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Kimberley Cohen The co-founder and Artistic Director of Maisons Pariente takes a fantasy break at a private island near Zanzibar, where a remote retreat celebrates the locale.
Where are you?
Describe the hotel, your room and the view...
And what’s on the menu?
On a private island off the coast of Zanzibar.
The architecture uses local materials and creates
The menu is about sharing. There are different
a sense of privacy, while the interior design is
starter options such as salads and croquettes,
How did you get there?
simple yet comfortable with barefoot luxury
while the main is a whole grilled fish. For
We took Air France’s La Première service direct
in mind. Our room overlooks white sand and
dessert, we are served an enormous platter of
from Paris to Zanzibar, where a convertible
clear turquoise water with the most incredible
fresh fruit and a warm chocolate soufflé.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class is waiting; for the final
sunrises, and we have bicycles to make our way
leg, we take the resort’s speedboat to the island.
around the island. In the morning there are yoga
Would you like something to drink with that?
and pilates classes, and in the afternoon we
The most delicious wine.
Who is there to greet you on arrival?
go scuba diving directly from the hotel beach
Richard Branson.
and discover the most amazing sea life. After
What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
a day of activities, we test out the treatments
M&M’s and Haribo candy.
And who’s at the concierge desk?
at the hotel’s spa located in a treehouse, before
Monsieur Gustave H of course, from Wes
heading for dinner. At night, the island lights
What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?
Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.
up like a scene from a fairytale, it’s magical.
A tablet with a local music playlist.
Who are you sharing your room with?
Who designed it?
Would you like a newspaper in the morning?
My husband.
Robinson Crusoe.
No, just a programme of activities for the day.
Is there anything you would like waiting for
What’s the restaurant and bar like?
What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?
you in your room?
There are three restaurants to choose from; my
Tata Harper products for the face and body, and
Music is playing and there’s a selection of
favourite is Sand Bar on the beach – diners must
Sisley for the hair.
chilled local beers and fresh fruit. There’s also
be barefoot to enter. It serves freshly-caught
a plan of the different activities I can experience
grilled fish with a choice of seasoning. Later
Early morning alarm call or late check-out?
during my stay.
on, a local band plays and guests and staff come
Late check-out.
together, there’s a great ambiance. Bath or power shower? Who are you dining with this evening?
Bath.
I love music, so singers Celine Dion, Nina
NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez; Le Coucou, Méribel; Le Grand Mazarin, Paris; Crillon le Brave, Provence www.maisonspariente.com
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Simone, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye and Whitney
Full English or continental breakfast?
Houston are at my table.
A generous buffet.
Who’s manning the stoves?
Swimming pool, spa or gym?
My late grandma, Mamie Poupée – she used to
Spa.
make the best dishes.