No need to introduce the ultra chic Sofya Benzakour, with a 120K Instagram that shines thanks to her style and her very Parisienne allure.How does such an inspiring personality live? Sofya Benzakour guided the editorial office of DO IT IN PARIS during a two-day incursion in a mythical Parisian palace: Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris.
Impossible not to succumb to the charms and history of this “mythical hotel”. “Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris, founded in 1928 during the Roaring Twenties, quickly became a symbol of travel and radiated the influence of France with clients such as Joseph Kessel, Walt Disney, the maharajahs of Indore or Kashmir, as well as the Aga Khan,” explains Sofya Benzakour, before adding that it’s “the history of the palace itself that conveys the soul of the establishment …”
An experience at the royal monceau
After Madonna, Robert de Niro, Lou Reed or Sofia Coppola, it’s now the turn of Sofya to set down her luggage in this “palace named desire”, as she likes to qualify it.
“Following the cult Demolition Party, which many Parisians remember well, a huge renovation took place in 2008 under the helm of designer Philippe Starck, who signed a clever mix of contemporary and deluxe Parisian styles,” explains Sofya. Without forgetting the arty touch provided by a bookshop specialized in art and the private cinema where each Sunday films are featured along with salty or sugary popcorn by Pierre Hermé.
Rooms that make you dream…
The amazing rooms and suites are where the influencer orchestrated a fairy tale shooting for her posts. This entailed great acoustics and high-tech equipment in a decor inspired by the 50s: works of art, a fabulous bathtub…
And to truly enjoy the calm and luxury of the rooms, “one should not hesitate to call on room-service that goes out of its way to grant your slightest desire… A great way to feel like a princess for one night! ” confides Sofya Benzakour.
Pierre hermé and nobu matsuhisa: the food signatures of the royal monceau
And now let’s go for a visit of the restaurants. First stop at the Long Bar, “signature of all the Raffles in the world.” The principle? A living space where it’s possible to organize a business rendezvous, go for a drink at the bar… and of course taste a pastry by Pierre Hermé, the official top chef of the 5 star palace.
Another singularity: Il Carpaccio, their star-studded Italian restaurant. But the Grail is obviously the possibility of testing Matsuhisa, the first contemporary Japanese table of chef Nobu in Europe where he placed his executive chef Hideki Endo … A Japanese experience to be tested at least once in a lifetime!
A princess spa
Last but not least: the spa signed Clarins, “a moment of total relaxation and a gem to conclude this outstanding experience”. How can one resist the massage with essential oils before taking advantage of the access to the pool and the superbly decorated salon-boudoir to come sip a cup of tea along with a few sweet treats?
Rendezvous at the Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris to discover all the must-test Parisian experiences.
For more information check out the Instagram account @LeRoyalMonceau
