10 days, 8 friends, 3 hotels!
5 pretty hotels in Spain and France as usual and catching up with friends in Paris #73
I am writing this on the Eurostar on my way to Paris for 10 days of training, business meetings and lots of friends catch ups!
One of the most difficult things when you are a long-term expatriate is to retain friendships back in your home country.
For my first two expatriations, 3 years in London and then 2 years in New York, friends and family came to visit, curious about the new country and wanting to enjoy the benefits of local knowledge coupled with an easy place to stay at. We were all younger too, with less money and commitments such as children or demanding jobs in France!
But as I made London my permanent home, I had to make double efforts to retain friendships as people travelled less to come to me. I used to spend a weekend or two a year in Paris catching up with all my friends. I had intense back-to-back meet ups, going from lunch to afternoon drinks to diner! I am now wiser and spread them out a bit. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, but it can become tiring if you’re not careful. Covid kind of broke the rhythm of those reunions.
It's easy to get absorbed by life, work and family and forget that friendship does require work, like any relationship. I know friends and members of my family who are excellent at maintaining those links, it comes naturally to them. I, myself, go through phases or needing to organise and see my friends and phases where I’m happy to retreat in my little family cocoon. Yet friends are one of the most wonderful gifts in life so I’m really excited to dedicate proper time to it in the next few days.
I’ll be staying in 3 different hotels in Paris. The first one is my usual for my solo trip, hotel Arvor in the 9th arrondissement, the second one is a bit more special for when Mr Big and Mademoiselle join me this coming weekend (I’m keeping the surprise for later), the third one is a standard business Mercure near the work meeting venue. I’ll make sure to report on those that are worth your interest!
I already know that the best overnight stay will be at the flat of my friends of more than 30 years on Sunday night 😉! Because you can stay in the most luxurious hotels in the world, ultimately the most comforting place to stay will always be either with your friends or family.
Enjoy the week.
Extra finds -
Jan Luyken Amsterdam
From 250 euros - Check it out
Jan Luyken is a townhouse in the heart of Amsterdam, where the Museum Quarter meets the city’s most elegant shopping street. The rooms are simply but nicely designed and there are lounges to relax in and an outdoor space with beautiful views of the tree-lined Jan Luijkenstraat. No pool
Casale Mignola, Le Marche
From 450 Euros – Check it out
Casale Mignola is a beautiful, newly restored farmhouse for 10 people set in a beautiful hilltop position outside Cingoli, surrounded by olive groves. Casale Mignola includes two buildings set in 8 hectares of grounds. The interior is a beautiful mix of antiques with contemporary Italian design. A shaded dining terrace provides the perfect spot for lunch or dinner under the stars. The stunning 15-metre infinity pool provides astonishing views across the rural landscape to the horizon. Heated hydromassage pool 4x2mt for 8 people to enjoy the garden also in mid season.
Maison La Course, Bordeaux
From 230 euros – Check it out
This 19th century mansion in the elegant part of Bordeaux around Le Jardin Public, is just a short walk from the Chartrons neighbourhood. Behind its stunning Haussmann-style façade, five rooms and suites beckon patrons to explore and enjoy life. There is a garden and a sauna. No pool
La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure
From 280 Euros - Check it out
An 18th century historical monument, former royal leather tannery built in 1754 by the architect Pierre Racine in Lectoure, in the South West of France. There are five guest rooms in the B&B part of the building, a Pilgrim cottage with very simple rooms. A wing of the house has been designed as a vacation house, with a private garden and a swimming pool, to rent for a weekend or a week for 14 people.
Teranka Formentera, Formentera
From 383 euros - Check it out
Teranka is a boutique luxury art hotel, set on a protected, beachside estate, on the magical island of Formentera. There are 35 rooms, a pool and two restaurants.
