Pinch of Chic
collaborations Avignon, France

La Divine Comédie

creative direction & photography CYNTHIA NGUYEN in collaboration with LA DIVINE COMÉDIE

OVERVIEW

La Divine Comédie is a stunning, historic Provence mansion located in the heart of old Avignon— a quaint city in the south of France known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The guesthouse has become a favourite among travellers seeking a unique, intimate, and art retreat-like experience, while being just a short walk from the historic city centre, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s many attractions.

The charming mansion is steeped in history, stretching back to the 14th century, when the grounds hosted guests from the Pope’s entourage and in the 18th century, it was originally built as a convent. Today, La Divine Comédie is an assemblage of styles and periods, spanning baroque, Provençal, Italian, Grand Siècle, and even Arabic inspirations from the 1700s to the present day. The building has undergone a number of transformations throughout its lifetime, including being used as a school and then later as a residence for the clergy. In the recent years, the guesthouse was carefully restored and renovated (doors opened June 2017), preserving it’s historical interior while offering modern amenities and lots of comfort— a perfect blend of old-world charm with modern luxury.

La Divine Comédie is a magnificent three-story property with the largest private garden with a swimming pool in Avignon, making it easy for one to escape into a true oasis, surrounded by lush foliage, fountains, and plenty of cozy nooks for you to relax and unwind. The property has always been known for its breathtaking gardens, which provide a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of Avignon’s busy streets. The property’s entrance is discreet (protected behind a large gate), offering guests a sense of privacy and seclusion from the bustling streets outside. The ground floor houses the reception area, salon, and dining room, while the upper floors contain the property’s guest rooms and suites. The boutique guesthouse, La Divine Comédie, is a true masterpiece of design and architecture, boasting an elegant façade and stunning interiors. It features five luxurious and individually designed guest rooms, known as chambres d’hôtel, each with its own distinct character and standout charm. The rooms offer a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary styles, with opulent furnishings, ornate fixtures, and impressive artwork.

ROOMS

Each room is inspired by a different literary work, and features quality furnishings, elegant decor, and modern amenities. Guests will be able to immerse themselves and experience the space that takes form as their own distinct character. For those that greatly appreciate history, the arts and French Provençal design style, this property is a must stay. From the elegant furnishings to the thoughtful details, guests are sure to be impressed by the luxurious accommodations at this stunning boutique property.

Featured room is their Consul Suite, located on the second floor of the property.

The Consul Suite: This stunning suite offers breathtaking views of the Pope’s palace and the city of Avignon, and is decorated in the style of the Napoleonic period when the fashion was for all things exotic. The suite features a beautiful collection of lithographs of the Bosphorus in the antechamber, as well as a superb collection of antique trunks. The typical furniture, notably the armchairs – replicas of the throne of Tutankhamun – is set off by a palette of warm cumin, black and brown tones, giving the room a rich, luxurious feel. The orientalist spirit can also be seen in a series of engravings representing Napoleon’s first trip to Egypt, reflecting the fashion for exotic travel. Overall, the Consul Suite is a truly unique and memorable accommodation that combines luxurious amenities with a fascinating historical aesthetic.

HIGHLIGHTS

In addition to its breathtaking beauty and rich history, La Divine Comédie offers a range of other attractive features and amenities. Guests can enjoy the guesthouse’s lush gardens and lounge around in their tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments at the property’s spa, or relax in the stylish lounge with a cocktail or glass of wine. The property also has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day in France. 

Beyond the stunning interior, La Divine Comédie also holds an impressive curated collection of art that spans a wide range of styles and periods. From contemporary pieces to classic works, the property’s art collection is a testament to the owners’ dedication to creating not only an exquisite personal collection, but a truly unique and enriching guest visual experience— especially seen throughout their spiralling staircase.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Don’t miss a visit to the Palais des Papes, the iconic Papal Palace located just a few minutes’ walk from La Divine Comedie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into Avignon’s rich history and is a must-see for any history buff.

  • Be sure to take a photo by the historic carousel located in the Place Pie, just a short walk from the guesthouse. This charming carousel dates back to the early 1900s and is a beloved local landmark.

