour from Strasbourg, Villa René Lalique is hidden away in the rolling hills and thick forests of the Regional Nature Park of the Northern Vosges. The car park is invariably filled with Ferraris and Aston Martins, although there is a discreet helipad in the garden for the chopper set.
So is it a resort hotel? Not really, there is neither swimming pool, gym nor spa, but it is “boutique”. The emphasis is on the hedonistic pleasures of sublime food and wine. Exerting oneself here means jumping onto one of the free bikes and cycling for 10 minutes to the other side of Wingen-sur-Moder to visit what else but the avant-garde Musée Lalique.
Visitors are let in on the once closely guarded secrets of glass and crystal production, and get to gaze upon a priceless collection of Lalique creations, from the master’s early perfume bottles and vases to contemporary decanters and chandeliers.
What are the suites like? Spacious – or, if you come from Hong Kong, very spacious indeed. The suites are decorated in subdued pastels intended to make the timeless Lalique details stand out: figureheads of classic Victoire goddesses adorn the armchairs; the ornate bedside lamp is embellished with a voluptuous nude; and even the water glasses and bath taps are Lalique crystal.
