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The 5-Star Les Lumières Versailles Is Fit For Royalty

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Les Lumières Versailles

Taking a 40-minute train from Paris to Château de Versailles, one can enjoy a meal or stay overnight at the newly opened Les Lumières Versailles. This luxury 5-star hotel was recently inducted into Relais & Châteaux, and is located near the entrance of the Palace of Versailles.

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Translated in English as The Lights of Versailles, Les Lumières melds historic architectural features with contemporary luxury amenities. From the moment guests check-in, they begin a transformative storytelling journey filled with cultural immersion and personal discovery.

Guest suites at Les Lumieres Versailles

Taking a tour with Julie Dillard, Assistante chef de réception, I learned this historic property was once given to Édouard Colbert and Antoine III de Gramont by the ‘Sun King’ Louis the XIV. ‘The historic Gramont and Villacerf pavilions date from the 17th and 19th centuries,’ said Dillard. ‘ At one time, this mansion was known as the Hôtel du France, a three-star hotel.’

In 2019, the 2L Collection, a family-owned hotel group in France, purchased the property and opened just before the 2024 Summer Olympics. ‘The equestrian competitions were held in Versailles and the hotel was sold out,’ said Dillard. ‘Right now we have 22 Superior and Deluxe guest rooms, plus Junior Suites and Suites. When the Gramont building on the other side is completed, we will have 31 rooms.’

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Elegant guest rooms. Photo Jill Weinlein

This new hotel in Versailles pays homage to the Enlightenment era. ‘Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of that period, our aim was to transform the space into a catalyst for reflection, awareness, and awakening,’ said Delphine Jaouen, CEO of 2L Collection. ‘By blending knowledge, openness, and natural beauty with elements of classicism and modernity, we’ve created a place that celebrates freedom of thought and exploration, echoing the very essence of the Enlightenment.’

Guests receive their key to their room inside a hollowed-out book with a story about a famous person the guest room is named after. Room number 10 is Voltaire, a Junior Suite. It’s an ADA room across from the elevator. Just like all the rooms, thoughtful wellness and mindful amenities include a meditation sleep machine and comforting weighted blankets to ensure a good night’s rest.

‘The sleep machine has four sessions to enjoy,’ said Dillard. ‘There is meditation, smooth music, and a calming nature session.’ ‘Ceilings in the guest rooms provide a nod to the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles,’ Dillard said.

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Guest Suite. Photo Jill Weinlein

Guest rooms and suites are furnished with king-size beds, and televisions cleverly hidden inside picture frames. Spacious bathrooms have either a separate bathtub and shower room or both. Closets display plush robes and slippers. There is also a cabinet in each room with a coffee machine, kettle and assortment of teas.

Solarium. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Guests can gather in the comfortable winter garden solarium to experience an enclosed and warm environment. Natural light filters in on rattan-framed chairs and loveseats, among decorative pillows, with an abundance of greenery.

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Library and reading room. Photo Jill Weinlein

Staying with the theme of ‘Age of Enlightenment’, the hotel has a library honoring some of the greatest philosophers and writers. There are volumes of books from this era to enlighten guests during their stay. The library also displays self-care, spiritual books and works from the 1900s and 2000s.

This quiet area has plush velvet club couches and chairs to curl up into and tables for board games supplied by the hotel.

The Philosophers Bar. Photo Jill Weinlein

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‘The Philosophers Bar has a gold facade and decor in honor of Louis XIV,’ said Dillard. Inspired by Louis XIV’s court attire, this elegant gathering space reflects the 18th century’s glory and is an ideal spot for a flute of effervescent champagne. Bartenders make unique libations named after historical people. Many are blended with fresh juice and garden herbs.

Café Pierre Hermé. Photo Jill Weinlein

Walking up the main stairway built in 1907, guests will reach Café Pierre Hermé. This fit-for-a-king cafe’ by Chef Pierre Hermé has a soaring ceiling, crystal chandliers, and panoramic views of Place d’Armes.

The savory and sweet menu items include elegant salads and sandwiches, plus the prettiest pastries and flavorful macarons. Chef Pierre Hermé was voted ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’ in 2016 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

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Julie Dillard and server at Pierre Hermé Boutique

Downstairs next to the lobby of the hotel is the Pierre Hermé Boutique. Glass cases are filled with a rainbow of macarons, picture worthy pastries, and fine chocolates.