  • For a truly memorable dining experience, book a table at La Mirande Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. The head chef, Florent Pietravalle, is renowned for his innovative, story-telling [through his cooking] and beautifully presented dishes, and the restaurant’s elegant setting is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Our lunch menu at La Mirande was inspired by Florent’s two week trip to Japan, intertwined with haute French cooking.

  • If you’re looking to do some shopping, check out some of local boutiques in the area, such as Vox Populi, who that carry items some of La Divine Comédie’s unique artwork, including La Méduse (jellyfish lamps). You might also consider picking up a piece of jewelry from CARLINE, who carries such French designers, such as Pascale Monvoisin.

  • If you’re interested in French art and design, take some time to explore La Divine Comédie’s own collection. Featuring works by both emerging and established artists, the collection is a true reflection of the property’s eclectic aesthetic. 

LOCATION

16 Imp. Jean Pierre Gras, 84000 Avignon, France.
 
Guests can easily visit the Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d’Avignon, and other notable landmarks. Avignon is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France and is easily accessible by train, car, or plane. The city is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, and is a popular destination for travellers from around the world.

BOOKING

For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram

                      
 

A special thank you to Loïc and Maxence at the property for hosting me during my visit.

_ As always, all opinions are my own.

I do not review PR stays unless I had an enjoyable and genuine experience to share.

 

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If you could share your Provençal experiences below, I’d love to hear about it.

 

travel Edinburgh, Scotland UK

The Dunstane Houses

creative direction & photography CYNTHIA NGUYEN in collaboration with THE DUNSTANE HOUSES

OVERVIEW

The Dunstane Houses is a family-run five star boutique hotel property: set in two restored heritage Victorian townhouses, the Dunstane House and the Hampton House, with 35 rooms between them— featuring English interior, history and the classiest bars that provide Scottish treats, such as whiskies to wet your beak with. Within the heart of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, this property comes to life as a swanky yet inviting and charming persona, offering the most authentic Scottish experience and stay. 

The houses date back to 1851, where they were first built by George Lorimer as Victorian Villas with Jacobean/baronial style in mind, on land owned by George Heriot’s Trust. Followed by a thoughtful restoration process while preserving many of the buildings’ original architectural and design elements, The Dunstane Houses now operates as a boutique brand offering refined Scottish experiences within their striking walls— walls that display their tasteful, bold wallpapers, Scottish tartan tweeds, and counting plenty of windows that allow pools of light to pour in, drawing in the beautiful ornate mouldings on the high ceilings and wainscoting. At these heritage properties, there is an overwhelming amount of detail and refinement throughout the space, including a subtle narration of Orcadian influence— which comes through in the served food, such as the Orkney whole Kipper, the selected original artwork, and even the Orkney-based marshmallows you can receive in your room to pair with your hot chocolate. 

ROOMS

The Dunstane Houses are comprised of two Victorian townhouses which are situated across the street from one another, offering a 6 unique suites and a total of 35 beautiful and comfortable rooms between the two buildings.

Featured room is their Hamnavoe Suite on the top floor of the Hampton House (Room 202).

HIGHLIGHTS

Guests can to enjoy the elegant high ceilings that are adorn with ornate mouldings, wallpaper and wainscoting. The interior is inspired by the neoclassical design of old-town Edinburgh, subtle Orkney details (island off the northeastern coast of Scotland) and English style interior.

The suites are design with a combination and the consideration of comfort and contemporary: from cloud-like, soft king-sized beds to walled flat-screen televisions displayed across the bed to enjoy after your long days of exploring, to old-world teak furnishing and modern lighting, to Persian rugs and walls with original artwork by Orkney artists. The traditional Scottish flare radiates through the space in the form of tartan accented cushions to the delicious homemade Scottish shortbread found replenished daily in the biscuit jars. 

On the main floor of the Hampton House is the dining space paired with the Honest Bar, where you will enjoy your morning meals (served in both houses), as well as create your own cocktail while bearing in mind the honesty system.

