Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1541556
C O U R T E S Y C H O PA R D ; © B U LG A R I H OT E L PA R I S ; C O U R T E S Y F E N D I ; F R E D E R I C R EG L A I N /A L A M Y Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Behind the scenes The Bulgari family wisely opted to partner with operator Marriott International when it ventured into the hotel business, with the first of its properties opening in Milan in 2004. Now, there are more than a dozen worldwide, with locations soon to open in Turkey, Abu Dhabi, and Miami Beach. VIP F&B Contemporary Italian culinary superstar Niko Romito is Bulgari's flagship foodie talent, with restaurants at properties from Milan to Beijing. Try his deceptively simple–yet-delicious riff on spaghetti e pomodoro. What to do The spas at these spots are always standouts, including the vast subterranean pool at the Paris outpost, so set aside plenty of pampering time. Style icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Zendaya have both been spotted at Bulgari hotels. Need to know Bulgari isn't part of Marriott's mammoth loyalty program, Bonvoy, so you'll need to pay rather than redeem points— which keeps the clientele that much more exclusive. The 25-meter pool inside the spa at Bulgari Hotel Paris Hotel 1 Place Vendôme, Paris Behind the scenes Tucked away on the upper floors of a building on the toniest square in Paris, this 15-room hideaway, in which each suite was individually designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon—think Chinese tapestry in the jade room, a cocoon of cream and white in the pearl room—is a passion project of the Chopard-owning Scheufele family. They cannily tapped hospitality legend Didier Le Calvez, a veteran of Le Bristol, to steer its development. VIP F&B The homey vibe extends to catering here—you can eat anytime, anywhere on property, and the menu runs the gamut from fine dining to club sandwiches. And only guests and Chopard's invited VIPs can access these amenities. What to do Slum it at the Bar Hemingway next door for an ice-cold martini, or head over to the nearby Louvre, whose jewelry holdings remain extraordinary even after the burglary last fall. Style icon Brand ambassador Bella Hadid would feel right at home. Need to know Look for the VVIP room: A secret cigar bar hidden behind a wall of false bookshelves. An elaborate mosaic mural inside the jardin d'hiver (winter garden) Louis Vuitton Hotel, Paris Behind the scenes All we know about this top secret project so far? Its address: 103-111 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, an Art Deco pile that recently served as HQ for HSBC bank. Louis Vuitton has announced it will open a hotel there next year, but has swathed the entire construction site in a facade that mimics its trunks. VIP F&B There's no word yet on who'll be tapped to cater to the guests here, but expect Insta-ready, branded treats similar to those found at its cafes in Saint-Tropez and New York. What to do Make like the original flâneurs and amble down the sidewalks of the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe. Style icon If brand ambassador Emma Stone isn't cutting the ribbon on opening day, consider us devastated. Need to know Don't worry about opening wobbles here. LVMH has ample hospitality expertise already, via its two wholly owned subsidiaries: Belmond and Cheval Blanc, a favorite project of Hélène, the concert pianist wife of owner Bernard Arnault. With a façade this good... all will be revealed in 2026 The residential-style foyer at Fendi Private Suites Fendi Private Suites, Rome Behind the scenes Overlooking Rome's Via del Corso, the Fendi Casa team has carved out seven unique suites from the 17th-century Palazzo, once home to the Boncompagni Ludovisi family. The standout is the largest, the 742-square-foot Corner Suite #7. VIP F&B The rooftop is where you'll find the Roman branch of the Japanese fusion brasserie, Zuma, which also has sites in London, Dubai, and New York. What to do Walk five minutes or so eastwards, and you'll find yourself at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Style icon Influencers Chiara and Valentina Ferragni are devotees of both the brand and the property. Need to know There's no gym onsite, but if you're keen to keep up your workouts, book the 516-square-foot Deluxe Suite #5, which connects to #4, doubling the footprint and making it ideal to use the on-demand Technogym equipment available.