Other onsite dining venues include The Restaurant La Table des Lumières by chef Erwan Le Thomas. This talented chef offers inventive plant-based, fine-dining French cuisine featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes and delights.

Les Lumières Versailles Spa

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Walk between two marble water walls to be transported to the soft sound of water and the gentle smell of appealing treatment oils. The spa provides a reign of serenity, embodying the ancient adage: ‘Mens sana in corpore sano,’ which translates to ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body.’

Enjoy a cup of organic tea in the tearoom before or after a treatment in one of the two treatment cabins. Guests have the opportunity to enter the hammam (a Turkish style steam bath) and visit the sauna to unwind after a day exploring Versailles for pure relaxation.

The spa also offers a fitness room and a pressotherapy non-invasive lymphatic drainage treatment. There is even a Dream Machine for self-hypnosis.

Beau Domaine Skincare

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The spa uses Beau Domaine, a scientific French skincare brand initiated by the winemaking Perrin family. They collaborated with two scientists to explore the antioxidant properties of grapes that they were growing in their vineyards. Stemming from years of research, the scientists discovered grapes have two active ingredients that combat toxicity, one of the main causes of skin aging. Grapes have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and reduce cell damage and aging.

The Beau Domaine skincare line features patented active ingredients derived from grapes and enhanced by seasoned oenologists. This holistic approach to anti-aging treatments caught the attention of actor and entrepreneur Brad Pitt. Using these products, he was impressed with the noticeable improvements to his skin, and has collaborated with Beau Domaine to ignite the spirit of the brand.

Be sure to visit the 5-Star Les Lumières Versailles to experience royal luxury in Versailles.

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Dream holiday hotspot loved by Brits TRIPLES entry charge to tourists from next month

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HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned of a looming tourist tax that will see the existing levy raised by 65 percent with the hope of deterring visitors.

The New Zealand government announced in a statement on Tuesday that it has plans to hike up international visitor and conservation fees to force visitors to “contribute to public services”.

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nullCredit: Getty

Frequent flyers will need to remember to set aside their savings to ensure they’re not left short for the nation’s entry fee.

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Currently, those landing into one of the five international airports across the Māori and English speaking islands contribute NZ$35 towards the “high-quality experiences while visiting”.

However, the government’s announcement confirms that prices will see a 65 percent elevation.

From October 1, tourists will face a NZ$100 tourism fee.

Those boarding from Australia and most Pacific nations will not have to pay the levy which is equivalent to just under £50.

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Despite hiking up the cost of the fee, the Tourism Industry Association has confidence that the number of those heading to traverse, bungee or enjoy the incredible scenery on offer will remain consistent.

However, the association’s chief executive, Rebecca Ingram, said: “New Zealand’s tourism recovery [from the Covid-19 pandemic] is falling behind the rest of the world, and this will further dent our global competitiveness.”

The government has backed the decision by suggesting the fee was competitive and would not put tourists off the destination.

Tourism minister, Matt Doocey, explained that the levy was necessary to ensure “international visitors contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks.”

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Last year, more than 3.2 million tourists headed to the nation known for offering thrill-seekers ample dare-devil experiences alongside wineries, Hobbiton set tours, active volcanoes and even the Fergburger – if you know, you know.

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However, data from Stats NZ last week revealed that visitor numbers are only around 80% of the level before the border closed for the pandemic.

NZ Airports chief executive, Billie Moore, said: “It is a triple-whammy for our sector, which is trying to work hard for New Zealand’s economic recovery.”

What is tourism tax?

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  • A ‘tourist tax’ – also known as a ‘transient visitor levy’ – is a fee applied to short-stay accommodation.
  • They are often imposed in cities with strong tourist economies, in countries such as Canada, Spain, Germany, Belgium and France.
  • A tourist tax normally takes the form of a charge per occupied bed or room per night, within short-term accommodation providers.
  • The charge can be set at a flat rate or a series of flat rates (for example, €2 per bed per night), or it can be set as a percentage of the price of the bed or room.
  • Tourist taxes are sometimes set at different rates for different times of the year.
  • Some cities exempt, or give discounts for beds occupied by children or those travelling for medical reasons.
  • Others impose different rates on campsites, bed and breakfasts, non-serviced accommodation, or hotels with different star ratings.

