When standing in front of that reception desk, you can only think you’ve died and gone to hotel heaven. First impressions count more in five-star hotels than anywhere else, and the newly opened Bvlgari Hotel in Paris totally delivers. Indeed, the City of Light has long had its fair share of historic and lavish lodges, but the perks of Bulgari Hotels‘ newest outpost puts in in a league of its own. The hotel division of iconic jeweller Bulgari has brought refined Roman hospitality and glamour to the city captured by an interior design by lauded Milan-based architecture practice Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The property, situated in the upscale Champs-Elysées area of town, a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s iconic landmarks, leading museums and alluring flagship stores, features just 76 guest rooms and suites in different sizes and categories.

The attention to detail is striking and that also shows in the choice of lavish materials and furnishings, such as classic parquet flooring, bathrooms clad in Navona Travertine marble and Maxalto sofas and chairs. Adding a homey touch, albeit a very upscale one, are books, photographs and art pieces by legendary Italian architect and designer Giò Ponti. Bvlgari Hotels is about living large, and this property is no exception. For those in need of next level luxury and pampering, the sprawling 400 sqm. (4,306 sq.ft.) Bvlgari Penthouse is readily available. Perched atop the newly built structure, it comes with a another 600 sqm. (6,458 sq.ft.) of terraces and an almost idyllic outdoor garden. Obviously, the sweeping city views are quite spectacular, and yes, a peek of the Eiffel Tower is included.

This patch of lush greens in the middle of town is a unique sanctuary filled with Mediterranean plants and fruit trees. The high-ceilinged dining room is floored in antique Altai carpet, hand-woven in Turkey of course, and lit by an ornate glass and gold chandelier by Barovier & Toso. The penthouse has two kitchens, its own bar, a very large bedroom aligned with the iconic Eiffel Tower, a bathroom entirely clad in book-matched Arbescato marble, the bathtub and wash basins are crafted from single pieces of Arabescato Corchia marble, an adjoining private fitness room, a hammam, a pantry, a private studio with its own cigar cellar, a living room and a daylight lit dressing room. And although the neighbourhood offers plenty of alluring distractions, Bvlgari Hotel pitches in with two alluring restaurants on the premises.

Set in a secluded private garden is Il Ristoriante – Niko Romito, a plush eatery with a setting of oak and maple floors, Italian-made furnishings, Barovier & Toso lighting and Bvlgari saffron silk wall coverings.. Oh, the cuisine? Well, as its name already implies, it’s Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito who supervises a menu of modern Italian fare on an elevated level with playful twists, but acknowledging today’s expectations regarding a healthy, light and balanced nutrition. The restaurant comes with a private dining room, fully furnished by Maxalto, and seats eight guests. The Bvlgari Bar is another destination in its own right. With its black granite floor, high-gloss ceiling, lacquered walls and brass lines that delineate the volumes of the ivory onyx bar. A design by Atelier Midavaine, this arguably is the chicest meeting place in Paris.

The menu has been curated by barman Leonardo Zanini, who infuses the great classics of transalpine cocktail culture, as well as offering artisan vermouths, vodkas and gins from independent Italian producers. With its light marble tables, the Bvlgari Lounge is the ideal place to sit back and relax, leafing through a book, or chat with friends over a drink, tea or light snack. Balancing all that good life at the Bvlgari Hotel is the Bvlgari Spa, a 1,300 sqm. (13,993 sq.ft.) that’s lavishly designed, using Pietra di Vicenza and Burmese teak. Entirely devoted to inner and physical well-being, relaxation and sport, the facility comes with nine treatment rooms, each with a private shower. Mind you, there’s also a 65 sqm. spa suite designed for couples, featuring a double bed, and private jacuzzi and hammam ensconced in green onyx, and last but not least, a 25-metre pool.