Enjoy food or afternoon tea at the main house across the street, the Dunstane House, where you can taste multiple plates of Scottish cuisine (must-tries are the Haggis Fritters with the delicious mustard sauce and the whole Orkney Kipper) and mouth-watering whiskies (with more than 100 single malts to choose from) and cocktails with the view of their bewitching fireplaces from your Chesterfield sofa.

GOOD TO KNOW

The property is located in the captivating and peaceful neighbourhood of Coates and it is about 10 minutes away from the city centre. Everything in Edinburgh can be enjoyed by foot paired with sensible footwear. 

The nearest station is Waverley and is only a 10-minute work from Haymarket station. There is also a nearby stop for the tram that goes straight to Edinburgh Airport. 

You can experience Edinburgh’s Old Town that is made up of beautiful cobble stone streets and smoky painted sandstone buildings. The disfigured black patches that dress the buildings are said to be cause by the smoke of the city during the early ages of railways and pollution. In this area, you can walk along Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile, which was the route for kings and queens for the last 500 years that connects to Edinburgh Castle (west) to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (east). As you walk along the Royal Mile, take a few photographs of J.K.Rowling’s greatest inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts school, the Edinburgh Castle. You can also pay a visit and rub the nose of the famous dog statue, The Greyfriars Bobby, who was a Skye Terrier who became famous for spending 14 years coming back to the grave of his owner until he had passed. 

The property is nearby the Scottish National Gallery, where you can enjoy some artwork and afternoon tea at their Scottish Cafe and Restaurant. Take a walk down or grab dinner at Portobello beach while viewing the sunset (which will eventually turn into a majestic foggy evening). You can enjoy some nachos, pints of beer or mulled wine at The Espy or grab some delicious mussels and cocktails at the cosy Boathouse. 

Pick up a few gifts and souvenirs like handwoven wool tartan goods or luxurious cashmere gifts along South Bridge and High Street, such as the Scottish Experiences Store. For Harry Potter fans, you can visit the Museum Context for themed clothing, collectibles, fan art in the form of lovely cards and posters, as well as photo opportunities around the spiral stone staircase. For unique gifts for the holidays and occasions, check out Mr. Wood’s Fossils where you might find well-preserved fossils of dinosaur remains, ammonites and gems that can go back later than 110 million years from around the globe— extremely ideal for those who love antiques, collecting, history and all sorts of detail. For vibrant and crafty gifts, check out Lackdhu, where you can find handmade ceramic magnets and ornaments, illustrated cards, hand-knitted jumpers and hats, felted brooches and much more. And because our health is our greatest wealth, gift some health-boosting teas, candles, oils and mulled wine or hangover cure kits at D. Atkinson Herbalist.

LOCATION

4 West Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5JQ, United Kingdom

RATES

Starting at $250/night for the Cosy Wee Double and $780/night for the Dunstane Suite (prices are in Canadian dollars)

BOOKING

For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram

A special thank you to Shirley and the entire staff at the property for hosting me during my visit.

_

As always, all opinions are my own.

I do not accept or review PR stays unless I had an enjoyable and genuine experience to share.



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Love the hotel?


Why not pin it to your Pinterest board for your future trip!
If you could share your Scottish experiences below, I’d love to hear about it.

 

inspiration

Casa dell’Arte Club House Lisbon

creative direction, photography & editing  CYNTHIA NGUYEN

OVERVIEW

Casa dell’Arte Club House is a family-run hybrid rental property: a home, a hotel and an art gallery— featuring beautiful Portuguese interior, history and contemporary art. Within the centre of old town Alfama, this property that holds an elegant persona lives to offer the most authentic Portuguese experience and stay. The building dates back to 1860 and has been debated as Lisbon’s most beautiful tiled building, found by the National Pantheon. 

The signature blue and yellow ornate tiles, also known as ‘Azulejo’, paired with romantic, black Juliet balconies, make up the exterior of the Baroque inspired property called Casa dell’Arte Club House— where every corner of the space is a home to one of the most unique, contemporary art pieces. Like no other rental listing, this property aims to be a comfortable yet creative stay, a hybrid between a home and an art gallery.