Source: The House of Commons Library

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Green Getaways: Skyview by Empyrean’s sustainable luxury

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Green Getaways: Skyview by Empyrean’s sustainable luxury

As India’s first Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) certified sustainable tourism destination, Skyview by Empyrean sets a new standard for eco-tourism.

Continue reading Green Getaways: Skyview by Empyrean’s sustainable luxury at Business Traveller.

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Award-winning attraction that’s home to England’s highest man-made waterfall – with children’s play area and swan lake

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Lady Exmouth Falls is the highest man-made waterfall in the UK

AN AWARD-WINNING attraction in Devon is home to the country’s highest man-made waterfall, Lady Exmouth Falls.

Located in Dartmoor National Park, Canonteign Falls has been named a hidden gem by local travel expert, Alex Gwillim, from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.

Lady Exmouth Falls is the highest man-made waterfall in the UK

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Lady Exmouth Falls is the highest man-made waterfall in the UKCredit: Alamy

He said: “Canonteign Falls is a beautiful natural attraction located in the heart of Devon, home to the South West’s highest waterfall.

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“If you want to go for a peaceful walk, it’s the perfect location to venture past the waterfalls and lakes, or through the fern gardens and woodlands.”

Despite its name, Canonteign Falls is a set of two waterfalls, Natural Falls and Lady Exmouth Falls.

Lady Exmouth Falls was commissioned by Lady Susan, who was the wife of the third Lord Exmouth.

The aristocrats wanted to build the waterfall to help keep the miners in work following the end of the mining boom in the 1880s.

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The former miners worked to divert the leat course, which had previously provided water for the sawmill and the mines, over the nearby rock formations to create the country’s highest man-made waterfall.

Stretching for more than 70 metres, Lady Exmouth Falls still attracts visitors to this day.

To reach the top of the waterfall, visitors will journey through the history of Canonteign Falls, passing the site of the old sawmill and its woodland.

Once at the top of the waterfall, holidaymakers can continue the climb upwards following a set of 90 Victorian steps, which lead to a Fern Garden.

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On this route, visitors will cross the bridge at Devil’s Leap, the site of the Natural Falls, before emerging at the viewing platform at the very top of the valley.

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Aside from the waterfalls, there are plenty of other attractions to keep families entertained, including a Bee Garden and the old Orchard.

Canonteign Falls is also home to seven lakes, one of those being Swan Lake, which is home to a bevy of black swans.

There’s also a children’s play area on site with a huge wooden galleon, a climbing wall, slide pole and rope ladders.

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A climbing frame, a set of swings and two trampolines can also be found in the children’s play area.

Other attractions include a zip wire and a mini assault course.

Canonteign Falls has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from nearly 900 reviews.

One person wrote: “A really beautiful place to explore. The waterfalls are spectacular and the ferns make the place really atmospheric.”

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While another added: “Such a beautiful, relaxing, place with lots of little hidden gems to discover around the lakes.”

Entry tickets cost £11.75 for a full-paying adult and £8.50 for children.

OTHER UK WATERFALLS

There are several other hidden waterfalls that can be found throughout the UK, including Batman Falls and Hardraw Force.

Batman falls

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Film buffs might not know it, but a piece of Hollywood history can be found in a deep gorge in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.

The falls are known as “Batman’s Waterfall” after they featured in Christopher Nolan’s hit film The Dark Knight Rises.

Henrhyd Falls is where people can find the caped crusader’s hidden cave.

Hardraw Force

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Gayle Beck is found near the confluence of the River Ure and gushes through the streets of Hawes, a tiny market town in the Yorkshire Dales.

It leads to Hardraw Force, one of the most visited spots in the area and one of the country’s biggest waterfalls.

Tumbling more than 100ft, the falls are located behind the Green Dragon Inn, a tavern that has been in its current location since the 13th century.

Three other hidden gems to explore in Devon

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FROM secret beaches to stately home, Devon is home to plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions.

Berry Pomeroy Castle is an atmospheric ruin near Totnes. It is reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in England, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Dartington Hall is a medieval hall with beautiful gardens and a vibrant arts scene. The estate often hosts cultural events and workshops.

Once home to Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is now in the hands of the National Trust. It features a mix of history, art and beautiful gardens.

