Luxury Travel Review
Update – Paris fine dining restaurant
In 2019 we profiled Restaurant Lasserre in Paris, France. Situated in the well known avenue Franklin Roosevelt the restaurant offered a classic French fine dining experience in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. Our contributors liked its “excellent service, beautiful interior with an inspired view and aspirational Tasting Menu.”
Earlier this year we reached out to the restaurant to request an update.* Below are the questions we submitted and the answers provided by Sophia Bouhouia, Board’s Assistant of the restaurant. She declined to provide her photo. Watermarked photos were taken by our team during their 2019 lunch.
LTR: Is Lasserre open for lunch and dinner?
SB: Lasserre is only open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday
LTR: A number of travel businesses across the globe shut down or reduced their offerings post pandemic. What can you share regarding your restaurant in 2023?
SB: Lasserre did shut down during the pandemic and reopened in June 2021.
Since then, business has been running great. We have been experimenting a very high post pandemic demand from both local and foreign clients.
LTR: What, if any, pandemic policies and safeguards remain in place?
SB: After the pandemic habits have changed. Our set up has changed, hhere (there) is now more space between our guests.
We also make sure to respects everyone’s safety concerns.
LTR: Are guests at the restaurant required to show proof of vaccination, negative Covid-19 tests, wear a mask or take any other measures?
SB: There is no more covid related applicable measures in French restaurants.
LTR: Are there any condition(s) affecting your facilities, amenities, and safe and comfortable enjoyment of the restaurant? This could be anything like flooding, drought, water restrictions, strikes, staff shortages, etc.
SB: There was no changes on those regards before and after the pandemic.
LTR: What is the best contact information?
SB: Email: restaurant@restaurant-lasserre.com
Phone: 0143590213
*Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and restaurants we featured in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
Update: Paris fine dining hotel restaurant
In a 2016* profile of the Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse at the Hotel Le Meurice in Paris, France our team described their lunch as follows, “Our multi-course meal was well prepared, artfully presented and served with care and attention to detail. The memorable dining room, elegant setting and amenities and attentive and friendly service enhanced our experience.”
Earlier this year we contacted media relations for Alain Ducasse in search of post pandemic updates. A representative of the well known chef’s communications team referred us to the rue de Rivoli hotel for updates. Solene Duchez, communications and press relations assistant, Le Meurice, responded to our questions via email. It is Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, she explained via email. Below are our questions and her answers (edited for brevity and clarity).
LTR: Are you welcoming international travelers?
SD: Yes
LTR: A number of travel business across the globe shut down or reduced their offerings post pandemic. What can you share regarding your company and Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, Paris in 2023?
SD: There is no longer any impact of the pandemic on hotel and restaurant occupancy.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
SD: As the previous question, there is no longer any impact of the pandemic on hotel and restaurant occupancy.
LTR: Are guests dining at the restaurant required to show proof of vaccination, negative Covid-19 tests, wear a mask or take any other measures?
SD: No
LTR: Are there any condition(s) affecting facilities, guests amenities, and safe and comfortable enjoyment of a meal at the restaurant?
SD: Can you precise the question?
LTR: Any updates to your menu, restaurant and services you care to share.
SD: there is a lot of update to make on the website (she refers to the restaurant profile).
Chef Jocelyn Herland has left and has been replaced by Chef Amaury Bouhours.
Executive Chef: Amaury Bouhours under the supervision of Alain Ducasse since 2020.
Handicapped access: Yes
Head Sommelier: Gabriel Veissaire
Restaurant Manager: Olivier Bikao – During his four years of studies at Ferrandi, Olivier Bikao, born in Colombes (Hauts-de-Seine), built up a great deal of experience. Starting with an apprenticeship at Les Vendanges restaurant in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Followed by a second apprenticeship sequence with Alain Ducasse, firstly at Marcel then at the Publicis Drugstore and lastly, for two years, at the restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée, the top-of-the-line address where, with Denis Courtiade, he learnt all about the demands of a three-star restaurant. In 2010, he pursued his career alongside Frédéric Vardon for the opening of the 39V as Chef de Rang, before serving as Manager from 2015 to 2020. In October 2020, he moved on to Le Meurice – Alain Ducasse as Manager. Olivier is the Ambassador for the “Ô service des talents de demain” association which focusses on transmitting knowledge and promoting the front-of-house professions. He is a member of the extended board of the “Trophée du maître d’hôtel” and administrator of the “Croq’l’espoir” association which supports children with health issues, through gastronomy-related initiatives.