At Casa dell’Arte Club House, there is an overwhelming amount of detail and elegance throughout the property. Much attention can be spent on the decor, the selection of art pieces, as well as the restoration of the property itself, where you can witness true Portuguese architectural and interior. The walls of the home display beautiful, blue and white, ornately illustrated Azulejo (tiles) paired with gold accent furniture for a luxurious and regal Portuguese interior look and feel. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, especially the bathrooms. The bathrooms on their own look as if it was an image taken straight out of Architect Digest. If you are comfortable enough or have rented all three suits, you may open up the double doors of each suit to feel more like an open home as oppose to a hotel, which is quite fitting for a family stay.

ROOMS

The property offers 3 romantic and tastefully furnished suites: The Terrace Suite, The Pantheon Suite, and The Sao Vicente Suite.

Featured room is their Sao Vicente Suite and Terrace Suite.

HIGHLIGHTS

Guests are able to enjoy the communal living room, stunning dining room donned with an elaborate chandelier, and kitchen where you can inhale both delicious Portuguese food and even more Azulejo beauty. The kitchen is open for you to be able to store your own food in the fridge or use their appliances and utensils to prepare your own meals (tea, coffee and fruits are provided)— just as they would at home. A breakfast buffet is also available at the property to enjoy during mornings before you head out to explore Alfama and Lisbon. You can spend your time in the space while having your beverage and observing the contemporary artwork that dawns on the walls and corners of the property— imagine as though you’ve obtained your very own private collection for your gallery. One can view pieces that range from Turkish to international art, with such a variety of pieces, you’ll be able to view all the different techniques and cultures all under one roof. The art collection throughout the Casa dell’Arte Club House will change each year and a new selection of artworks will be displayed. You can chat with the gallery curator in the main level if you have any art inquires.

GOOD TO KNOW

At Casa dell’Arte Club House’s doorstep, you will find “Feira da Ladra” also known as the ‘thieves market’, which has said to be the market where thieves would sell their stolen goods back in the day, which is open every Tuesday and Saturday. Monastery of “Sao Vicente de Fora”: 17th Century church and monastery. The National Pantheon: This is the old St. Engracia church.

Alfama Neighbourhood: The oldest Moorish quarter in Lisbon which predates the earthquake of 1755. Alfama is a maze of narrow streets with wonderful restaurants and bakeries filled with Pastéis de Nata, fado (1820’s Portuguese music) and the famous viewpoints (miradouro) Portas do Sol. Grab a stunning seafood dish at Cais da Pedra, which is a 12-minute walk. São Jorge Castle: Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop overlooking the historic center of the Portuguese city of Lisbon and Tagus River.  City center: In order to get to the commercial city center (Baixa) you can either take a 15-minute walk or board one of the picturesque old Lisbon trams.

The property is also near a metro station, Lisbon’s Cathedral, Rossio Square, and Lisbon’s Oceanarium.

LOCATION

Campo de Santa Clara 125, 1100-473 Lisboa, Portugal

RATES

The Terrace Suite at $440 / The Pantheon Suite at $390 / The Sao Vicente Suite at $285 (prices are in Canadian dollars)

BOOKING

For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram

A special thank you to the property for hosting me during my visit.

As always, all opinions are my own.

 

travel Portugal

Santa Clara 1728

creative direction, photography & editing 
CYNTHIA NGUYEN

OVERVIEW

Across the river, set in old town Alfama, Santa Clara 1728 is the ideal retreat to relax and escape into the beautiful world of Silent Living— illustrated with soft minimalism, contemporary details, and wholesome intentions. This property does not present itself as just any hotel, far from commercial, but instead a peaceful home where you are able to connect with yourself and with the moments made within the tranquil space. 