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There’s also Heddon Valley, a hidden gem in Exmoor National Park. This lush valley offers beautiful riverside walks and leads down to the rocky beach at Heddon’s Mouth.

A northern county made the “world’s best places to visit in 2024” thanks to its great beaches, lavender fields, and dark skies.

And here’s the British national park that’s the best place to see the Northern Lights in the UK.

Canonteign Falls is an award-winning attraction in Devon

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Canonteign Falls is an award-winning attraction in DevonCredit: Alamy

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WeRide and Uber to bring autonomous vehicles to the UAE this year

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WeRide and Uber to bring autonomous vehicles to the UAE this year

Global leading autonomous driving technology company WeRide has teamed up with Uber Technologies, the world’s largest mobility and delivery technology platform, to bring WeRide’s autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates

Continue reading WeRide and Uber to bring autonomous vehicles to the UAE this year at Business Traveller.

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First glimpse at new £300m theme park that’s set to open in the UK – but it has NO rides

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The unofficial plans that have been revealed

PLANS for a £300 million history-themed attraction spanning 400 acres of land have been unveiled – but there aren’t any rides.

The famous French theme park, Puy du Fou, revealed its interest in building a UK version of the resort last year.

The unofficial plans that have been revealed

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The unofficial plans that have been revealedCredit: Puydu Fou
Puy du Fou Park in France is one of two existing sites in Europe

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Puy du Fou Park in France is one of two existing sites in EuropeCredit: Corbis – Getty

Spread across hundreds of acres, the Cherwell site is expected to be situated near Oxford but after speculation the local council has made a statement.

Cherwell District Council have got involved, stressing that the plans which have brought about excitement, are still in the unofficial stage and have not been submitted to them.

A spokesperson from the council told MailOnline: “On Puy Du Fou from our side, we’ve not received an application from them.”

Despite this discovery, a public consultation was held in July with residents voicing their thoughts on the possible attraction near Bicester.

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During that time, a Cherwell District Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that Puy du Fou is consulting with local communities as they prepare their plans.

“We wait with interest to see what proposals emerge. They will of course need to be submitted to us for consideration through the planning process.

“We encourage residents to take the opportunity to engage with the promoters to hear more and provide their input.”

It has already been predicted that the unveiling of such a park could offer up to 2,000 new jobs in the area as a result with the site potentially employing 700 people directly.

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The UK has been a top pick of the French theme park giant after it revealed its intention to open two new sites before 2030.

Likely to be located just off the M40, the yet to be confirmed plans, would reflect the two locations in existence with the first being in western France and another in Toledo, Spain.

‘World’s most depressing theme park’ refuses to close despite rusting rides

The latter only joined its predecessor in 2021, with the original park being open since 1978.

Previous proposals suggest that a UK version would celebrate British history and culture rather than being a carbon-copy to the French location which sees a multitude of themes.

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From the Roman Empire, the Musketeers, the Vikings, Joan of Arc, the First World War and the pioneers of cinema, it seems the French counterpart would remain unique in its own right.

The French theme park is said to be very different to what a potential UK equivalent would be

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The French theme park is said to be very different to what a potential UK equivalent would beCredit: instagram/@puydufou
Puy Du Fou sees various themes with Britain's rich history offering plenty to recreate the theme park with a unique twist in the UK

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Puy Du Fou sees various themes with Britain’s rich history offering plenty to recreate the theme park with a unique twist in the UK

Chief executive of Puy du Fou, Olivier Strebelle, told Oxford Mail: “We are not an attraction like you have ever experienced before.

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“We do not have any rides or rollercoasters; there are no neon flashing lights.

“Instead, we create an authentic, natural and historical environment set within beautiful gardens, which become the setting for world-class shows and immersive cultural and historical experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

“With Britain’s rich history, and with so many British people already visiting us in France and Spain, we have been looking for a site in the country for many years, and we have now identified the perfect location near Bicester in Oxfordshire.”

The Sun has approached Cherwell District Council for comment.

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Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

  1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
  2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
  3. Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
  4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
  5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

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Marriott adds new executive apartments in Bangkok

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Marriott adds new executive apartments in Bangkok

The group debuts Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 101 and Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 50

Continue reading Marriott adds new executive apartments in Bangkok at Business Traveller.

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