The art of living—or l’Art de Vivre—is seen as a way of celebrating the simplicity of life in the most stylish way possible—from a rustic meal served in a Michelin-starred restaurant to a glass of wine enjoyed with a skyline view. Through its hotels and resorts, Sofitel has brought this distinctive brand of French style to cities around the world while artfully blending the local essence into it.
You can even bring the Sofitel experience home with you, thanks to the Sofitel Boutique. Inspired by the hotel’s effortlessly chic approach to living, the online boutique offers a five star–caliber mattress and base from the luxurious Sofitel MyBedTM collection, as well as goose feather, down, and microfiber pillows and fine linens; and don’t forget the luscious Essence de Sofitel candles and room fragrance.
To try before you buy, here’s a look at destinations where you can stay at a Sofitel and experience l’Art de Vivre.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour The French have a graceful way of turning even a simple picnic of crusty baguettes, cheese, and wine into an elegant meal. With all the elements for enjoying these unfussy pleasures—including nearby wine country and excellent local markets—Auckland has become a hotspot for adventurous food and wine lovers. Savor a Champagne or traditional afternoon tea at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour and its three distinctive eateries: Lava, Sabrage Bar, and 21 Viaduct Café. Or take a day trip to Waiheke Island, known for producing world-class Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet blends. Inspired by Waitemata Harbour, this beautiful hotel is an architectural landmark, featuring contemporary Maori and Pacific art and nods to New Zealand’s maritime history.
Sofitel Brussels Le Louise On the streets of Brussels, the Belgian French spoken is nearly identical to Parisian French, and you’ll often hear longtime residents parting ways with a kindly “a tantôt” or “see you soon.” At this crossroads of Belgian traditions and French elegance, Sofitel Brussels Le Louise showcases the glamorous interior design work of Belgium-based designer Antoine Pinto, with trademark touches like ruby-pink crystal chandeliers, lacy patterns, soft lavender lighting, and Fornasetti cushions. Steps from Avenue Louise in the Sablon Quarter, the hotel’s Crystal Lounge is a fashionable place to sample award-winning chef Adwin Fontein’s culinary musings, pair an upmarket burger and Belgian beer, or settle in for a laid-back Sunday brunch.
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost Leafy beer gardens, cool small restaurants, and river surf breaks like the Eisbach Wave make the landlocked city of Munich an all-around pleasant place to explore. Whether you want to spend an afternoon sipping Bavarian-style Hefeweizen out of a giant stein, view the grand architecture of Marienplatz, or relax in the stylish spa, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost offers a haven of French indulgence and contemporary design. Inside the neoclassical façade of the former Bavarian Royal Post Office, wake up to fresh croissants and authentic Weisswurst at Schwarz & Weiz, have a cocktail at Isarbar, and indulge in German and French fusion cuisine at Delica La Brasserie.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Cartagena Past and present mix seamlessly in Cartagena: colonial and modern architecture, traditional and innovative cuisines, long-standing local stores and gleaming new shopping malls—all infused with the salty breeze that belies this city’s waterside location. It’s the perfect setting for the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, where graceful colonial arches provide a dramatic backdrop for the hotel’s modern comforts, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service. This graceful mix carries over into the 123 rooms, including 20 suites—all of which offer a true sense of place.
Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam Barges ply Amsterdam’s canals, floating slowly past the charmingly tilted homes that line their shores. Between two of these storied waterways and in the heart of the city, Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam stands proud: a testament to the past, luxuriously updated for today’s discerning traveler. Its rich history includes playing host to a 15th-century convent, royal lodgings, and even the Amsterdam City Hall. Now, the stately building includes 52 luxury suites furnished with French elegance. Induge in the spa, dine at Bridges restaurant, or relax at the idyllic Garden Terrace for an experience that is uniquely Amsterdam.