Executive chef: After his studies at the Soissons Hospitality School, Amaury secured an internship at the Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, in Monaco, in 2008. For the young 18-year-old, the experience was crucial: “I had always wanted to work in haute cuisine restaurants. But there, all of a sudden, I was leaping from dream to reality and that was when everything really clicked into place”. It was also the beginning of his discovery of the Ducassian cuisine, of precision and exceptional produce. Alain Ducasse quickly recognised this promising young beginner’s potential. So here was Amaury setting off in 2009 as commis in the Restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée, in Paris. He stayed there for six years, successively under the direction of Christophe Moret, Christophe Saintagne then Romain Meder.
New establishment, new and significant encounters: “the rhythm was really intense, but that enabled me to save an untold amount of time. I really learnt about every aspect of cooking, from respect for the produce through to the ideal cooking method and the ideal seasoning.” He quickly rose to the position of Head Chef de Partie then Junior Sous-Chef. He then joined Adrien Trouilloud as Sous-Chef at Lasserre: “I learnt a great deal with Adrien too, notably regarding sauces and rotisserie, areas in which he excels”. In 2016, Amaury joined Le Meurice – Alain Ducasse as Jocelyn Herland’s assistant Chef de Cuisine. When the latter left in June 2020, it was quite natural that Alain Ducasse should entrust the reins of the establishment to Amaury: “If I chose Amaury, it was because he has the potential to embody a new stage in the life of the restaurant at Le Meurice.”
The restaurant offered two menu options for dinner: The collection menu for €360 per person excluding drinks and the Discovery menu for €300 per person excluding drinks. In these menus, the guest is free to choose his dishes, guided by the restaurant manager.
Since 2022, the Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse has received the Ecotable label, a sustainable label. It is the first palace restaurant to have this label. For more information: ecotable.fr/en/ecotables/le-meurice-alain-ducasse-rivoli-etoile-paris-hotel-gastronomique
*Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and restaurants we featured in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
Update: Paris luxury Palace hotel
The hotel entrance on the busy rue de Rivoli
Room 317, our team’s 40 square meter Deluxe Room on the fourth floor
In 2011* we profiled the Hotel Le Meurice in Paris, France and its eponymous restaurant following a brief team stay at the luxury property. From the restaurant profile that year: “Our Terroir Menu with wine pairing was centered on ingredients produced in Paris and its environs. The setting was beautiful, the meal was pleasant and the service was outstanding.” At the time the hotel, owned by Bruneï Investment Agency, was child and pet friendly. A representative has shared the property’s updated policies regarding both. Watermarked photos were taken by our team during their 2011 stay at the five-star property. Other photos were provided by a hotel representative.
The popular Le Bar 228
Recently Solene Duchez, communications and press relations assistant, Le Meurice, responded to our questions. Below are our questions and her answers (edited for brevity and clarity).
LTR: Are you welcoming international travelers?
SD: Yes
LTR: A number of travel business across the globe shut down or reduced their offerings post pandemic. What can you share regarding the Hotel le Meurice Paris in 2023?
SD: There is no longer any impact of the pandemic on the hotel and restaurant occupancy.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
SD: As there is no longer any impact, we do not apply the policies and safeguards anymore. However, hydraulic gel distributors are still available in all the hotel areas and the cleaning process is still reinforced.
LTR: Are guests checking in and dining at the restaurant required to show proof of vaccination, negative Covid-19 tests, wear a mask or take any other measures?
SD: No
LTR: Any updates to your menu, restaurant and services you care to share.
SD: (Regarding) children: Upon request, the concierges are available to help keep your children occupied during your stay.
Class of Accomodation (accommodation): Five Star Hotel & Palace label
Concierge: Jean Mora
Connectivity: High speed connection included
Pets Allowed: We’re pleased to welcome up to two small dogs per guest (max 7kg/15lbs) with an extra fee. Your special guests will even be spoiled with a dog bed, bowl and treats throughout their stay.
We do ask that they remain in your room while you visit Bar 228, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse and the spa, or kept in a carrier at Restaurant Le Dalí. Please also keep them on a leash or in a carrier when moving around the hotel. Our concierge team can arrange a pet-sitter if you need one – just give us 24 hours’ notice.
Of course, service dogs are welcome throughout the hotel.