It was discussed that the owner of Santa Clara 1728, João Rodrigues, preferred that this charming property would be a place for close friends and family— where word of mouth and organic stories are favoured over commercial content and social media exposure when it came to sharing the existence of property. There are no televisions or fancy electronics. A stroll through the space can remove you from where you thought you originally were, while bringing instant and complete comfort through its bare essentials, which helps preserve the sense of intimacy within the space. This property was a sanctuary that left me to dwell in the vast space, with only my conscious thoughts and to wonder about the history that the building embodied. Inside, its original 18th century architectural heritage is maintained through its elegant arches and delicate decor. The romantic structure resides in the old cultural quarter of Alfama, which is also the oldest district in Lisbon.

The renovation of the 18th century property was carried out by Manuel Aires Mateus.

ROOMS

The property offers 6 suites, consisting of two different types of rooms:

The Suite Santa Clara: at approximately 70 square meters, comprising of a very large room with river views on one side, a wide sitting room and a bathroom overlooking the garden on the other.

The Suite Tejo: at approximately 50 square meters, includes a very large room with river views, a sitting area, and a bathroom.

Featured room is their Santa Clara Suite.

HIGHLIGHTS

Held together by a majestic hallway, Santa Clara 1728 honours more than just presenting itself as home to host their guests. The thoughtful intents within the historical walls are to house and project a sense of time, family, silence, purity and higher quality of life to be lived. It is easy to be embraced by beauty, but to feel encouraged to express calmness and to reflect through a space is genuinely beyond me. Talk about thought-provoking…

One of the property’s form of intimate self expression is through Ceia Table, a family feast gathering concept that invites families, friends and strangers to one table to share their stories. The dining experience is comprised of 14 orchestrated moments and each day, the menu is carefully curated to feature the best seasonal ingredients— from the local farms, lands and sea of Portugal. There is no better way to remember a warm memory than through a sense of taste, accompanied by good company. 

Ceia Table is open from Wednesday to Saturday, only during the evening. Booking in advance online is recommended. You are able to hold a table that includes a party of up to 4 guests. You will be sharing a table that holds 14 guests. Special thank you to Head Chef Pedro Pena Bastos for giving me a tour of the dining room and humble culinary space.

GOOD TO KNOW

At Santa Clara 1728’s doorstep, you will find “Feira da Ladra” also known as the ‘thieves market’, which has said to be the market where thieves would sell their stolen goods back in the day, which is open every Tuesday and Saturday. Monastery of “Sao Vicente de Fora”: 17th Century church and monastery. The National Pantheon: This is the old St. Engracia church.

Alfama Neighbourhood: The oldest Moorish quarter in Lisbon which predates the earthquake of 1755. Alfama is a maze of narrow streets with wonderful restaurants and bakeries filled with Pastéis de Nata, fado (1820’s Portuguese music) and the famous viewpoints (miradouro) Portas do Sol. Grab a stunning seafood dish at Cais da Pedra, which is a 12-minute walk. São Jorge Castle: Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop overlooking the historic center of the Portuguese city of Lisbon and Tagus River. 

City center: In order to get to the commercial city center (Baixa) you can either take a 15-minute walk or board one of the picturesque old Lisbon trams.

LOCATION

Campo de Santa Clara 128, RC, 1100-473 Lisboa, Portugal

RATES

Tejo suite at €400 / Santa Clara suite at €480 / 2 nights minimum stay

BOOKING

For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram

A special thank you to the property for hosting me during my visit.

As always, all opinions are my own.

 


collaborations Paris, France

Le Narcisse Blanc

creative direction, photography & editing
CYNTHIA NGUYEN photo assistance GAVIN MACKEN in collaboration with LE NARCISSE BLANC

OVERVIEW

Nestled in the heart of Paris on the charming and open street of Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg in the 7th District, sits a contemporary-classic 5 star boutique hotel and spa called, Le Narcisse Blanc. It’s truly the authentic experience if you’re searching for a boutique property with a romantic Parisian flare while still remaining completely contemporary. 

Branding and interior architecture was designed by Laurent Bardet and Laurence Jean from Laurent and Laurence, while Thierry Martin and Thibaut Fron of  Compiegne-based, Exclusive Interiors by T&T, executed the interior design for the hotel property.

