Relais Christine, Paris, France

Tucked away in a quiet cobble stoned street in St Germain, just steps from the Seine, this former Abbey is a haven of luxury and tranquility. The entrance, through a 16th-century Augustinian cloister surrounding a courtyard is a welcome change from hectic city pace and transports you to the secret serene world inside this beautiful building with 13th century roots. Rennaissance antiques and baroque sculpture furnish the elegant reception area where the attentive but discrete staff attend to your every need. The large sitting area is decorated in rich warm colours of red, brown and black with oil paintings adorning the walls giving a sedate oldy worldy feel. The honesty bar aids the homey atmosphere. Breakfast is taken in the high-vaulted cellar, the historic heart of the building, surrounded by exposed stone arches, tapestries, an ancient book and a suit of armor. Also in the cellar is the health centre with exercise and massage facilities aswell as a relaxing whirlpool and sauna. The best rooms are on the ground floor with private gardens including an outside table and sitting area. Other rooms are reached by a wide banistered stairway. All are elegant and simple. Each uniquely decorated with Louis XIII style furnishings, wooden beams, rich fabrics and deep carpets. The bathrooms have bowl basins and wooden vanities.