The ground floor
Renovated: The hotel opened its door in 1835. The most recent renovations of the lobby, bar and restaurants were completed in 2016. Philippe Starck was brought in to assist with the renovations at that time. Since 2019, the renovation of the rooms and suites has been signed by the hands of the trio formed by Charles Jouffre, Margaux Lally and Luc Berger. The new spaces, more luminous and refined, stay loyal to the classic 18th century style for the greatest pleasure of our future guests looking for a genuine experience à la française.
Fitness Center and Spa: Since 2020, La Maison Valmont has also opened its Paris flagship store at Le Meurice.
*Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and restaurants we featured in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
Update: NZ luxury tour company
*Wayne’s Waiatoto River Safari, a private river outing
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and tours we featured in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
In 2019, following a trip to New Zealand and private tour, we profiled Aroha New Zealand Tours Intrepid, South Island. Three of the properties in that itinerary have failed to reply to our emails, two others have closed and one of the attractions is no longer in business. Lakestone Lodge and Cabot Lodge shared updates and responded to questions, see Update: NZ lodge near Fiordland National Park and Update: NZ lodge welcoming international guests.
We recently contacted Veronika Vermeulen, director, Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd. to ask about the bespoke luxury tour company and current travel conditions in New Zealand. Below are our questions and her answers.
Veronika Vermeulen, director, Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd.
LTR: Are you welcoming international travelers?
VV: Yes we are open to all travellers. Tours started back with neighbouring countries in July, and September in general.
LTR: A number of travel business across the globe have shut down post pandemic. Some travelers have been stranded as a result. What is the situation in this regard in New Zealand and with your company?
VV: Everybody was able to leave New Zealand with the help of our company and our government in the following month after the borders were closed. However, some people decided to stay for a month (some have yet to leave) to sit out the world crisis in New Zealand.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
VV: We have applied government Covid regulation and still provide today a Covid-19 Safety Plan. We are committed to keeping you safe.
On the other hand we are not taking long pre pays and only request a small down payment, to cover our original service cost. Main payment is only required 40 days before arrival (conditions apply with some premium luxury stays).
LTR: Is there flooding, a water shortage/drought or other condition(s) affecting facilities, guests amenities, safe and comfortable travel in New Zealand?
VV: No, none of this is affecting New Zealand for now.
LTR: Are there any updates to your services and tours you care to share. Do you offer private accommodations like rental homes or small lodges for extended stays (a week or longer) and for guest that want a private or isolated stay?
VV: We decided to stay even more unique and boutique with a concentration on customer services rather than the high turnover. We can offer private stays (boutique properties) for privacy and extended stays. However, we still concentrate on private guided tours as our primary sector.
LTR: Would you share details of any extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates.
VV: We 100 percent customised and have no standard rates!
See example pricing attached for 2 people.
LTR: New Zealand news of youth gangs, future earthquake risks and other severe weather events have been in the news this year. Would you comment on the likelihood that a visitor might be affected by one or more of those issues?
VV: No gangs are effecting any traveller!
Earthquakes are likely but no danger. Common we are called the shaky ales!
Floods like most other countries around the world.
LTR: Are Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, Wayne’s Waiatoto River Safari, Tasman Helicopter, Underworld Rafting all operating normally?
VV: Yes all these are running normal again
*Photos were taken during a pre-pandemic trip, except for the photo of Veronika Vermeulen provided by Aroha New Zealand Tours Ltd.
Update: NZ lodge welcoming international guests
*Lake and mountains seen from the common areas of Lakestone Lodge in New Zealand
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021.
Earlier this year we reached out to the owners of Lakestone Lodge, originally profiled in 2019 following a South Island itinerary, to ask how the property is doing following the pandemic peak. Our contributor especially liked the family owned lodge’s sustainable practices. Also notable were the property’s intimate and serene setting with lake, and when the weather cooperated, mountain views. Below are updates shared by Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge.
The interior of a guestroom at Lakestone Lodge in the South Island of New Zealand
A view from Sealy, one of the guestrooms
The chef created a daily changing set dinner menu based on local products
Q & A with Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge
Mike Bacchus, owner, Lakestone Lodge
LTR: Are you welcoming international guests?
MB: We are certainly welcoming international guests even though we have been well supported by domestic travellers over the past few years.
LTR: What, if any, policies and safeguards do you have in response to Covid-19?