ROOMS

Behind the doors of Le Narcisse Blanc, they offer 37 rooms that each take on a feel of a private classic Parisian apartment, drawing inspiration from Parisian cafe society with their signature powder pink hues and gold details, with high regal panelled walls with ornate wainscoting that evoke French design, complimented with fresh florals to bring out a soft yet glamorous ambience. The rooms offered are sound proofed, with complimentary high-speed wifi, includes a flat screen TV and fully-stocked mini bar. Amongst the previously mentioned are the basic items, such as a safe, iron and ironing board, welcome products with an exclusive fragrance, complimentary water, tea and Nespresso coffee. Other requests that may not be obvious to guests are shoe shine request and alarm call upon request. Housekeeping also comes twice a day, including turndown service. They will come to your room and check if you need anything, if not— they are always prepared with loads of French chocolat to give out. As for the bathrooms, it includes rain-effect shower, hair dryer, luxury bathrobes and slippers for your feet.

Featured room above is their Superior Room.

ESSENTIALS

18h to 3h Room Service, 24h Front Desk, WIFI, Air conditioning, Valet parking, In-room childcare, Restaurant and Bar, Luggage Storage, Meeting Room, Indoor Swimming Pool, Hammam and Sauna, Spa Services, Fitness Centre, Night in a Vineyard (a wine tasting visit at the Domaine de la Soucherie Valley, which is 2h30 away from the hotel)

HIGHLIGHTS

A delicious continental buffet breakfast is served every morning (or can be requested for Room Service) at the Cléo Restaurant on the main level of the hotel, including tasty baked treats like pain au chocolat and croissants, an array of meats and fromages, fruits of the day and likely the best French-toast you’ll ever have. By no means did I mention this tip about the toast because it’s a review in collaboration with the hotel, but because it was genuinely better than anything I’ve tasted in the form of this choice of breakfast item in Toronto! Guests can enjoy the beautiful on-site restaurant Cléo, headed by Chef Zachary Gavillet from Canada, for lunch and dinner— which also includes daily newspapers for your pleasure to pick up and read.

The intimate spa, wooden sauna and incredible indoor counter-current pool that also has a waterfall and a jacuzzi can be found in the lowest level, where you can enjoy a nice swim after a long day of being a flâneur. The spa offers a mix of facials and body treatments, such as deep-tissue Swiss massages. For warmer days, you can pop outside their courtyard patio to enjoy a drink or two.

From a personal highlight, upon my arrival at the hotel, I was delivered a decadent looking hazelnut mouse dessert to my room that tasted amazing as it looked by their wonderful staff as a sweet welcome greeting.

GOOD TO KNOW

The hotel property sits on the street of Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, which intersects Rue Saint-Dominique where you can catch a beautiful and non-typical/touristy street view of the Eiffel Tower. Tons of brasseries and cafes nearby that are less than 500m away. Invalides and Tour-Maubourg Metro Stations are a 5-minute walk from the property. For history lovers (and Picasso lovers too, there is currently a featured exhibition on the top level dedicated to his early and most popular works), Musée de L’Armée is a 8-minute walk. For romantic artwork (specifically sculptures by Auguste Rodin) Musée Rodin is a 12-minute walk. To enjoy a boat cruise along the river Seine, the port is a 16-minute walk. For Eiffel Tower, it is a 15-minute walk from Le Narcisse Blanc & Spa. 

LOCATION

19 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France

RATES

Classic Room starting at €294 / Superior Room starting at €338 / Deluxe Room starting at €390 / Executive Room starting at €434 / Classic Suite starting at €699 / Aurore Suites starting at €772 / Cleo Suites starting at €736 / Suite Toits de Paris starting at €736

BOOKING

For information or booking, visit their website and Instagram

A special thank you to the entire staff and property for hosting my wonderful stay during my time in Paris.

Although it was only for two days, it definitely felt as though I started my 48 hours in Paris as a first-time visitor properly— not too touristy, no big chain hotels. But instead, began my experience by staying at one of the upmost charming, Parisian boutique properties, filled with simple luxuries.

As always, all opinions are my own.


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