MB: Lakestone Lodge is Qualmark Covid Clean certified
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
MB: All common areas are sterilised twice daily
LTR: Is there flooding, a water shortage/drought or other condition(s) affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
MB: No natural disasters affecting business
LTR: Any updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment especially any luxury amenities, improvements
MB: We have built a Night Sky Arena so guests coming to the largest international Dark Sky Reserve can relax in zero gravity recliners with woollen [woolen] blankets, a mulled wine and have the wonders of the sky pointed out to them
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
MB: We do offer full lodge (6 guest rooms) for exclusive use
LTR: Details of any extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates.
MB: We offer a pay 4, get the 5th night free for exclusive use bookings
From autumn 2021: Anna Bacchus (owner), Leon (sous chef), Kim, Issy, Kelsey (lodge attendants), Mike Bacchus (owner) and Steffen (head chef)
*Photos were taken during a pre-pandemic trip, except for the photos of Mike Bacchus and the Lakestone Lodge staff provided by Lakestone Lodge in 2022.
Update: NZ lodge near Fiordland National Park
*The two story property had four guestrooms, including a two-bedroom suite.
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021. We paused during the omicron surge and published our first 2022 update in May.
As New Zealand recently reopened its international borders for vaccinated travelers (see covid19.govt.nz/) we thought the following update of Cabot Lodge, a South Island family owned property we profiled in 2019 (prior to the pandemic) would interest some of our readers. The family owned lodge near the Fiordland National Park (see Fiordland, New Zealand by helicopter) was one of our contributor’s favorite properties on that trip thanks to the owners’ warm welcome and professional attitude, comfortable room, local sourcing and earth friendly policies, and many amenities, including an ample supply of delicious homemade toffee. Below are updates recently provided by Breidi Alexander, owner operator, Cabot Lodge, who responded to our questions via email.
Breidi and Brad Alexander, owners, Cabot Lodge
LTR: Are you are welcoming international guests?
BA: Yes – with New Zealand’s borders now open, we are thrilled to be welcoming back our wonderful guests from around the world.
LTR: Have you adopted policies and safeguards in response to Covid-19?
BA: Yes, we are Covid-Clean Certified by Qualmark NZ, implementing extensive cleaning and health and safety procedures for Covid-19.
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
BA: All common areas are cleaned three times daily. All guest rooms are serviced once daily, with an additional evening turndown service if requested.
Pomona Deluxe Suite, a 41 square meter room
LTR: Is there a water shortage ordrought or other conditions affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
BA: No – thankfully water shortage is not an issue for us, with two rivers crossing through our property, and the Lodge sitting on the boundary of Lake Manapouri and the stunning Waiau River. We are operating business as usual.
LTR: Are there updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment?
BA: We are delighted with the addition of our outdoor spa pool nestled among our Beech Trees above the Lodge, with stunning views over the mountains and Lake Manapouri. We now also provide fishing rods for guest use at our private fishing jetty on the Waiau River, which boundaries the Fiordland National Park. We have increased our staff to a team of five, with a new chef preparing our farm to plate cuisine. With the extension of our glass houses, even more of our ingredients are sourced directly from the farm. Our locally sourced ingredients don’t stop with our meals however – we are also providing homemade soaps and bath salts in each of our guest suites. With Fiordland’s move to become a Dark Sky Sanctuary, we have also overhauled our exterior lighting and undertaken an astronomy course, to ensure we are a Dark Sky Friendly Lodge, perfect for star-gazing enthusiasts. We received a number of accolades for the property recently, including two Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards, a Qualmark 5 Star Gold Certification for Boutique Luxury Accommodation, we were named as the top luxury escape by Stuff.co.nz, and we appeared on national television in season two of ‘Lap of Luxury’, a show celebrating the top Lodges across New Zealand and Australia.
There were two patios facing Lake Manapouri and a central courtyard.
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
BA: The Lodge can be booked exclusively, with rates for 1 – 4 guests, or 5 – 10 guests, perfect for couples who want to travel with the safety of complete seclusion. We are more thankful than ever to be operating a remote and small boutique lodge post-pandemic. Surrounded by a working sheep, deer and cattle station on the boundary of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, Cabot Lodge is a private and luxury escape.
LTR: If you offer extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates provide details.
BA: We provide discounted rates for stays four nights or over, please get in touch with our team for rates and further information.
Cabot Lodge borders the Fiordland National Park
*Photos were taken during pre-pandemic trip, except for the photo of Breidi and Brad Alexander provided by Cabot Lodge in 2022
